Bed Size Buying Guide

Size	Dimensions (IN)	Dimensions (CM)	Best For
Crib	27” X 52”	68.5cm X 132cm	Babies and toddlers
Twin	39” X 75”	96.5cm X 190.5cm	Kids that have outgrown their cribs and single adults living in smaller apartments. It's also great for daybed or bunk bed.
Twin XL	39” X 80”	96.5cm X 203.5cm	Kids and taller adults and those who want to use an adjustable bed frame
Full	54” X 75”	134.5cm X 190.5cm	Good for a single sleeper or someone with children or pets and couples that do not require a lot of leg room.
Queen	60” X 80”	152.5cm X 203.5cm	Frequent choice and a perfect size for most couples that do not need a lot of sleeping space. If you plan to sleep alone this is more than enough.
King	76” X 80”	193cm X 203.5cm	Great choice for couples who want maximum personal sleeping space. Check our room dimensions scale guide to ensure it will fit in your bedroom.
CalKing	72” X 84”	183cm X 213.5cm	4 inches longer but 4 inches narrower than a standard king type. Good for taller individuals.

Make the Most of Your Space With the Facts on Different Bed Sizes!

When you’re ready to hit the sack at night, you want a bed that’s comfortable and the right size for your sleeping needs. Having enough space can help you get a better night’s sleep and wake up ready to start the day. While a twin might be fine for a younger child, you may want a full bed for a teen or young adult. Some couples sleep well together in a double bed, but others require the space that a queen or king provides. On the other hand, a California king might be too large for your small bedroom. Knowing the bed dimensions can help you choose the right bed for your home.

Here’s a quick rundown on the different bed sizes so that you can plan appropriately.

Toddler Beds

Many parents choose a toddler bed for a very young child who has just started to outgrow his crib. Toddler beds are actually about the same size as cribs, usually about 27” x 52”. In fact, there are a number of cribs that actually convert into toddler beds, letting you get more use out of your furniture. Parents often find that a toddler bed is a perfect step if their little one is ready for a big kid bed but not quite ready for something as large as a twin-sized bed. Young children may find the limited size of a toddler bed is comforting when making the transition.

Twin Beds

Twin beds are sometimes called single beds, since they fit just one person comfortably. The twin bed dimensions are typically 39” x 75”. This size is great for a child who doesn’t need a lot of extra room, or to fit in a smaller bedroom. Older children and adults may also be comfortable in a twin bed, especially if they need to save space, but because they are just over 6 feet long, they may be too short. These are the mattresses specifically designed for cribs. It can also serve as toddler beds in most cases once your baby outgrows the cot. Typically this is ideal for children who have outgrown cribs and toddler beds, and who are now ready to graduate to a larger mattress.

Additionally, for those who sleep in cramped quarters, who have small rooms or who share a room with a sibling or roommate, Twin beds are an ideal choice. Day beds, bunk beds, dorm room beds or those found in the guest room often use this type.

Extra Long - XL Twin Beds

Can I use Twin XL mattress on a King Size Bed Frame?

Yes, you can use two double/twin XL beds in a king frame. If you are in a relationship where one partner requires a different firmness than the other, usually end up being big fans of this setup. This is because Two XL beds can fit snugly alongside each other within a King sized bed frame.

This is good to know for partners who are tired of the fluffiness or firmness of their spouse’s mattress.

Full Size Beds

Another twin bed option is the extra-long twin, which adds another 5 inches to the length, making the bed dimensions 39” x 80”. This is often perfect for an older teen or adult who just needs to maximize the space in a single bedroom. Extra-long twins are less common than regular twins, and they do require different bedding. If you are in a relationship, this may not be the best choice for you, as the fit will be exceedingly tight. Likewise, if you have a dog, cat, or you have a child that sleeps next to you, you may want to consider a wider option.

Queen Beds

Queen beds are 60” x 80”, and they’re great for most couples. The extra bit of width and length makes them more comfortable, especially when sharing the bed. This is one of the most popular sizes of bed, so it’s very easy to find a great selection of styles to choose from, as well as bedding that fits.

There are actually different bed sizes for queens, including the Olympic queen and the California queen. Olympic queens add 6 inches to the width, while California queens add 4 inches to the length. Neither bed size is particularly common, so you may need to do a bit of searching if you really want one of these sizes. In addition, while standard queen linens are easy to find everywhere, those with Olympic and California queens may have a bit tougher time finding sheets and blankets that fit. When thinking about these larger types, it becomes necessary to consider the living space. These take up much more room than the Twin or the Full, and thus, the ability to freely move around the bedroom may become restricted.

If you have a larger bedroom, then this won’t be a factor for you.

