Mattress Size Guide

How do you choose the right mattress size for you? Well, the major determining factor is how much space you have in your bedroom.

Sure, Eastern King/King mattresses and California King mattresses are expansive and irresistible, but if you don’t have the space, you don’t want to make a mistake.

Mattress Size	Dimensions
Twin Mattress	39"W x 75"L
Twin XL Mattress	39"W x 80"L
Full Mattress	54"W x 75"L
Queen Mattress	60"W x 80"L
Eastern King Mattress	76"W x 80"L
California King Mattress	72"W x 84"L

Mattresses for Families and Couples

	Cal King	Eastern King	Queen
Size	72 inches by width and 84 inches by length	76 inches by width and 80 inches by length	60 inches by width and 80 inches by length
Who It’s For	Couples, where one or both persons is tall	Couples who prefer to stretch out, or couples who share a bed with a child	Couples
Why It Works	The extra length means the feet of very tall people won’t dangle off the edge!	The extra width means more room to stretch out – without elbowing your partner’s face.	Not too long, not too wide, the Queen is the classic size for two people of average height.

Mattresses for Single Sleepers

	Twin	Twin XL	Full
Size	39 inches by width and 75 inches by length	39 inches by width and 80 inches by length	54 inches by width and 75 inches by length
Who It’s For	Children	Tall children or adults over 5 feet, 10 inches	Adults
Why It Works	Large enough for a small child to grow into.	Slim enough for one person and long enough for taller individuals.	Extra space means more room for a fully-grown adult.

Step 1: Measure Your Bedroom

Finding out the length and width of your space will help you rule out mattress sizes that are going to be too big or too small for your bedroom. So get that measuring tape out pronto.

Step 2: Know Your Mattress Size Options

To better understand mattress sizes, we’ve grouped them together by small, medium and large options. Much easier, right?

What Is the Difference Between a Twin and a Twin XL?

About 5", to be exact. The Twin XL simply adds a few inches in length and is designed for taller children and single adults. While the Twin can be found more often in modern children's bedrooms, the XL is standard in college dorms. Both, however, have the same width: about 39". To summarize: children tend to fare best with Twins, and if you're taller, sleep alone, and don't need a lot of width, you're best off with a Twin XL. 

Step 3: Make Sure Your Mattress, Foundation and Bed Frame are the Same Size

Lastly and most importantly, be sure your mattress is the same size as your foundation and bed frame. All of these components must be the same size in order for you to have a seamless sleeping experience.

How to Choose a Mattress Size

Choosing a mattress size, the first consideration is how many individuals will be sharing the bed. Single sleepers (one person) generally need nothing larger than a Full, or a Twin if width (for stretching out more) isn’t so important to you. An individual who shares a bed with a partner (couples) will generally need at least a Queen, which is designed for two people. If you are a couple and one or both of you is taller than six feet, you may find a King or Cal King to be more comfortable. King or Cal King sizes are the largest you will find, and so also great for couples who share a bed with a small child or pet.

The next consideration to be made is the room size: you’ll want to make sure the room you’re in has at least enough room for bed, dresser and nightstand, without feeling too crowded or uncomfortable. For a Twin and Twin XL, the recommendation is a room that’s at least 7’ x 10’. For a Full, the recommendation is a room that’s at least 9’ x 12’. For a Queen, the recommendation is a room that’s at least 10’ x 10’, and for a King and Cal King, the recommendation is a room that’s at least 11’ x 12’.

There’s also the consideration of mattress height. While mattress sizes (i.e., King, Queen) tell you only the length and width, there’s also height to be accounted for; you will have to research the height of the mattress yourself, as heights vary greatly from brand to brand. If you have a hard time getting into and out of bed due to orthopedic issues, choosing a mattress with a lower height (for example, under six inches) can go a long way in making your sleeping surface more comfortable for you.

All the sizes of mattresses you will encounter, though, vary also in price – and choosing a mattress size for you is just as much about budget as it is about space. If a large mattress is a nice thing to have but not required, go for the smaller size to save money; if a large mattress is critical for your height or because you share a bed with a partner, making the financial splurge can be worth it in the long run.

Finally, consider your sleeping position. Sometimes, an extra-large mattress may not even be necessary due to how you sleep – a couple where both persons sleep on their sides or in the fetal postion will take up less space than one where both sleep on their backs or stomachs.