What mattress size should you buy, and what's the difference between the myriad of options? The variety of names and terms can be confusing, but we're here to help. Use this guide on bed sizes, terms, and dimensions to choose the perfect mattress size for you.  

Common Mattress Dimensions

Twin Bed / Single Bed: 38in x 75in x 10in 
Twin XL Bed / Extra Long Twin Bed: 38in x 75in x 10in 
Full Bed / Double Bed: 53 in x 75 in x 10 in  
Queen bed: 60 in x 80 in x 10 in  
King bed: 76 in x 80 in x 10 in  
California King bed: 72 in x 84 in x 10 in 

 

The Difference Between "Bed" and "Mattress" 

Before we get started, let’s clear something up. When people say “bed” versus “mattress,” are they talking about the same thing?   

Sometimes, a reference to the “bed” means a full setup, including the box spring or other foundation, bed frame, and bedding accessories. The term “mattress” implies, well, just the mattress. However, people often use the two terms interchangeably, as we will in this post.   

Also keep in mind: Yogasleep mattresses are not skimping by one inch in width on twin and full beds, where you’ll often see 39-inch and 54-inch widths, respectively. We round down to more accurately represent the sizes of our mattresses. Some companies round up.  

 

 

How big is a twin bed? 

Twin bed size dimensions in feet: 3.16 ft x 6.25 ft / 38 in x 75 in  
Twin bed room size: 7 ft x 10 ft  

The twin bed, also called the single bed, is a popular mattress size for children, teens, and single adults alike. It's an inexpensive space-saver that provides no more sleeping space than an average-height single sleeper needs for a good night’s rest.  

 

Benefits of the Twin Size Bed 

Fun fact: the name “twin bed” comes from the late 19th and early 20th century, when it became vogue to purchase a pair of these beds together. As the smallest standard size, it's an optimal fit for children’s rooms. Twin beds are a great step up when a toddler becomes too big for their crib mattress, and they're commonly used in bunk beds. They are an excellent choice for shorter sleepers looking to save on space.  

Easy to Maneuver 

Of all available mattress sizes, the twin is the easiest to bring into your home. Unlike trying to maneuver a larger mattress, like a California king, through your hallways, a twin mattress is easily carried around. Everything about a twin bed is more convenient –the bed frame is easier to carry, the bedding is more convenient to wash, and the mattress can be more easily flipped or rearranged.   

Budget-Friendly Buy

Twin beds are an economical mattress option. Since they're about half the size of a king bed, they also typically cost about half as much. This makes a twin mattress an especially good choice for furnishing dorms and guest rooms or any place where budget is a constraint.  

Not Just for Kids

Don’t limit your thinking when it comes to twin beds. They can also be used by single adults — typically those under 5'5”. (Side note: If you're over 5 foot 5 inches but still want the slim width of a twin, you may want to consider a twin XL mattress. We’ll talk about the Twin XL mattress more later.)  

In addition to height, if you're considering this bed size, make sure you're not the type of person who rolls around or sprawls out in bed. If you are, consider a full or queen bed, as they will feel less cramped.   

A Couple of Twins

Twin beds can even be used by couples. Though the twin XL bed is more typically used to create a split king, you can also push two twin beds together. The result will be 5" shorter than a standard king, but it can work for shorter couples.   

 

Room Size for a Twin Bed 

Will a twin bed fit in my room?  

The twin bed is a great space-saver for people living in small apartments, college dorm rooms, or other places with small bedrooms, requiring only 7 feet by 10 feet of bedroom space. (This measurement includes the twin bed and relevant furniture, like a nightstand and a dresser.)  

 

How big is a Twin XL bed? 

Twin XL size bed dimensions in feet: 3.17 ft x 6.67 ft / 38 in x 80 in  
Twin XL bed room size: 7 ft x 10 ft  

The Twin XL is a great bed size for your child’s first “big bed” that can last through college. It’s great for small guest rooms, college dorm rooms, and apartments. “XL” stands for extra-long, and this mattress is a popular and affordable space-saver for single sleepers too tall for a regular twin bed.   

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

  

Benefits of the Twin XL Bed 

With the width of a standard twin bed and the length of a queen bed, it combines space efficiency with enough legroom for taller sleepers to stretch out comfortably.    

Sleep Like a Log  

This mattress size, like the twin mattress, is optimal for people who sleep like logs: straight up and down the length of the mattress without much horizontal sprawling, tossing, or turning. If you're the sort of person who prefers to sprawl out, or who rolls around during the night, a twin XL will feel cramped, and you should consider a queen size mattress, or perhaps a king. But if you don't think you'll need more than 3 feet of sleeping space, a twin XL will work well for you.  

Settle the Mattress Debate  

If you and your partner can't settle on a particular mattress firmness, you can purchase two different twin XL mattresses and push them together to form one larger bed. This creates space that is equivalent to a king bed — in fact, this arrangement is called a "split king".  

