Torn on which mattress size is right for you? We can help! 

Buying a mattress is a big financial investment, so we understand that you want to make sure you get the right bed size. According to studies, the average human has a life expectancy of roughly 80 years. Of those 80 years, we spend about 227,760 hours or 26 years asleep. With a third of our lives spent resting, the mattress we sleep on needs to be right. Good sleep is key to overall health and the correct mattress plays a big part in ensuring this is the case

Our guide will help you understand the differences between each size, and then determine which one is best for your body and lifestyle. 

P.S. Want a quick comparison? Check out our mattress dimensions chart at the end of this post!

Twin Mattress

Dimensions: 39” x 75”

As the smallest bed available, twin mattresses are ideal for solo sleepers, little kids or bunk beds. They’re also great for smaller spaces, like studio apartments or undersized bedrooms. Most people assume twin beds are only for kids, but they can also work well for short or even average-height adults.

Twin XL Mattress

Dimensions: 38” x 80” 

Hello, college dorm rooms! The twin XL is the most common size in dorms because it’s slightly longer than a traditional twin, but still doesn’t take up a ton of real estate. It’s an excellent option for tall teenagers or adults who can’t quite make a normal twin mattress work. Here’s a fun fact, two twin xl mattresses side-by-side is the same as a King size mattress. This is called a split king mattress, which we will discuss later in the article. 

Full Mattress

Dimensions: 54” x 75” 

Full size mattresses are the same length (head to foot) as a traditional twin bed, but they’re about 38% wider. For this reason, a full (or double) mattress is a common choice among young adults or recent grads living on their own for the first time. In other words, they can still work in smaller spaces, but there’s a little extra wiggle room. 

Now, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend a full mattress for couples — especially if you sleep with kids or pets. But it’s not impossible for two people to share a full-size bed. For this reason, a full mattress can be a smart option for guest rooms because whoever sleeps in it won’t be doing so over a long period of time.  

Queen Mattress

Dimensions: 60” x 80”

There’s a reason queen mattresses are the most popular size on the market: they offer plenty of space for both couples (without kids or large pets) and solo sleepers who like to spread out while they snooze.

A queen bed can fit in a room that’s at least 10 x 10 square feet, so it’s not ideal for smaller spaces. Furthermore, most master bedroom sizes can accommodate a queen.

King Mattress

Dimensions: 76” x 80”

 King mattresses are the same length (head to foot) as a queen, and they’re 16 inches wider — which makes for a nice, roomy bed for couples who 1) have kids who like to sneak into bed, or 2) really appreciate their personal space. We also recommend king beds for people with bigger pets who insist on cuddling all night long or think that they, too, are human. 

Keep in mind: king-size beds need a significant amount of space. If your bedroom is smaller than 10 x 12 square feet, a king-size mattress might not be the wisest choice.

California King Mattress

Dimensions: 72” x 84”

California Kings, or Cal Kings, are often considered the epitome of luxury when it comes to mattresses because they are SO spacious. Funnily enough, they’re actually not quite as wide as a traditional king mattress — and that extra 4 inches of length (head to foot) really makes for a roomy bed. 

As the longest mattress on the market, California kings are the choice of taller people (looking at you, basketball players) or couples who pile in bed with kids and pets night after night.

Split King Mattress

Dimensions: 76” x 80”

Another King size on the market is the Split King. A Split King is essentially assembled by placing two Twin XLs side-by-side. The particular mattress is normally used on an adjustable bed base by sleepers who want to use different presets on their mattress instead of having the same one for both while sleeping. Instead of arguing over preference, you can rest comfortably with your favorite setting.

What to Consider When Selecting a Mattress

If it’s time for a new mattress, size is perhaps the second-most important decision you’ll have to make — right after picking which type of mattress is best for you, of course. 

Here’s a quick list of questions you should ask yourself before determining which mattress size is right for you: 

1. How many people will be sleeping in the bed?

If it’ll just be you, a twin, twin XL or full mattress might do the trick. If you’ll be sharing the bed with a partner, kids or a needy pet, however, a queen, king or California king might be necessary.

2. How much space will you need?

Beyond how many people will be using the bed, you’ll also want to think about how much space you want. Are you a side, back or stomach sleeper? Do you toss and turn while you sleep? Does your partner have a tendency to sleep in a sort of starfish pose? These are all things to consider when determining what you can and can’t get away with in terms of mattress size. 

3. How big is your room?

Measure your room before you start shopping in order to determine how much space your new mattress will take up. Also:  you’ll also want to consider the size of other furniture in the room, like nightstands, dressers, armchairs, etc. After all, Tetris is fun — but playing Tetris with your bedroom furniture? Not so much. 

4. What feels right for your body?

Space requirements aren’t the only consideration when choosing a bed size — you’ll also want to think about the size of your body (and the body of whoever else might use this mattress). 

For example, if you’re taller than 6’2”, you probably don’t want a twin bed. A twin XL, full, queen or king can work for anyone who is up to 6’7” tall, so perhaps limit your search to those mattress sizes. If you’re any taller than that, consider purchasing a California king. 

5. What’s your budget?

Finally, your budget can also help narrow down the right mattress size for you. Obviously, the bigger the mattress, the more expensive it will be. So, finding that sweet spot between your financial needs and your size requirements is important. 

 These questions should help you narrow down which bed size is right for you, particularly if you’re buying a mattress online. If you still have questions about mattress sizes, call us at 844-311-0035 — we’re here to help!

 Oh! And here’s that mattress size chart we mentioned: 

Mattress Dimensions Chart