Mattress Sizes

UPDATED

Written by David Rubin


Table of Contents

Picking the right bed size for your needs and budget is an important step in choosing a mattress. You may be familiar with the standard sizes, but knowing the exact dimensions can help you make a more informed purchasing choice.

We’ll discuss the dimensions of all standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king, as well as some less common oversized options. We’ll also break down how to pick the best size for your sleeping situation.

For quick reference, we’ve included a mattress chart that shows the standard dimensions for the most popular sizes. Keep in mind that these are measurements for width and length. Mattress height can vary from model to model.

Mattress Dimensions at a Glance

Mattress Size
Mattress Dimensions

Twin

38″ x 75″

Twin XL

38″ x 80″

Full / Double

54″ x 75″

Queen

60″ x 80″

King

76″ x 80″

California King

72″ x 84″

Considering a new mattress? Check out our picks for the top mattresses of 2024 to see what our testers chose.

Mattress Sizes for Single Sleepers: Twin, Twin XL, and Full

For single sleepers, the most cost-effective and space-saving mattress sizes are twin, twin XL, and full. Standard mattress dimensions are 38 by 75 inches for a twin, 38 by 80 inches for a twin XL, and 54 by 75 inches for a full. A full size mattress is also known as a double bed.

A twin mattress is the smallest and most economical choice. Some mattress companies use the term single mattress, but a single bed typically has the same dimensions as a twin.

For taller sleepers, a twin XL mattress is a better choice because of its extra length compared with a twin or full mattress. For sleepers who like to stretch out, a full mattress is much wider than either a twin or a twin XL.

Twin vs. Twin XL vs. Full

Mattress Size
Twin
Twin XL
Full

Dimensions

38″ x 75″

38″ x 80″

54″ x 75″

Best For

Kids, teens, and adults under 6 feet

Growing teens and adults over 6 feet

Adults under 6 feet

Pros

  • Most affordable bed size
  • Fits most average-sized adults, teens, and kids
  • Best option for taller single sleepers
  • Extra room at the end of the bed for pets
  • Ample room to stretch out
  • A flexible option that can accommodate multiple sleepers

Cons

  • Kids and teens may outgrow their twin bed
  • May be too short for taller sleepers
  • May be harder to find bed frames and sheet sets
  • May be too short for taller sleepers
  • More expensive than a twin or twin XL

Mattress Sizes for Co-Sleepers: Full, Queen, and King

A full, queen, or king size bed offers enough space to fit more than one sleeper. Standard bed dimensions are 54 by 75 inches for a full, 60 by 80 inches for a queen, and 76 by 80 inches for a king.

Due to its versatility, a full size mattress could work for both single and co-sleepers. With its extra width over a twin, a full mattress is an affordable choice if you occasionally share your bed with a partner or are a single parent sharing a bed with a small child.

Single sleepers can sleep on any bed size that meets their needs. However, co-sleeping adults will probably be best suited to at least a queen size mattress due to its extra width and length compared with a full mattress. For an even wider sleep surface, you may want to choose a king size mattress.

Full vs. Queen vs. King

Mattress Size
Full
Queen
King

Dimensions

54″ x 75″

60″ x 80″

76″ x 80″

Best For

Single parents; Couples on a tight budget

Most Couples

Couples with small children

Pros

  • Less expensive than a queen or king
  • Saves space
  • Widely available
  • Extra length for taller sleepers
  • The widest standard mattress size
  • Big enough for two adults plus children and pets

Cons

  • May be too small for some couples
  • Too short for adults over 6 feet tall
  • Too small to comfortably accommodate kids and pets
  • May feel cramped for couples who like to stretch out or toss and turn
  • More difficult to move
  • More expensive

What About California King Mattresses?

Another mattress size that is widely available and increasingly popular for couples is the California king. Standard mattress dimensions for a California king are 72 inches by 84 inches.

A California king mattress is slightly narrower than a king but wider than a queen. California king is also the longest standard bed size you can find at most mattress retailers. This makes it especially well suited for:

  • Taller Individuals: A California king offers 7 feet in length, making it the best option for taller-than-average sleepers.
  • Couples Wanting the Extra Length: Even if you and your partner aren’t over 6 feet tall, you may simply prefer having additional space.
  • Sharing the End of the Bed With a Pet: The added length of the California king is great for couples who sleep with their pets. The extra space means your pet can rest at the foot of your bed without disturbing your sleep.
  • People With Long, Rectangular Bedrooms: Some bedrooms may be too narrow to comfortably fit a standard king size bed. A California king is 4 inches narrower than a king but still provides extra sleeping room compared with a queen mattress.

King vs. California King

Mattress Size
King
California King

Dimensions

76″ x 80″

72″ x 84″

Best For

Couples who share a bed with small children or want more space to stretch out

Taller couples or couples who sleep with their pets

Pros

  • The widest standard mattress size available
  • More width is better for couples sharing a bed with kids
  • The longest standard mattress size available
  • More space for pets to sleep at the end of the bed

Cons

  • May be too large for narrow bedrooms
  • Difficult to move
  • May be harder to find sleep accessories
  • Difficult to move

What Other Types of Mattress Sizes Are Out There?

Aside from the standard mattress sizes, some mattress brands offer additional, more uncommon sizes to suit niche needs.

Types of Queen Mattresses

The queen category has been expanding to suit the needs of different types of sleepers.

  • California Queen: This type of mattress is usually 60 inches by 84 inches. Like a California king, the California queen offers 7 total feet in length. This size can be a good choice for taller couples who don’t have the space in their bedroom to fit the width of a California king.
  • Olympic Queen: An Olympic queen is wider than a standard queen, typically measuring 66 inches by 80 inches. This is an excellent option for couples who want a bit of extra room but don’t have the space or the budget for a king.
  • Split Queen: Usually the same size as a standard queen, a split queen is made of two half mattresses, each 30 inches by 80 inches. This allows couples to customize the firmness and feel of each side of the bed without compromising their partner’s comfort.

Icon Shop the Best Mattresses of 2024

Types of King Mattresses

Following the tradition of the California king, there are several additional oversized king options named for some of the other largest states in the U.S. These sizes are not as common as the California king and may cost more than a standard mattress. However, they may be the best options for co-sleeping families and couples sharing a bed with many pets.

  • Wyoming King: Measuring 84 inches by 84 inches, this square bed matches the length of a California king with extra width.
  • Texas King: A rectangular bed that’s 80 inches by 98 inches, the Texas king is more likely to fit in a narrower bedroom.
  • Alaskan King: At 108 inches by 108 inches, the square Alaskan king is the largest oversized bed available.

About The Author

David Rubin

Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing


David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.

  • POSITION: Side sleeper
  • TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
  • CHRONOTYPE: Lion

Ask the Sleep Doctor

Have questions about sleep? Submit them here! We use your questions to help us decide topics for articles, videos, and newsletters. We try to answer as many questions as possible. You can also send us an emailPlease note, we cannot provide specific medical advice, and always recommend you contact your doctor for any medical matters. 

 

 

close quiz
We Are Here To Help You Sleep.
Tell us about your sleep by taking this brief quiz.

Based on your answers, we will calculate your free Sleep Doctor Score and create a personalized sleep profile that includes sleep-improving products and education curated just for you.

Saas Quiz Saas Quiz