A twin XL (“XL” stands for extra-long) is a great bed size for your child’s first “big bed” that can last all the way through college. Perfect for small guest rooms and college dorms, the Twin XL is a popular and affordable space-saver for single sleepers too tall for a regular twin bed.
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.
Twin XL size bed dimensions: 38 inches 80 inches (96.5 centimeters by 203.5 centimeters). The twin XL size bed dimensions in feet are 3.17 by 6.67.
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 size). But if you don't think you'll need more than 3 feet of sleeping space, a Twin XL will work well for you.
The twin XL mattress can be a great mattress for couples, too; if you and your partner can't settle on a mattress firmness, you could purchase two twin XL mattresses and push them together. The amount of space taken up is equivalent to that of a king bed—in fact this arrangement is called a "split king".
Room Size for a Twin XL Bed
Twin XL beds are incredibly versatile. Because they take up so little space, they can fit in many rooms. 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 in two twin XL beds (in an arrangement other than a bunk bed), you'll need comparable, or slightly greater, room than you would need to fit a king: a minimum of 10 feet by 12 feet for a split king or 13 by 13 foot for two separated twin XLs. In general, ensure you have at least two feet of walking space around your bed.
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. 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 or mattress foundation so the extra length you get from your twin XL won't be wasted!
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.