Compare Bed Sizes: Which is Right for You?

Choosing the right bed size is essential for a comfortable and restful sleep. When considering the perfect bed size, there are three key factors to keep in mind: your height (or the height of the person who will be sleeping in the bed), the size of your room, and how many people will sleep in the bed. Most mattresses come in a range of standard sizes, so we recommend selecting the one that best meets your needs.

We’ve made comparing mattress sizes simple and straightforward to help you while you shop.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Bed Size?

There are three main considerations when choosing a bed size. Let’s take a closer look at what to keep in mind as you shop for a new mattress.

Your Height/the Height of the Sleeper

The taller you are, the longer your bed should be (see below). If you sleep with a partner, choose a mattress based on the taller person. A general rule of thumb is to take the height of the tallest person using the bed, add 6 inches, then look for a mattress at least that long.

If you're shopping for a mattress for your child, teenager, or another family member, do the same with their height to help make sure they’ll be comfortable.

Your Room Size

While a big bed may seem luxurious, consider your bedroom's dimensions. You’ll need space to move around. Your bed frame may take up additional space, especially if you have a sleigh bed or headboard. There are many choices for bigger mattresses that will fit into smaller spaces, which we’ll discuss below.

Number of Sleepers

The more people who will sleep in the bed, the wider the mattress you’ll need. Parents who plan to co-sleep with an infant or small child should remember that they move around and need space to spread out, especially as they grow.

The Different Bed Sizes

There are a few standard mattress sizes to choose from. Most bed frames also come in the following sizes, making it easier to select the right mattress for the right frame – and to buy the right bedding.

Twin

Twin beds are the smallest of the standard mattress sizes, making them a popular choice for kids’ bedrooms. They’re most suitable for small spaces, adults or children sleeping alone, and bunk beds.

Dimensions: 38” W x 75” L

Twin XL

Twin XLs are found in many dorm rooms at colleges and universities across the country. They’re longer than regular twins, but the same width. They’re most suitable for small spaces and tall adults or teenagers sleeping alone.

Dimensions: 38” W x 80” L

Full

For those who want a little more space than a twin bed, but don’t have the room for a queen, a full mattress can be a great solution. They’re most suitable for studio apartments, guest bedrooms, and adults or children sleeping alone who want more room.

Dimensions: 54” W x 75” L

Queen

Queens are usually the first bed size recommended for couples, due to their width and length. They’re also suitable for primary bedrooms, adults who sleep with pets, and adults sleeping alone who move a lot in their sleep.

Dimensions: 60” W x 80” L

King

For those with the space, a king-sized bed provides ample width for two people. They’re most suitable for couples who want the extra room, parents who co-sleep with their children, and rooms that are at least 12 feet by 10 feet.

Dimensions: 76” W x 80” L

California King

While California kings offer a longer mattress for taller adults, they’re also narrower than their standard king counterparts. They’re most suitable for couples where at least one sleeper is 6 feet tall, parents who co-sleep with their children, and adults who sleep with their pets.

Dimensions: 72” W x 84” L

Bed Size Comparisons: Which is Right for You?

Should you get a twin or twin XL? King or California King? Let’s compare beds of similar sizes to help you decide which is best for you right now.

Twin vs. Twin XL

While twin and twin XL mattresses are the same width and generally sleep one person, the twin XL adds another 5 inches in length. If you’re over 6 feet tall and sleep alone, but your room is still too narrow for a full bed, a twin XL might be a better fit. Similarly, when buying a bed for a child or teen, a twin XL gives them room to grow.

Twin vs. Full

Twin and full beds are the same length but have different widths. A full mattress can be more comfortable if your room is at least 10 feet by 11 feet and you sleep alone (or with a small pet).

Full vs. Queen

A queen mattress is often much more comfortable for most couples than a full mattress – assuming you have the space. Queen beds need a room that’s a little big larger for everyone to have enough space to move around the room. Queen mattresses are wider than their full counterparts but 5 inches longer, also making them an excellent option for adults who sleep on their own but are taller, move around a lot when they sleep, or just want extra room.

Queen vs. King

King mattresses are great for couples who want plenty of room to move around when they sleep or for parents who plan to co-sleep with their children. A standard king mattress is equal to two twin XLs side by side, so if you and your partner have vastly different mattress preferences, it might make sense to buy a king-sized bed frame and two twin XL mattresses. However, at a solid 16 inches wider than a queen, it’s important to ensure you have plenty of space in your bedroom.

King vs. California King

California King mattresses are longer than regular king-size mattresses – but 4 inches narrower (though still wider than a queen). This is a great choice for couples where one or both partners are over 6 feet tall. They’re also good for couples with narrow bedrooms, as long as the room length can comfortably accommodate the extra 4 inches.

Are There Other Mattress Sizes?

The mattress sizes we’ve mentioned are the most common. However, there are other mattress sizes to consider as you shop. These mattresses are primarily based on how they’re used.

RV Mattresses

Ready to hit the open road for an epic adventure? Your RV probably comes equipped to handle one of these three standard mattress sizes:

Short queen: 60”W x 75”L
RV king: 72”W x 80”L
RV short king: 72”W x 75”L

Three-Quarter Beds

While three-quarter beds are more common in the UK and northern Europe than in the United States, they’re not so rare that you wouldn’t be able to find a mattress to fit this size frame. Three-quarter beds fall between a twin and a full mattress at 48”W x 75”L and are great for adults with small bedrooms who want a bed bigger than a twin.

Olympic Queen

An Olympic queen is 66” wide by 80” long. It falls between a king and a queen. It’s wider than a standard queen (66” vs. 60”) but the same length (80”), while not as wide as a king mattress (76”). Couples with a little bit of extra space in their bedrooms who don’t have the space for a king might consider an Olympic queen.

Family XL

The largest mattress on the market by far, a family XL clocks in at 144”W x 84”L. That’s a full 12 feet of width! This is an ideal size for co-sleeping families with multiple children in the bed.

Custom Mattresses

Sometimes, a situation calls for a completely bespoke mattress. When that happens, contact Mattress Warehouse to discuss how we can create your ideal custom mattress.

Shop for Your Perfect Size at Mattress Warehouse

Still trying to decide which mattress size is right for you and your family? Mattress Warehouse has an incredible selection of mattress sizes, and our scientifically-designed bedMATCH® system can help you choose the best size. Visit your nearby Mattress Warehouse to speak with one of our Sleep Professionals about your mattress size needs.