Mattress Sizes Explained: Twin, Full, Queen, King & More
When searching for the perfect mattress, choosing the type is just the beginning. While your primary focus should be on comfort, the size is equally important and can often confuse buyers. The right mattress size can significantly impact your sleeping experience and how well it fits in your space. A mattress that is too wide or too small might not suit the bed frame properly. Additionally, if a mattress is too short, you may find your feet dangling off the edge, and a narrow mattress can make it uncomfortable for restless sleepers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to various mattress sizes, from standard to non-standard, including oversized options.
Twin/Single Mattress
Let’s start with one of the most popular mattress sizes available: the twin mattress, also known as a single mattress. Measuring approximately 38 inches wide by 75 inches long, this mattress offers a surface area of 2,850 square inches. It is the narrowest standard mattress intended for both children and adult use.
The twin mattress is perfect for children over the age of three, fitting snugly in a kid’s bedroom and often lasting through their teenage years. Additionally, twin mattresses are frequently found in college dormitories, thanks to their space-saving abilities and budget friendliness. They are excellent for tiny apartments or studio setups and are often used in trundle beds and daybeds.
This space-saving option is also convenient for renters or anyone who frequently changes sleeping arrangements. It is lightweight and easy to move, whether you’re rearranging your room or relocating. However, twin mattresses can be a bit short for taller individuals and may not be suitable for those who move around a lot while they sleep.
Twin XL Mattresses
Following the twin mattress is the twin XL, which offers a slight modification in length while maintaining the same width. Measuring 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, it boasts a surface area of about 3,040 square inches. It gives you an extra 5 inches compared to the standard twin.
The twin XL was designed to provide additional legroom, catering to tall sleepers without occupying much extra space. This makes it a fantastic option for both adult and teenage solo sleepers who have outgrown a standard twin. The twin XL is especially popular in US college dormitories, where space efficiency meets comfort. This mattress is also a practical choice for guest rooms, as it can accommodate guests of varying heights without the need for a full or queen-size mattress.
An added bonus? When two twin XL mattresses are placed side by side, they create a king-size bed! This allows couples with different sleeping preferences to find a solution that works for them. However, it’s important to keep in mind that twin XL mattresses typically have a more limited selection of bedding options.
Full/Double Mattresses
A full mattress, often referred to as a double mattress, is larger than both twin and twin XL mattress sizes. Measuring 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, a full mattress offers a comfortable middle ground for those who need a bit more space without extending their mattress length.
Compared to a twin XL, which provides extra legroom, the full mattress is perfect for those prioritizing width over length. It is 16 inches wider than a twin, making it an excellent choice for solo sleepers who enjoy spreading out. This makes it a popular upgrade for teenagers and young adults transitioning from twin or twin XL mattress sizes. While it may feel snug for two, full mattresses can accommodate couples on a budget, offering 27 inches per person.
The compact design makes it well-suited for guest rooms, dorms, and studio apartments where space is at a premium. However, it’s worth noting that taller individuals may find the standard length limiting. Additionally, the width might not meet the needs of couples with particular sleeping preferences.
Full XL Mattresses
For those who enjoy the benefits of a full mattress but require a little more room, full XL is another option. It is one of the non-standard mattress sizes that you won’t find easily in typical furniture stores or online marketplaces.
So, what distinguishes a full XL from a standard full? While both measure 54 inches wide, the full XL has extra 5 inches in length, stretching to 80 inches long. This means a total surface area of 4,320 square inches, perfectly blending the width of a full mattress with the added length of twin XL or queen mattress sizes.
The full XL is ideal for taller solo sleepers or those who may share the bed. It offers ample space without necessitating an upgrade to a more substantial queen or king mattress. Its compact nature makes it an excellent space-saving alternative, especially in smaller rooms. Furthermore, it’s easier to transport and set up compared to larger mattress sizes.
Queen Mattress
Next up is the queen size mattress, measuring 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. A queen mattress boasts a generous surface area of 4,800 square inches. This size is ideal for couples or anyone sharing a bed, providing ample space for comfortable sleep. It is wider and longer than full and twin mattress sizes.
This versatile mattress size fits beautifully in guest bedrooms as well, accommodating multiple guests without feeling overcrowded. It’s particularly suited for homes and apartments with adequate space, ideally around 10 by 10 feet. Even solo sleepers who like to stretch out during the night will find the queen size comfortable. It is especially fitting for those who prefer to sleep in sprawled positions or diagonally.
