Bed Mattress Size Comparison
The selection of a mattress is one of the most significant decisions made concerning your house. The main and direct health and daily energy of a person are affected by the quality of sleep, and since we spend about one-third of our lifetime in bed, it’s an important factor. A critical factor among these is the size of the bed. This comprehensive mattress size comparison guide will assist you in every single aspect of determining the right bed for your needs.
Initially, the smallest twin mattress size will be compared with the largest super king mattress size, which will help you easily understand the dimensions and uses of different sizes. If you are decorating a nursery, a guest room, or simply updating your master suite, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and insight you need. Besides that, we will carefully examine each size, going from smaller twin mattresses to larger king sizes. Hence, you will be well aware of the options before making the final choice. A mattress size chart has been made available, which provides an overview of the various sizes of mattress at a glance.
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Typical Use |
| Crib | 27″ x 52″ | 68.5 x 132 | Babies & infants |
| Small Single / Cot | 30″ x 75″ | 76 x 191 | Small children, narrow spaces |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ | 97 x 191 | One person, kids or guest rooms |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ | 97 x 203 | Taller individuals, college dorms |
| Full / Double | 54″ x 75″ | 137 x 191 | One person with extra space or couples (tight fit) |
| Full XL | 54″ x 80″ | 137 x 203 | One tall sleeper, or compact couple |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ | 152 x 203 | Most common size for couples |
| Olympic Queen | 66″ x 80″ | 168 x 203 | Couples needing more width |
| King | 76″ x 80″ | 193 x 203 | Couples, large bedrooms |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ | 183 x 213 | Taller couples, narrow rooms |
| Super King | 80″ x 80″ | 203 x 203 | Luxury size, large bedrooms |
| Emperor | 84″ x 84″ | 213 x 213 | Extra-luxury size (rare) |
Small Mattresses: Twin, Twin XL, and Full
Smaller mattresses are perfect for kids, single adults, and small living units like dorm rooms or studio flats. They make the floor space more usable without sacrificing very much of it for comfort.
Twin Mattress
The twin mattress measures approximately 38 inches in width and 75 inches in length, thus it is a mattress size that belongs to the very small ones found easily in the market. Small size and weight make it very convenient for kids’ rooms, bunk beds, and daybeds that occupy less space. This mattress will not have any issues with a child, small adult, or someone who just likes the mattress size that is neither too wide nor too long, as it can easily accommodate them.
A twin bed is capable of making a lot of floor space visible in a small bedroom. It not only opens up the room but also, because of its size, allows the placement of additional furniture such as desks, dressers, or bookshelves, with still enough room for children to play or move around without feeling confined. Twin beds are very commonly placed in shared bedrooms since their smaller size allows fitting two beds in a room without making the area feel cramped.
A twin mattress can be an excellent and very practical option for a child or a young person, provided that it is placed on a good and sturdy bed frame that can endure wear and tear. However, if the user is over 6 feet tall, then a mattress with the dimensions of 75 inches (60 inches by 75 inches) may turn out to be a problem as the person’s feet will probably hang over the edge, making it uncomfortable for the person to sleep on the whole bed. In such a case, a twin XL mattress with an additional length of 5 inches (38 inches by 80 inches) could be the preferred option.
Furthermore, twin mattresses generally become guest room beds or go to areas that have multiple uses like home offices that double as sleeping quarters. Their small size makes them very easy to move and rearrange, and they can be placed with trundle beds or daybeds to provide extra sleeping options when necessary. Twin mattresses are also widely used in dorms because these small living quarters usually control space and emphasize functionality and practicality.
To sum up, the standard twin mattress is a convertible and space-saving solution that fits perfectly in a wide range of places, from kids’ bedrooms to tiny guest rooms. Of course, taller people and those who like a lot of space for sleeping might have to consider going for larger mattresses to guarantee proper configuration.
Twin vs Twin XL
This leads us to the Twin vs. Twin XL dilemma. A Twin XL mattress has the same width as a standard twin at 38 inches, but features an additional 5 inches in length, making it 80 inches long. This added length may seem minor, but it can make a world of difference—especially for taller sleepers who often find their feet hanging off the edge of a standard twin. The Twin XL offers that extra legroom needed for a comfortable night’s rest, which is why it’s the go-to choice in most college dormitories across the U.S.
Beyond dorm life, the Twin XL is also an excellent investment for growing children and teenagers. It provides the same space-saving advantages as a regular twin, fitting perfectly in smaller bedrooms or shared spaces, yet it offers more room to stretch out. Parents often choose this size as a long-term solution, since it can accommodate growth spurts without needing an upgrade for several years. Additionally, Twin XL mattresses are compatible with adjustable bed frames, making them a practical choice for guest rooms or multi-purpose spaces.
Full Mattress
A Full mattress, commonly known as a double mattress. Full Mattress dimensions are 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. The full sizes are quite spacious as they are 16 inches wider than the twine. This size is, in fact, the ideal one for a single sleeper who needs a little more room for movement than what a twin or Twin XL can offer.
A Full bed can, in a manner, hold two persons, but that would mean only 27 inches of personal space for each, which is the width of a crib. Thus, it is often considered a tight fit for couples and mostly is an active single sleeper or short-stay couples in guest rooms situation.
Queen vs. Full: Making the Upgrade
The full mattress vs queen mattress size choice is mainly made by single adults and beginner couples. A Queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, thus giving a full mattress, 6 inches in width, and 5 inches in length more.
