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Mattress Size Guide

How do you choose the right mattress size for you? Well, the major determining factor is how much space you have in your bedroom.

Sure, Eastern King/King mattresses and California King mattresses are expansive and irresistible, but if you don’t have the space, you don’t want to make a mistake.

— Mattress Size Chart —

Mattress SizeDimensions
Twin Mattress 39"W x 75"L
Twin XL Mattress 39"W x 80"L
Full Mattress 54"W x 75"L
Queen Mattress 60"W x 80"L
Eastern King Mattress 76"W x 80"L
California King Mattress 72"W x 84"L

Mattresses for Families and Couples

 

Cal King

Eastern King

Queen

Size

72 inches by width and 84 inches by length

76 inches by width and 80 inches by length

60 inches by width and 80 inches by length

Who It’s For

Couples, where one or both persons is tall

Couples who prefer to stretch out, or couples who share a bed with a child

Couples

Why It Works

The extra length means the feet of very tall people won’t dangle off the edge!

The extra width means more room to stretch out – without elbowing your partner’s face.

Not too long, not too wide, the Queen is the classic size for two people of average height.


Mattresses for Single Sleepers


 

Twin

Twin XL

Full

Size

39 inches by width and 75 inches by length

39 inches by width and 80 inches by length

54 inches by width and 75 inches by length

Who It’s For

Children

Tall children or adults over 5 feet, 10 inches

Adults

Why It Works

Large enough for a small child to grow into.

Slim enough for one person and long enough for taller individuals.

Extra space means more room for a fully-grown adult.

Step 1: Measure Your Bedroom

Finding out the length and width of your space will help you rule out mattress sizes that are going to be too big or too small for your bedroom. So get that measuring tape out pronto.

Step 2: Know Your Mattress Size Options

To better understand mattress sizes, we’ve grouped them together by small, medium and large options. Much easier, right?

— Small Mattress Sizes —

Twin mattresses are not all the same size! While the standard Twin (Single) is the smallest at 39x75, the Twin XL elongates the bed by 5 inches, clocking in at 80" in length.

What Size is a Twin Mattress?

Twin size mattress dimensions are 39 inches wide by 75 inches long. As the smallest mattress size you’ll find, a twin mattress is the best option for kids bedrooms and small guest rooms. You can even double them up if you need to sleep more than one person in a room, and you can use twin mattresses on most bunk beds and daybeds.


What Size in a Twin XL Mattress?

Twin XL size mattress dimensions are 39 inches wide by 80 inches long. Those extra five inches in length make a Twin XL mattress perfect for growing teenagers and college students. In fact, Twin XL mattresses are what you’ll find in most college dorms.

What Is the Difference Between a Twin and a Twin XL?

About 5", to be exact. The Twin XL simply adds a few inches in length and is designed for taller children and single adults. While the Twin can be found more often in modern children's bedrooms, the XL is standard in college dorms. Both, however, have the same width: about 39". To summarize: children tend to fare best with Twins, and if you're taller, sleep alone, and don't need a lot of width, you're best off with a Twin XL. 

— Medium Mattress Sizes —

What Size is a Full Mattress?

Full size mattress dimensions are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. Perfect for when your children reach an age when they need more space, a full mattress will offer just enough room for them to spread out. Full size mattresses are also ideal for guest rooms, as they are comfy for one person and cozy for two people.

What Size is a Queen Mattress?

Queen size mattress dimensions are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. By far the most popular of all the mattress size options, queen mattresses are that perfect balance of not too big, not too small, so they work well in a variety of bedrooms - whether it’s a master suite, a guest room or a growing child’s space.

— Large Mattress Sizes —

What Size is a King or Eastern King Mattress?

Eastern King/King mattress dimensions are 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. As the widest mattress size option available, it is extra spacious and luxurious. Eastern King mattresses and standard King mattresses are the same, and they are best for those who want to spread out while they’re sleeping.

What Size is a California King Mattress?

California King mattress dimensions are 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. The best option for anyone who’s tall or prefers having more space to stretch out, California King mattresses are the longest size mattress. Fun fact: California King mattresses were originally introduced in the 1960s exclusively for stars and athletes.

Step 3: Make Sure Your Mattress, Foundation and Bed Frame are the Same Size

Lastly and most importantly, be sure your mattress is the same size as your foundation and bed frame. All of these components must be the same size in order for you to have a seamless sleeping experience.

How to Choose a Mattress Size

Choosing a mattress size, the first consideration is how many individuals will be sharing the bed. Single sleepers (one person) generally need nothing larger than a Full, or a Twin if width (for stretching out more) isn’t so important to you. An individual who shares a bed with a partner (couples) will generally need at least a Queen, which is designed for two people. If you are a couple and one or both of you is taller than six feet, you may find a King or Cal King to be more comfortable. King or Cal King sizes are the largest you will find, and so also great for couples who share a bed with a small child or pet.

The next consideration to be made is the room size: you’ll want to make sure the room you’re in has at least enough room for bed, dresser and nightstand, without feeling too crowded or uncomfortable. For a Twin and Twin XL, the recommendation is a room that’s at least 7’ x 10’. For a Full, the recommendation is a room that’s at least 9’ x 12’. For a Queen, the recommendation is a room that’s at least 10’ x 10’, and for a King and Cal King, the recommendation is a room that’s at least 11’ x 12’.

There’s also the consideration of mattress height. While mattress sizes (i.e., King, Queen) tell you only the length and width, there’s also height to be accounted for; you will have to research the height of the mattress yourself, as heights vary greatly from brand to brand. If you have a hard time getting into and out of bed due to orthopedic issues, choosing a mattress with a lower height (for example, under six inches) can go a long way in making your sleeping surface more comfortable for you.

All the sizes of mattresses you will encounter, though, vary also in price – and choosing a mattress size for you is just as much about budget as it is about space. If a large mattress is a nice thing to have but not required, go for the smaller size to save money; if a large mattress is critical for your height or because you share a bed with a partner, making the financial splurge can be worth it in the long run.

Finally, consider your sleeping position. Sometimes, an extra-large mattress may not even be necessary due to how you sleep – a couple where both persons sleep on their sides or in the fetal postion will take up less space than one where both sleep on their backs or stomachs.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.