One of the advantages of queen mattresses is their popularity; most bed frames and bedding accessories are readily available in queen size. However, queen mattress sizes may not be the best fit for families with little ones or large pets. The width can feel a bit cramped during co-sleeping.
Olympic Queen Mattress
If you’re seeking more spaciousness than a standard queen but want to avoid the size of a king, the Olympic queen is a fantastic option. This specialized alternative measures 66 inches wide and 80 inches long, offering a surface area of 5,280 square inches. While it may sound small, the extra 6 inches in width can make a significant difference for couples who desire personal sleeping space without the full commitment of a king-sized bed.
Such mattress sizes effectively balance the comfort of a larger mattress while fitting in spaces that don’t accommodate a king. It caters well to those who prioritize extra elbow room during the night. However, it should be noted that this size is not commonly found in standard retail stores. You can source one through a custom mattress manufacturer. This also means that sheets, protectors, comforters, and bed frames designed for this size can be harder to find.
King Mattress
When it comes to larger mattress sizes, the king mattress stands out as one of the most popular choices. It is especially ideal for master bedrooms with impressive measurements of 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length. It provides a generous surface area of about 6,080 square inches. This size is perfect for couples, families who co-sleep, or anyone who simply enjoys a spacious sleeping arrangement.
It caters to individual comfort by allowing each sleeper 38 inches of personal space. Moreover, it also minimizes disturbances from a partner’s movements during the night. The king mattress is especially advantageous for parents who share their bed with young children or for pet owners who allow their furry friends to snuggle up. Even if you don’t have these specific needs, a king-size bed can transform your bedroom into a luxurious, hotel-like retreat.
California King Mattress
For those seeking even more spacious mattress sizes, the California king offers an elegant solution. It measures 72 inches in width and 84 inches in length. The California king is 4 inches longer but also 4 inches narrower than the standard king. This mattress boasts a surface area of 6,048 square inches, making it one of the longest standard sizes available.
Designed with taller sleepers in mind, this size is ideal for anyone over 6 feet tall who needs extra legroom. It serves as an excellent alternative for couples who don’t require as much width but appreciate the additional length. This larger mattress is particularly well-suited for spacious, rectangular bedrooms that need proportionate furniture to fill any awkward spaces.
While the California king has many appealing features, it does come with some drawbacks. Its accessories and bedding options, such as sheets and mattress toppers, can be harder to find. Additionally, the California king tends to be pricier and bulkier, which may not always be the best fit.
Oversized Mattress Sizes
When it comes to mattress sizes, there is a category that transcends the standard and non-standard options: oversized mattresses. These larger beds usually come in dimensions beyond the California king and are not commonly found in standard retail stores. To purchase one of these mattress sizes, you’ll likely need to visit a specialized retailer or place a custom order. Keep in mind that the larger the mattress, the more expensive it typically is due to the additional materials.
Texas King Mattress
The Texas king is one of the largest mattress sizes available after the California king, boasting impressive dimensions. It is 80 inches in width and 98 inches in length (approximately 7,840 square inches of surface area). When considering this option, ensure that the room is at least 14 by 14 feet. A smaller room may feel cramped with this mattress, making clearance an issue. The Texas king mattress is ideal for extremely tall individuals (over 6’6”) or for long bedrooms that require space optimization. It also offers enough room for toddlers or pets to comfortably share the sleeping area.
Wyoming King Mattress
Another excellent oversized option is the Wyoming king mattress, characterized by its perfect square symmetry. With dimensions of 84 by 84 inches (or 213 by 213 centimeters), it covers approximately 7,056 square inches. Like the Texas king, a Wyoming king requires a minimum room size of 14 by 14 feet for proper placement. This size is particularly appealing for couples who enjoy sharing their bed with children or pets, as well as for those who appreciate the aesthetic of square-shaped symmetry. While it provides more room per person than large mattress sizes, it is shorter than Texas king.
Alaskan King Mattress
For those seeking the ultimate in space, the Alaskan king mattress is one of the largest options available commercially. With extensive dimensions of 108 inches in width and 108 inches in length (or 274 by 274 centimeters), this mattress offers an impressive 11,664 square inches of surface area. To accommodate such a grand size, the room should measure at least 16 by 16 feet. This size is perfect for large families who co-sleep, as it comfortably fits 2 adults and 2-3 children. The Alaskan king is an excellent choice for luxurious master bedrooms or open-concept studio homes, providing ample space.