The difference in size is really great. For one person, it is the most splendid space to lie down. For the partners, the arrangement allows for 30 inches of intimate space for every single person, which is already a more convenient arrangement compared to a Full. The Queen has become the most preferred mattress size in the United States as it gives an excellent mix of comfort, space, and versatility that is suitable for most master bedrooms without being too tight a squeeze.
King Size Mattress vs Queen
When comparing a king-size mattress with a queen, the main aspect that stands out is the remarkable amount of width. An Eastern King, or standard King mattress, has a size of 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length. Thus, it is 16 inches wider than the queen mattress. A queen and king-size mattress comparison confirms that a standard king is as if two Twin XL mattresses were placed side-by-side.
The width of the King bed is indeed very attractive, and the main advantage of it. The total area provided for each partner in a couple is 38 inches—the dimension of a twin bed. Thus, this is not an option for couples desiring the largest sleeping space for themselves. It is also the case of families with children or pets who usually join them in bed. The mattress size king vs queen dispute is very often determined by the bedroom size and budget because a King bed demands a larger room and costs more.
California King vs King
One of the major and most common misunderstandings related to this matter is the distinction between the California King and the King. Most people think that Cal King is the bigger one, but it is not completely true. You have the power to choose if you want to give up on width or length. Let’s take a closer look at the King vs California King debate.
Standard King: 76 inches wide x 80 inches long (6,080 square inches)
California King: 72 inches wide x 84 inches long (6,048 square inches)
The Cal King vs King comparison reveals that the King is 4 inches wider, while the California King is 4 inches longer. Though the total area of the standard King is just slightly larger. The decision to go for a King or Cal King mainly depends on the user’s preference, alongside the size of the room. In case you are a tall person and want to stretch your legs, then the Cal King is for sure the winner. On the contrary, if you think about the bed width for sharing with a partner (or kids and pets), then the standard King is the right choice. King and Cal King are both perfect for a master bedroom, only if you have enough space. King v Cal King is the most demanded comparison between mattress sizes. Above, you can see King versus California King.
King vs Super King
If you are located outside the US, specifically in the UK or Ireland, it is possible for you to find another bedding option: the Super King. This henceforth brings about a discussion on king vs super king. Although the size might be off a bit from country to country, a standard Super King may be 180 cm x 200 cm, or more precisely 72 inches wide and 78 inches long in the UK.
When the US standard King (76″ x 80″) is placed in the super king vs king comparison, the US King is both wider and longer. King v Super King in comparison to a UK standard King (60″ x 78″), the UK Super King is considerably wider. It is very important to know the exact sizes in your area, as the names could be different. In fact, it is just a matter of choosing between King Vs Super King, and it is all about getting the largest bed that is available in your market.
How to Choose the Right Mattress Size for You?
Finalizing the decision requires more than just the contemplation of a chart. Personal elements that you have to take into account in order to determine that the mattress of your choice is the perfect match to support your lifestyle and not be a burden.
The Size of Your Room
Before measuring your bedroom, do not let the king-size bed attract you. One of the most common rules is to clear up at least 24-30 inches of space on both sides of the bed and at the foot (the two sides you get out of and the foot). This will give you enough space for walking, opening drawers, and even cleaning without feeling cramped. A large bed in a small room can give a feeling of being suffocated, and the room can look even smaller than it is.
The Bed’s Occupants?
Are you a single sleeper or do you have a partner? If you are alone, a Twin XL, Full, or Queen can be a very good option depending on your size and favorite sleeping position. For two people, a Queen is generally the least size for decent sleep. The king and queen mattress size comparison indicates the vast area a King provides, which can be a marriage-saver for those who are light sleepers or for those who change positions a lot during the night. And do not forget about your children or pets, who may be the ones coming in.
Your Height and Sleeping Style
The height of a person is a physical characteristic that cannot be neglected anyway. A person having a height of more than 6 feet will feel that a standard Twin or Full-size mattress (75 inches long) is not enough for him/her, as he/she will have to keep the feet hanging off the bed. Thus, at least 80 inches long, Twin XL, Queen, or King should be the ones for you. Very tall people over 6’4” will find the 84-inch length of a California King to be the most comfortable.
Moreover, your sleeping habits should also be considered. Are you a sleeper who curls up like a ball, or a sleeper who stretches out like a starfish? An active sleeper who turns and twists will still feel comfortable in a Queen or King bed due to the extra width, even if he is sleeping alone.
Your Budget
Mattress size is one of the factors that come into play when determining the price of the mattress. Furthermore, the larger sizes will necessitate the purchase of more costly bedding, from sheets and comforters to the bed frame or foundation itself, so be mentally prepared if you don’t want to go through the longer period of paying more for the King bed compared to the Queen over the lifetime. Before you proceed with the decision, establish a budget that covers not only the mattress but also the necessary accessories and that is realistic.
FAQ’s
Conclusion
A mattress purchase is a health and comfort investment that lasts for many years. Knowing the difference between the various sizes and being able to recognize the one that fits your room, family, and sleeping habits perfectly is very important. The perfect mattress is there for you already and will treat you with years of unrestricted nights from the effectiveness of a Twin XL to the spacious indulgence of a King.
Let this guide help you to measure your space, contemplate your needs, and select your mattress without any doubt. A superb night’s sleep results in a wonderful day, and the whole cycle begins with the correct space to rest and recharge.