 

Room Size for a Twin XL Bed  

Will a twin XL bed fit in my room?  

Twin XL beds are incredibly versatile because they take up so little space. In general, any room size larger than 7 feet by 10 feet should work for one twin XL bed. If you'd like to fit two twin XL beds (in an arrangement other than bunk beds), you'll need about as much space (or more) as you’d need for a king — a minimum of 10 feet by 12 feet for a split king, or 13 feet by 13 feet for two separated twin XLs.    

 

XL Mattress Means XL Frame  

Be sure to use caution when purchasing a bed frame for your twin XL mattress. Many people mistakenly purchase a twin-size bed frame, which is five inches too short for a twin XL. Depending on the style of frame, the twin XL mattress can hang off the end, or simply not fit in the bed frame at all. Make sure to purchase a twin XL size bed frame and mattress foundation so the extra length from your twin XL won't be wasted!  

 

How big is a full bed?   

Full bed size dimensions in feet: 4.42 ft x 6.25 ft / 53 in x 75 in  
Full bed room size: 9.5 ft x 9 ft  

The full bed is also sometimes called a double bed, even though it’s not actually double the size of a twin bed. A full mattress is great for solo sleepers of all ages, from children and teens to single adults. It’s economical, doesn’t take up too much space, and provides plenty of room to stretch out.   

 

Benefits of the Full Bed  

Sprawl Out & Roll Around  

A full mattress is the same length as a twin but adds some width. It provides more sleeping space than a twin or twin XL and makes it much more comfortable to spread out and roll around. It's also a great step up from a twin for older children or teenagers. Full mattresses can even be used by couples who don't mind a bit less personal space.   

Need More Leg Room?  

If the full bed seems too short, you can always opt for a twin XL mattress or a queen size mattress instead; each provides an additional 6 inches of legroom, which can be a lifesaver for taller sleepers. There is also the full XL, but as a non-standard size, this mattress can be difficult to find accessories for, and many people opt for either a twin XL or a queen instead.   

 

Room Size for a Full Bed  

Will a full bed fit in my room?   

The full bed is an extremely versatile bed size that can fit in many different spaces, from guest rooms and bunk beds to college dorms and small master bedrooms. Generally, if your bedroom is at least 9.5 feet by 9 feet, you will have no trouble with a full-size bed.   

How big your room should be to fit a certain mattress size does depend on what bed frame you use, as well as what other furniture you will be putting in the bedroom. 9.5 feet by 9 feet should be perfect for a full bed, mid-sized frame, two nightstands, and a dresser. But if you would like to add a couch and an entertainment center, you might want a bit more room.   

 

How big is a queen bed?  

Queen size bed dimensions in feet: 5 ft x 6.67 ft / 60 in x 80 in   
Queen bed room size: 9.5 ft x 10 ft  

The queen mattress is the most popular mattress size for American adults — in a 2017 survey, almost half of respondents across all age groups said they slept on a queen-size mattress. But what makes this bed size so popular, and is it right for you?  

The queen size mattress is the same length as the twin XL with an added third of width. It offers ideal space for a couple to sleep comfortably or a single sleeper to have tons of room to roll around in but still fits in all but the smallest rooms. Most master bedrooms accommodate a queen bed easily. The queen mattress is also the most popular mattress size among Americans because it tends to be the best value for its size.   

 

Benefits of a Queen Size Bed  

Snuggle Buddies  

A queen bed provides the perfect amount of sleeping space for a single sleeper to sprawl out, but it’s also great for accommodating an additional child or pet. They're great for couples on a budget, as queen mattresses generally provide enough room for two people to have their own space.  

Size-Conscious Sleepscape  

It can be difficult to fit a king or California king bed into many spaces, but the queen is a versatile mattress that fits everywhere from a guest room to a master bedroom. It provides a more comfortable sleeping experience than a twin size or full size mattress, with as much length as a twin XL and 6 inches more width than a full bed. Because of the extra legroom, it's a great choice for sleepers over 5ft 5in.   

 

Bedroom Size for a Queen Bed  

Will a queen bed fit in my room?   

Your typical master bedroom should comfortably fit a queen size bed. However, the size of room needed to fit a queen be depends on how much furniture you have, as well as the size of your bed frame. A good rule of thumb is that the minimum room size for a queen should be at least 9.5 feet by 10 feet. This should comfortably house a queen size bed and frame.   

 

Lesser-Known Queen Sizes  

There are two queen sizes that are not considered "standard sizes," but are still sold by some retailers. These are the Olympic queen and the California queen.   

The Olympic queen mattress measures 66 inches by 80 inches, adding an additional 6 inches of width. This is a good option for people who feel a standard queen is too narrow, but who don't have room for the 16 inches of width added by a king bed.   

The California queen mattress measures 60 inches by 84 inches. It's the queen equivalent of a California king in terms of adding 4 inches of extra length. This is helpful for people with bedrooms too narrow to fit a California king mattress but who appreciate a seven-foot-long bed.   

