Bed Sizes In Order

Mattress sizes are simple, or so you would think. The bigger, the better, right? You might think that until you find yourself hauling that California King mattress up two flights of stairs only to discover that you can’t even fit your new mattress through your bedroom door. Worse, even if you manage to somehow cram it through, you quickly realize it overwhelms your bedroom, leaving you no space to walk around.

Luckily, you can avert mattress disaster with just a little bit of advice. Here’s our quick rundown of popular mattress sizes, dimensions, and a few tips on where to use them.

Twin

No kid ever forgets the moment their parents announce they have graduated from the crib to a “grown-up” bed. This important milestone usually comes in the form of a Twin bed. At 38” by 75”, it is the perfect size for little ones transitioning from toddler, to little kid, to teenager, and beyond.

Twin mattresses also offer a lot of flexibility. They can be easily moved around within a room, and they pair well with smaller bedrooms, leaving room for dresser-drawers and toy shelves. You’ll often spot Twin mattresses in bunk beds or sometimes even in dorm rooms. Keep in mind, they aren’t so comfy for taller sleepers. For that, you’ll need the next mattress size up on our list.

Twin XL

If a Twin bed is great for single sleepers, the Twin XL is its older sibling. While its width is the same, it’s slightly longer than a Twin with dimensions at 38” wide by 80” long. This extra 5 inches of length is great for taller sleepers, which might be why Twin XL mattresses are a popular choice for guest rooms and college dormitories. After all, having your feet hanging off the bed is not conducive to getting a good night’s sleep right before final exams. If you have a teenager or a visiting uncle whose long legs are constantly forcing them into cramped sleeping positions, it might be time to get a Twin XL mattress.

Full

If a Twin XL is the mattress that goes to college with you, a Full mattress is the mattress that goes to your first apartment. At 54” wide by 75” long, it is the perfect size for modestly sized spaces. A Full mattress is the prime choice for single sleepers who want just a touch of luxury that is an upgrade from their tried-and-true Twin mattress.

At a lower price point than Queen or King mattresses, it is easier on the pocketbook as well. Couples who love to snuggle up can also use a Full mattress, which is just barely big enough to handle two, especially if a snoozing dog joins the mix.

Queen

At 60” wide by 80” long, Queen mattresses are the Goldilocks of mattresses — not too big, not too small. Once you move past the smaller bedrooms and can manage a slightly bigger bed in the space, Queen mattresses can be the bed of your dreams. They can fit into just about any standard size room, so you don’t have to worry about them being too large. Their size is generous enough to fit an average couple comfortably, and it will even leave a bit of room for a favorite four-legged friend.

King

If you aren’t quite ready to commit to a California King, but you’re bumping elbows on a Queen mattress, a King mattress might be the solution. At 76” wide by 80” long, a King mattress offers an additional 16 inches of width compared to a Queen. This might not seem like a lot, but when it comes to elbows in the side and Fido sleeping on your head, it’s amazing what an extra foot of space can do. Just make sure your bedroom can accommodate it without feeling crowded. For a King bed, we recommend a minimum room size of 12 feet by 12 feet.

Note that if you are looking into a King or other larger mattress, it is also worth thinking about the base you plan to pair with it. Remember, the larger your mattress, the more that center section needs the support to brace it. If you try to place a King mattress on a metal frame that has no center pole to support it, you might find yourself lying in the center of a King mattress taco rather than an actual bed.

Split King

There are other arguments that come along with sharing a bed beyond which one of you hogs more of the bed space. One partner might be too soft and warm, while the other feels like they’re freezing on a slab of rock. Enter the Split King. Instead of one mattress, it consists of essentially two XL Twins next to each other, combined with an adjustable foundation. Various companies offer differing customizations to match each sleeper’s preference. With a Split King you can get memory foam and they can get springs. Want to raise your head? You go right ahead while your partner can stay flat in their favorite tummy position. Arguing over mattress firmness? Rather than settling for the sofa, split up your mattress with a Split King.

California King

It isn’t unheard of for a family’s big news to be “We got a California King bed!” If there is such a thing as “making it” in the mattress world, the California King would be it. Perhaps it’s because this mattress is sumptuous in its sheer size. At 76” wide and 84” long, its length surpasses all of the other sizes on this list. There is plenty of room to roll around, play board games, toss and turn, and fit a couple of humans on, all without running into cold toes or drooling spouses.

A California King is a great fit for larger families, especially if the kiddos love spending time in Mom and Dad’s room. If you are on the tall side, love extra room to stretch and spread out, or you share your bed with more than one pet, a California King might be just the mattress for you.

The Right Mattress Size For You

Buying a mattress is an important moment in many people’s lives. It might not be quite as high up there as purchasing a new car or house, but there is still something about buying a mattress that says a lot about your personality or your lifestyle. Whether you finally have the space to add a Queen mattress to the room, or you just want more room to stretch out, upgrading your mattress size can be a unique milestone. For whatever bedroom, dorm room, bunk bed, or new studio you find yourself in, there’s a mattress that’s up to the task.