Mattress Guides

Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

When you’re shopping for a new mattress, consider your ideal bed size. The best mattress shouldn’t just feel good; it should also provide you with all the space you need for a good night’s rest.

Some mattress sizes meet specific sleep needs better than others. For example, most small sizes are not suitable for couples. Our guide covers the eight standard sizes and how they’re often used, along with various non-standard sizes.

Standard Mattress Sizes

There are eight standard mattress sizes. Many adult sleepers feel comfortable sleeping on a twin bed or larger. Taller sleepers may require a mattress that’s at least 80 inches long to keep their legs from dangling over the end.

Crib Mattress

The United States Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) provided the dimensions for a crib mattress. CPSC calculated the length and width to keep a baby’s head from becoming trapped between the mattress and crib sides. A crib mattress should also be no more than 6 inches thick.

There are also non-standard crib mattress sizes. No matter what crib size and shape you’re shopping for, you want to leave no more than 0.5 inches between the mattress’s edge and the crib’s perimeter to prevent suffocation.

Twin Mattress

A twin size mattress has the same dimensions as a single bed and is the smallest size most adults consider. If you live in a small apartment, a twin mattress can help you sleep comfortably while allowing you to make the most of your space.

Many parents choose a twin bed as their child’s first mattress once they graduate from a crib or toddler bed. Some use bunk beds for young children to take maximum advantage of limited floor space.

Twin XL Mattress

A twin XL mattress is 5 inches longer than a standard twin. The extra length can provide the leg room that taller individuals need for a good night’s rest.

Most college dormitories have twin XL size bed frames. However, if your child plans on bringing a mattress to college, double-check with student services first. Some colleges have full and not twin beds in their dorm rooms.

Full Mattress

Full size mattresses, sometimes called double beds, are great choices for single sleepers who want more sleeping space than a twin. A full size bed is 16 inches longer, which leaves plenty of room to shift and stretch out while sleeping.

Queen Mattress

Queen mattresses are the most popular mattress size. They fit in most bedrooms, accommodate most couples, and give single sleepers a luxurious amount of space.

A queen bed is also a popular budget option for young adults who want a bed to share. We cannot recommend any size smaller than a queen mattress to couples.

King Mattress

A king mattress is the largest standard mattress size, offering 6080 square inches of sleeping space. A king bed is an excellent way to upgrade a spacious master bedroom.

A split king is a variation of the standard king mattress, with the mattress divided into halves for greater comfort. If you and your partner have different personal preferences regarding mattress firmness, a split king allows both of you to have what you want. Split king mattresses also work well with adjustable bases.

California King Mattress

A California king mattress is 4 inches longer than a standard king, with the trade-off that it’s also 4 inches narrower. This longer design means it’s the best option for people around 6 ½ feet tall.

A California king mattress’s drawback is that its bed accessories are harder to find than a standard king’s. While a California king mattress is often priced the same as a standard king, you may end up spending more money on bed frames, sheets, protectors, and pads than if you bought a regular king.

Other Mattress Sizes

We’ve discussed the common sizes that most retailers offer. However, you’re not limited to these eight sizes. Some mattress makers allow you to special order sizes larger or smaller than standard sizes, to better meet specific needs.

Larger sizes such as the Texas king, Wyoming king, and Alaska king are often known as family beds. This term comes from the fact that many parents buy these beds to co-sleep with their young children.

It is challenging to find matching bed frames and bedding for custom mattresses. Most brick-and-mortar bedding stores carry only standard size sheets, blankets, and other accessories. Your best bet is to check out online retailers.

Choosing the Right Mattress

There are three questions to answer when you’re deciding on a mattress size:

• Who is going to sleep on it?
• How much space does your bedroom offer?
• How much do you want to spend?

Answering these questions will help you find the best size for you.

Intended Sleepers

Ask yourself, who is going to sleep on your new mattress? Will it be you and a partner, a child, or guests?

Single adults are usually comfortable on twin size beds and larger. Many will sleep on a twin or full mattress to save money. However, nothing should stop someone from sleeping alone on a king mattress.

