Mattress Sizes Explained: Find the Right Fit for Your Space
Choosing the right mattress size depends on who will use it, how much space you have, and how you sleep. This guide covers standard US mattress sizes, ideal room dimensions, and who each size is best suited for.
It will also help you avoid mistakes that will cost you later on by knowing the right bed size in order to make the best decision when you are faced with it.
Mattress Sizes
| Size | Dimensions (W x L) | Best For | Ideal Room Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Single | 30" x 75" | Toddlers, transitional beds | 7’ x 10’ |
| Twin | 38" x 75" | Kids, teens, single adults | 7’ x 10’ |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | Taller teens, college dorms, split kings | 7’ x 10’ |
| Full (Double) | 53"-54" x 75" | Single adults, guest rooms | 9.6’ x 10.6’ |
| Full XL | 53"-54" x 80" | Taller single sleepers | 9.6’ x 10.6’ |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | Couples, guest rooms | 10’ x 10’ – 10’ x 14’ |
| Olympic Queen | 66" x 80" | Couples with kids or pets | 10’ x 10’ – 10’ x 14’ |
| King | 76" x 80" | Couples who need space, co-sleepers | 10’ x 12’ – 13’ x 13’ |
| California King | 72" x 84" | Tall sleepers, long rooms, co-sleepers | 12’ x 12’ – 14’ x 12’ |
How to Choose the Right Mattress Size
Before buying a mattress, consider these factors:
- Who Will Use the Bed: One person, two, or a family with pets? Plan for both current and future needs.
- Room Size: Leave at least 24 inches of clearance around the bed for easy movement.
- User Height: The mattress should be at least 4 inches longer than the tallest sleeper.
- Future Use: Will this bed move to a dorm or smaller apartment later?
- Budget: Larger mattresses cost more, including bedding and frames.
- Sleep Preferences: Some prefer more sleeping space or a bed that fits the room visually.
- Sleeping Position: Side sleepers tend to need more space than back or stomach sleepers.
Small Single Size
Small single mattresses are 30”wide and 75” long. This is a bed size that is ideal for young children who are first getting used to being in a “big bed”.
This size bed will not be appropriate for children as they grow, so it is not the best long-term mattress option.
- Ideal Room Size: 7’x 10’
Twin Size Bed
A twin sized mattress is 38” wide and 75” long. This is the smallest standard-size mattress available. This sized bed works well for children, teenagers, and people who live in small accommodations.
These are also cost-effective option that you can change out with more ease. Children can take this mattress off to a dorm or to a new living accommodation easier than with a larger mattress.
- Ideal Room Size: 7’x 10’ (one twin) – 10’x 10’ (two twins)
Twin XL Size Bed
A twin XL mattress is 38” wide and 80” long, so this mattress is as wide as a standard twin mattress but 5” longer.
This is a great mattress size for a taller child or teenager. Also, according to The Atlantic, this is the size that is most standard for college dorm rooms in the United States.
This bed also works best for adults who are limited with regards to space. Two of these sized mattress can also be put together to form a split king size bed with an adjustable frame for different sleeping needs.
- Ideal Room Size: 7’x 10’
Full-Size Bed
The mattress dimensions for a full-size bed are 53”-54” wide and 75” long. A full-size mattress is also known as a double-size mattress.
This mattress is a good size for people who are just starting out. It provides ample space for one person, but is a tight sleep for two adult-sized people.
It is not the best option if the beds need to hold more than two sleepers, but it is an adequate choice for a guest room.
- Ideal Room Size: 9.6’x 10.6’ – 10’x 12’
Full XL Size Bed
The size of a full XL mattress is 53”-54” wide and 80” long. This mattress is the same width as a standard full size mattress but 5” longer.
This is ideal if you need a smaller mattress but you are a tall person who needs the extra length. This also works well for two children or teenagers who are small in size.
- Ideal Room Size: 9.6’x 10.6’ – 10’x 12’
Queen Bed Size Mattress
A queen sized bed measures 60” wide and 80” long. This size is the most popular on the market because it is considered not too small but not too big.
This bed allows two people to sleep together with space between them. You also have enough space to add in an extra guest like a pet or a child as needed.
A queen sized bed works well in a guest room. It fits most standard size rooms.
- Ideal Room Size: 10’x 10’ – 10’x 14’
Olympic Queen Size Bed
An olympic bed queen size measures 66” wide and 80” long. It is 6” wider than your average queen size bed.
This size works well for families with small children who rotate in and out of the bed at different seasons.
It is just a bit wider to accommodate a larger crowd when needed but not too wide that it doesn’t fit well in a standard room.
- Ideal Room Size: 10’x 10’ – 10’x 14’
King Size Bed
A king size bed measures 76” wide and 80”. This is a full 16” wider than a standard queen bed. This size mattress works well for two people who like room to spread out or for co-sleeping with children or pets.
This size bed can be made up of two twin XL mattresses if you prefer to have a split bed arrangement where each side has different densities.
- Ideal Room Size: 10’x 12’ – 13’x 13’
California King Size Bed
A California king size bed measures 72” wide and 84” long. This is the largest standard mattress that you can find on the market today.
This is a great bed for extra large bedrooms where you need a definite focal point. They are also great for co-sleeping families or for the odd family movie night.
- Ideal Room Size: 12’x 12’ – 14’x 12’