Be aware that with a non-standard mattress size, it may be difficult to find bedding accessories (bed frames, foundations, sheets, blankets, etc.) that fit your Olympic or California queen. It's best to purchase your non-standard queen from a retailer that also sells matching accessories.   

 

How big is a king bed?  

King size bed dimensions in feet: 4.42 ft x 6.67 ft / 76 in x 80 in  
King bed room size: 10 ft x 12 ft  

The king size mattress 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. 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 into your space, as it’s the perfect size to share a bed.   

 

Benefits of King Size Beds  

Room Fit for a King  

Many couples go for the king over the queen because of the additional space. It provides more motion isolation, more space to sprawl, and, though this is less critical with cooling gel memory foam mattresses like the Yogabed or Cooling Hybrid mattress, more thermal isolation.  
 
The ample square footage provides each person in a couple with the same amount of sleeping place as a twin XL. In fact, if you push two twin XL mattresses together, you'll be able to use king-size bedding with it. This setup is called a "split king". It lends ample space to a single sleeper or provides enough space for a couple to spread out.  

Wide Open Spaces  

Extra room means being able to stretch out and get comfortable throughout the night. It also means that you’re less likely to disturb your partner when moving around to try and find your favorite sleeping position. This means better ZZZs for everyone involved.  

 

Bedroom Size for a King Bed  

Will a king size bed fit in my room?  

King mattresses are great for master bedrooms. While many beds may be dwarfed by a larger room, a king bed will fill the space nicely, especially accompanied by a nice bed frame and headboard. However, a king bed can find a place in many other rooms, as long as the room is at least 10 feet by 12 feet (providing space for nightstands and a dresser), or 13 feet by 13 feet (providing space for more furniture).  

There is a common space-related concern regarding king beds. Even if your bedroom is large enough, how will you get it up the stairs and through your hallways? Fortunately, buying a bed in a box solves this problem. The mattress is compacted for shipping, so when your bed arrives, you can simply move the box into your bedroom, unroll the mattress, and then let it expand to its full size.  

In terms of box springs or foundations, if you don't have room to bring a king foundation into your house, you can use two twin XL box springs or foundations to support your king mattress.  

 

How big is a California king?  

California King bed dimensions in feet: 6ft x 7 ft / 72 in x 84 in 
California King room size: 12 ft x 12 ft 

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. Just remember, the California king mattress has similar space considerations as the king.  

 

Benefits to California King   

Great for Basketball Players — And Other Tall People  

Because the California king is the tallest of all standard-size mattresses, it's a perfect choice for tall people. The California king provides the extra legroom needed to accommodate those measuring above 6 feet.  

S-t-r-e-t-c-h  

Just like we mentioned before with the king bed, more mattress space means less sleep disturbances caused by you or your partner. On a California King, you can roll around, spread out, and find the sleep position of your dreams, without having to worry about your partner feeling every little movement.   

 

Bedroom Size for a California King Bed  

Will a California King size bed fit in my room?   

Large master bedrooms are your best bet for fitting a California King – specifically rooms that are longer rather than wider. The recommended room size is at least 12 feet by 12 feet, but the bigger the better. A room that is 12 feet by 14 feet will provide some extra space to walk around, or to accommodate more furniture.   

 

Standard King vs California King  

The difference between a standard king and a California king mattress is in width versus height. A California king bed takes 4 inches off the width of the standard king and adds it to the height, changing the mattress dimensions from 4.42 feet by 6.67 feet to 6 feet by 7 feet. As mentioned, the California king is often the first choice for tall people because of its extra length but slightly smaller width.   

 

Bedroom Sizes  

The room sizes listed for each bed are recommendations. Before buying a bed, make sure you can get it into the room you want it in – this includes the bed frame, headboard, and any other accessories. Be mindful of winding staircases, short doorways, and unique room shapes. Also take your other furniture into consideration – if you have a lot of furniture or décor in your bedroom, a larger bed may not quite work.   

In general, ensure you have at least two feet of walking space around your bed. 

 

Don’t Forget: Measure Your Room!  

Always make sure to measure and map out the layout of your room before you purchase a bed: draw it out on graph paper, tape out where the bed will go on the floor, etc. This will make sure that you know how your space will be laid out before your bed even arrives, eliminating any unnecessary stress. You wouldn't want to buy a fancy new bed only to find it won't fit!  

If you forgot to measure and already hit “Buy Now” on your new Yogasleep mattress, only to find out it’s an impossible size for you to work with, we offer full refunds up to 101 days past purchase. 

 

Finding Your Perfect Mattress  

Purchasing a mattress is a big investment and an important sleep decision. After all, you’ll spend a good part of your life sleeping on it. Make sure you choose the mattress size that best suits your height, budget, sleep style, room space, and other potential occupants of the bed, like pets, partners, or children.  
  

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about you or your family’s sleep, please contact your health provider.