Couples need at least a queen size bed or bigger. If you or a partner are larger or sleep hot both might benefit from the extra space that a king mattress offers.

Parents looking for a child’s mattress should consider a twin or twin XL mattress. If you plan on buying a mattress that will last into a child’s teen years, we recommend a twin XL mattress. Most children still have sufficient sleeping space on a twin XL mattress even after their teenage growth spurt.

A mattress for a guest room should be large enough to accommodate most single sleepers. A twin XL mattress is a good budget option and fits in most small guest rooms. If you have the money and space to spare, you might consider a queen bed to accommodate couples.

Size of Your Bedroom

When it comes to bedrooms, some have less space than others. Shoving a mattress into a too-small room may lead to discomfort and anxiety. Keep the floor space around your bed uncluttered to make it easier to move in and out of bed.

Most mattresses will fit nicely in bedrooms 10 feet by 10 feet, except king mattresses.

How do you calculate how much space your bed will take up? Add on about 2 to 5 inches to a mattress’s length and width to calculate how big your bed frame is likely to be.

Most people want to leave space for walking and other bedroom furniture, such as lamps, nightstands, dressers, and shelves. Your bedroom setup should relax you, so it’s good to keep it clutter-free.

Budget Restrictions

It’s a simple fact that larger mattresses cost more because they contain more materials. Other important factors that can increase price include the material quality, whether or not the bed has a trial period, and how extensive the warranty is.

Consider the mattress’s depth as well. A thick mattress usually costs more than a thin one. If you can avoid doing so, we strongly recommend against buying a mattress under 10 inches. A mattress at least 10 inches thick is usually more durable than a thinner bed and may have extra layers for increased comfort and support.

Budget shoppers usually save money by shopping with online mattress retailers. Shoppers can also keep an eye out for sales. Some of the year’s biggest mattress sales happen around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is mattress size measured?

In America, we express a mattress’s size and dimensions in inches. For example, a king size mattress might be 76 inches wide, 80 inches long, and 14 inches tall. Other countries usually measure their mattresses in centimeters.

Is there a bed size between full and queen?

Yes, a full XL mattress size is larger than a full but smaller than a queen. A full XL mattress is 5 inches longer than a standard full mattress, making it the same length as a queen mattress.

If you’re a single sleeper over 6 feet tall, a full XL mattress is a good choice. However, it may take some online searching to find a full XL bed because the size isn’t common.

What size bed do most couples have?

A queen size mattress is the most popular bed for single adults and couples. King size mattresses are also a good choice, especially for couples who want more personal space.

We cannot recommend any bed smaller than a queen for couples. Some couples may be able to squeeze onto a full size mattress, but because each half is only 27 inches wide, it won’t be a comfortable fit. For most couples, each sleeper would feel like they were lying on a crib size mattress.

What size bed fits in a 10 x 10 room?

Most mattress sizes will fit in a bedroom that’s 10 feet by 10 feet. The main exceptions are king size mattresses, which fit best in a room at least 12 feet by 12 feet. A 10 by 10 foot bedroom will technically accommodate a standard king mattress, but the bed often seems oversized and feels claustrophobic to some.

How do you know if a mattress size is a good fit? Consider how much room the bed will take up and how much floor space will remain. Most people want space for a dresser, nightstand, a shelf or small storage unit, and walkways.

Do 2 twin beds make a queen?

No, two regular twin size beds do not equal a queen or any other mattress size. However, two twin XL mattresses, which are 5 inches longer than a standard twin bed, have the same dimensions as a king mattress. This design is known as a split king mattress and offers couples the chance to customize their comfort.

Do You Know Your Next Mattress Size?

Considering your bed’s size is essential when choosing your perfect mattress. It’s also crucial to visualize how it will look in your room. Look for a bed that offers plenty of sleeping space without being so large it makes your room feel crowded.

A too-small mattress size can make you feel cramped, causing sleep disturbances. If the bed is too large, the rest of your room may feel small and claustrophobic. Striking the perfect balance and purchasing  a bed that’s just the right size will help you experience a night of quality sleep.