What mattress size should you buy - and what's the difference? All the different names can be confusing, but we're here to help. Use this guide on bed sizes and terms and dimensions to upgrade your bed. 

Before we start, let's clear something up. Do people mean something different when they say "bed" versus "mattress"? Sometimes a reference to the "bed" means a full set, including box spring or other foundation, bed frame, and other bedding accessories, where "mattress" implies, well, just the mattress. However, many times people use the terms interchangeably, as we will in this post.

Also note - Yogasleep beds are not skimping by one inch in width for Twin and Full sized beds, where you’ll often see 39-inch and 54-inch widths, respectively. We round down to more accurately represent the size of our mattresses. Some companies round up.

Twin Size Bed

Let's begin our comparison with the smallest size, besides a crib mattress. Twin mattress dimensions are 38 inches by 75 inches (96.5 centimeters by 190.5 centimeters). The twin bed is a common component of bunk beds, most often used in children's bedrooms, as well as occasionally in college dorm rooms. They are an excellent choice for shorter sleepers looking to save on space.

The twin bed is also sometimes called a single bed.

Twin XL Size Bed

The Twin XL is the same width as the twin size mattress, but with 5 inches (13 centimeters) of extra length. Its exact dimensions are 38 inches by 80 inches (96.5 centimeters by 203.5 centimeters). It's a popular space-saving option for taller sleepers, since it provides additional legroom, and is a favorite of college students.

Full Size Bed

The full-size mattress is the same length as the twin mattress but adds some width. The dimensions are 53 inches by 75 inches (134.5 centimeters by 190.5 centimeters). It's common among single sleepers who want some sprawling room and is sometimes used by couples who don't mind a bit less personal space. It's a great choice to outfit a small apartment or a guest bedroom.

The twin bed is also sometimes called a double bed (it is, however, not double the size of a single or Twin bed). You might also see the term “standard” bed for the full-sized bed.

Queen Size Bed

The queen size mattress dimensions are 60 inches by 80 inches (152.5 centimeters by 203.5 centimeters). It's the same length as the Twin XL with a third again the width, it fits well in a smaller room while offering ideal space for a couple to sleep comfortably or a single sleeper to have tons of room to roll around in. Most master bedrooms accommodate a queen bed easily. The queen mattress is the most popular mattress size among Americans because it tends to be the best value for the size of the bed.  

King Size Bed

The king bed is the same length as the queen, but is a full 16 inches wider, providing a truly luxurious amount of space. The bed dimensions are 76 inches by 80 inches (193 centimeters by 203.5 centimeters). This provides all the room two people would need to stretch out. It's also a frequent choice for families with children or pets that sometimes make their way to the bed. However, make sure you measure your room before purchasing a king: larger beds are great but not if they make your bedroom too tight to get around in.

California King Size Bed

The California King takes 4 inches off the width of a standard king and adds it to the length, making it the tallest of all standard-size mattresses. Its exact dimensions are 72 inches by 84 inches (183 centimeters by 213.5 centimeters). Tall people, especially those above 6 feet, will find a California king most comfortable. Just remember, the California king mattress has similar space considerations as the king.