King Beds

If you’re looking for real space, a king sized bed is the way to go. With bed dimensions of 76” x 80”, and they’ve helped to define luxury in a whole new way. If you’re sharing the bed with another person, you’re each getting as much space as you might in an extra-long twin-sized bed. King beds are a very popular size, and there are many styles to choose from. Because they are so big, however, you’ll need to think about the size of the room you’re putting the bed into. A traditional king size bed may be too bulky for a small bedroom.

It’s recommended that you do not opt for this option unless your room is at least 12×12. This is a perfect option for couples who sleep with their kids or pets and want more sleeping room for themselves.

If you want to compare this to other options, King is same as 2x Twin XL.

A nice fact is that box springs are split for this type, and it makes it easier to carry around and maneuver.

CalKing Beds - California King

If a king bed just isn’t big enough, don’t fret! You can also get a California king, which adds 4 inches to the length. This size bed is really only going to fit in a large bedroom, so keep this in mind when shopping. California kings are a bit more common than California or Olympic queen beds, so you may have a slightly easier time finding bedding. It’s perfect for active sleepers, tall people and couples with kids or pets. Cal King is 4” longer but 4” narrower when compared to a standard King.

It is recommended that you have a large room of at least 12’x12’.

What's the difference between a twin and single mattress?

The words “twin” and “single” are often used interchangeably to describe the same size mattress, but there is no difference between the two. While “twin” is considered the standard name in the US for a mattress that measures 38 inches by 75 inches, other parts of the world favor the term “single” for a bed with the same dimensions. Wherever you go, 38” x 75” is the standard size for a bed designed for one person.

Is a full size bed the same as a double?

Yes, full size beds and double beds are the same thing. Both terms refer to mattresses measuring 54 inches by 75 inches. Though the word “double” would suggest that a full or double bed is twice the size of a twin/single mattress, that’s not the case. A full mattress is 15” wider than a twin bed, but the same length. Double and full can still be used interchangeably, but double is an older term and mattress manufacturers have mostly replaced it with the word full.

Is there a difference when describing the sizes of beds versus mattresses?

For the most part, no. Bed and mattress are terms used interchangeably for one another, but bed can sometimes suggest a set instead of a single mattress. The term bed could mean a mattress and boxspring, or mattress, bedframe, boxspring, and headboard. It’s unlikely a manufacturer would list dimensions that included accessories, because their sizing isn’t standardized, and most mattresses can be paired with a variety of compatible accessories, and generally aren’t sold as sets.

What size mattress do two side-by-side twin beds make?

Technically, two twin beds are just two twin beds. However, at 38 inches by 75 inches, two twin or twin XL beds provide close to the amount of space of a king or California king mattress, which measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Conveniently, these close measurements allow manufacturers to support king and California king mattresses using two side-by-side twin or twin XL boxsprings, so customers don’t have to worry about trying to drag a 76” x 80” boxspring—which won’t bend the way a mattress will—up a flight of stairs to a master bedroom.

Is a full size bed big enough for 2 people?

It depends. A full mattress provides each person with 27 inches of space, which is the equivalent width of a crib. If you’re considering a full bed because you have limited space or budget constraints, test one out with your partner and decide if the sacrifice in personal space and length makes sense. For shorter sleepers, it might, but taller sleepers may find a full bed’s 54 inches insufficient

Plan Before You Buy

When you’re considering different sizes of bed, be sure to do a bit of advanced room planning before you actually head for the store or place your order online! Make sure that you know what the bed dimensions are that will fit into your bedroom. You’ll want to make sure that you have enough space to hold your new bed comfortably, without making the room seem crowded.

Choosing what size mattress to buy isn’t easy, especially considering the array of choices available. Today, you can count on finding California king, king, queen, full XL, full, twin XL, and twin mattresses widely manufactured and sold in stores. Mattress size is an individual preference, but understanding specific dimensions and your own expectations will help you narrow down the bed size that will serve your needs best. When you’re considering which size to buy, some factors to consider include whether or not you sleep with a spouse or partner, if children and pets share your bed, whether you’re on the taller or shorter side, and how large your bedroom is. Record bedroom dimensions before you shop to give yourself an idea of the space you have, and do some research. Below, we’ll outline everything you need to know about each mattress size so you’ll feel confident when you’re ready to buy.

When trying to find the right mattress size to fit the needs of you or your family, these are a few things to have in mind.

First, if you’re planning on upgrading, make sure you know the dimensions of your current bed. You wouldn’t want to shop for a larger option and accidentally choose the same type.

Second, if you’re moving, don’t forget to measure the room that you’ll be sleeping in. It is awful to have a mattress that is too big for space. You’ll have issues getting around the room, and your space won’t be as aesthetically pleasing.

Third, who will be sleeping in it? If it’s just you, you are good to go with a Double. But, if you have a spouse, kids or pets you might want to opt for a larger option such as Queen. King is the ultimate comfort size if your room can accommodate it.