Mattress size is a significant factor to consider before buying a new mattress. The right size can affect your sleep quality. Choosing a smaller mattress may save you money, but it can also restrict your movements so you can’t stretch out how you like.
In our article, we review the most common mattress sizes available and discuss their differences to help you find the right one. We also give information on how to choose the best mattress for your bedroom size and sleep needs.
Mattress Size and Dimensions Chart
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (CM) |
| Crib | 27.25 inches by 52 inches | 69.2 cm by 129.5 cm |
| Small Single | 30 inches by 75 inches | 76.2 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Twin | 38 inches by 75 inches | 96.5 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Twin XL | 38 inches by 80 inches | 96.5 cm by 203.5 cm |
| Full | 54 inches by 75 inches | 134.5 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Queen | 60 inches by 80 inches | 152.5 cm by 203.5 cm |
| King | 76 inches by 80 inches | 193 cm by 203.5 cm |
| California King | 72 inches by 84 inches | 183 cm by 213.5 cm |
Crib Mattress
Dimensions: 28 inches by 52 inches
Minimum Room Size: 7 feet by 10 feet
Crib size mattresses are the same as toddler beds. Their compact size fits perfectly inside a crib frame. A toddler mattress is designed for newborns, babies, and toddlers until they’re 18 months old. When toddlers are old enough, it may be time to buy a small single bed or a twin size mattress.
Small Single Mattress
Dimensions: 30 inches by 75 inches
Minimum Room Size: 7 feet by 10 feet
Small single beds are slightly larger than crib mattress sizes. They’re perfect for toddlers and a nice transition from a crib to a twin size.
Twin Size Mattress
Dimensions: 38 inches by 75 inches
Minimum Room Size: 7 feet by 10 feet
Twin size mattresses are best for children. The small size won’t feel overwhelming compared to larger standard sizes.
Plus, if you have more than one small child, twin beds are perfect for bunk bed frames. Bunk beds provide plenty of sleeping space for your children while leaving more room for play.
Twin XL Size Mattress
Dimensions: 38 inches by 80 inches
Minimum Room Size: 9.5 feet by 10.5 feet
Twin XL size mattresses are similar to a standard twin, except a twin XL bed is 5 inches longer. The extra length allows more legroom for taller sleepers without the mattress, taking up more space. You may want to consider a twin XL mattress for small guest rooms. Twin XL beds are also standard in college dorm rooms because they comfortably fit any height.
Full Size Mattress
Dimensions: 54 inches by 75 inches
Minimum Room Size: 9.5 feet by 10.5 feet
A full size mattress, also known as a double bed, has 16 inches more width than a standard twin mattress. The wider bed gives more room for children and single adults to spread out. Full beds are especially great for combination sleepers. A person can toss and turn without worrying about rolling off the mattress.
Full XL Variation
Taller people may want to consider the full XL size mattress. The bed is 5 inches longer than the standard full, offering more legroom. Taller children or adults can stretch their legs without feeling cramped.
Queen Size Mattress
Dimensions: 60 inches by 80 inches
Minimum Room Size: 10 feet by 10 feet
A popular choice among single adults and couples is the queen mattress. Queen size beds have lots of room for a single person to spread out, and the mattress is large enough to accommodate couples. Queen size mattresses are also the best choice for guest rooms since the bed size can fit one to two sleepers.
King Size Mattress
Dimensions: 76 inches by 80 inches
Minimum Room Size: 12 feet by 12 feet
A king size mattress is the largest standard size sold today. This large bed offers ample room for couples to spread out with extra space for your children. King size beds fit best inside master bedrooms.
Split King Variation
The split king mattress is the same size as the standard king, except the bed is split in half, creating two twin XL size beds. A split king is perfect if you and your partner have differing sleep preferences.
An adjustable base pairs nicely with a split king. You and your partner can elevate your side of the mattress without disturbing each other.
California King Size Mattress
Dimensions: 72 inches by 84 inches
Minimum Room Size: 12 feet by 12 feet
California king mattresses are longer and narrower than a standard king size, an excellent choice for tall couples. The Cal king may not provide as much personal space as a king size, but a California king mattress has more legroom, so you and your partner can stretch out.
How to Choose the Right Mattress Size
A mattress is an investment that you want to enjoy. Picking the right mattress size can contribute to how comfortable the bed will be in the long run. When considering mattress size, choose the right one based on who will be sleeping on the bed, available space, and the price tag.
Who’s Sleeping on the Bed
Always consider who will be sleeping on the bed before buying a new mattress. If you’re a single adult, smaller size mattresses may be a better choice, including twin, twin XL, full, and queen. A mattress larger than a queen can feel too big.
On the other hand, couples feel more comfortable on a larger mattress, like king or California king sizes. These sizes accommodate two adults and small children if your kids like to crawl into bed with you.
Parents shopping for the best mattress for children, a crib, small single, or twin mattress are the best options. The smaller sizes won’t feel overwhelming to toddlers. Plus, the mattress size fits their growing bodies.
Available Space
The size of your bedroom can be a significant factor in considering the right mattress size. The mattress should be large enough to accommodate the sleeper and fit inside a bedroom without making it feel crowded. Cramming a large bed inside a small space can also unconsciously cause stress. You may struggle to try to fall asleep if you feel claustrophobic in an area that’s supposed to promote calm and relaxation.
You want to leave space for walking and additional bedroom furniture, like nightstands and lamps. A room with spread out furniture and extra space for movement looks aesthetically pleasing and creates a relaxing atmosphere that could improve sleep quality.
Price Tag
The price tag is another thing to consider when choosing the right mattress size. Larger mattresses naturally cost more because they contain more materials. If you want a bigger bed, you’ll need a larger budget.
For those on a tight budget, a smaller mattress may be more ideal. Twin XL beds are best for single sleepers, while queen size mattresses are good mattresses for couples.
FAQs
Can two people sleep on a full size mattress?
Full size beds were a good option for couples until the queen size mattress became popular in the 1950s. Today, full mattresses are considered too small for couples. Instead, couples should choose a queen, king, or California king size mattress. The larger size provides more personal space and allows more legroom for taller individuals to stretch out.
What is the most popular mattress size?
One of the most popular sizes is the queen size bed. Queen size mattresses are excellent options for both single adults and couples. Single sleepers will love the luxurious sleeping area, while couples can enjoy personal sleeping space for a lower price.
How do I measure a mattress?
The best way to measure a mattress is by taking a tape measure and measuring the bed’s height, length, and width. In the United States, measurements are in inches, while other countries use centimeters. For accuracy, measure the middle of the mattress when determining length and width instead of measuring the sides.
What is the best bed size for couples?
The king size mattress is the best bed size for couples. The king mattress allows plenty of room for each person to spread out without bumping into each other. King beds also fit nicely inside large master bedrooms, measuring at least 12 feet by 12 feet.
Is a double bed the same as two small single mattresses put together?
A double bed is actually the same size as a full mattress. Two small single beds placed side by side would be closer to a queen size mattress since a small single bed is 30 inches wide by 75 inches long. Double beds are a good choice for single adults looking for more room to spread out.
Conclusion
Mattress size is just as important as firmness and mattress type when shopping for a new bed. A too-small mattress won’t offer enough legroom or personal space to sleep comfortably. Manufacturers create mattress sizes to accommodate any living space—just be sure to measure the room before buying a bed and leave extra space for walking and bedroom furniture.
This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.