Mattress Sizes and Dimensions: Which Size Fits Your Room?
The six standard mattress sizes run from the twin, at 38 by 75 inches, to the king, at 76 by 80 inches. A queen measures 60 by 80 inches and suits most couples and most main bedrooms. Choose the largest size that still leaves about two feet of walking space around the bed.
What are the standard mattress sizes?
There are six standard mattress sizes in the United States. The table lists each one from smallest to largest.
| Size | Width by length | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 in by 75 in | Children, bunk beds, and daybeds |
| Twin XL | 38 in by 80 in | Taller teenagers and adults in small rooms |
| Full | 54 in by 75 in | One adult, a teenager, or a guest room |
| Queen | 60 in by 80 in | Couples and most main bedrooms |
| King | 76 in by 80 in | Couples who want more room |
| California king | 72 in by 84 in | Taller sleepers and longer rooms |
Common questions about mattress sizes
What size is a queen mattress?
A queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. It gives each of two sleepers 30 inches of width, and it is long enough for most adults. With two feet of clearance on both sides and at the foot, a queen fits a bedroom of about 9 feet by 8 feet 8 inches.
Is a full mattress big enough for two adults?
A full mattress measures 54 by 75 inches, which gives each of two sleepers 27 inches of width. That is about the width of a crib mattress for each person, so most couples are more comfortable on a queen. A full works well for one adult, a teenager, or a guest room.
What is the difference between a king and a California king?
A king measures 76 by 80 inches, and a California king measures 72 by 84 inches. The king is 4 inches wider, and the California king is 4 inches longer. Choose a king for more shoulder room, and choose a California king if you are tall and want more legroom.
How much room does each mattress size need?
A bedroom is comfortable when about two feet of open floor remains on both sides of the bed and at the foot. The table adds that clearance to each mattress size to show the smallest room in which the bed can be walked around.
| Size | Mattress | Smallest comfortable room |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 in by 75 in | 7 ft 2 in by 8 ft 3 in |
| Twin XL | 38 in by 80 in | 7 ft 2 in by 8 ft 8 in |
| Full | 54 in by 75 in | 8 ft 6 in by 8 ft 3 in |
| Queen | 60 in by 80 in | 9 ft by 8 ft 8 in |
| King | 76 in by 80 in | 10 ft 4 in by 8 ft 8 in |
| California king | 72 in by 84 in | 10 ft by 9 ft |
These figures allow for the bed alone. Add the depth of a dresser, a nightstand, or a door that swings into the room. A bed placed against a wall needs less width, and a twin or a full is often set that way.
How do you measure a bedroom for a mattress?
Measure the room before you shop, and bring the numbers with you. Four measurements are enough.
- Measure the length and the width of the room from wall to wall.
- Mark the wall where the head of the bed will go, and note any windows, vents, or outlets on it.
- Measure the depth of each piece of furniture that will share the room.
- Open every door and closet door, and measure how far each one swings into the room.
Which mattress size is right for you?
The right size depends on who sleeps in the bed and how much floor the room can spare.
One adult
A full gives one adult room to spread out, and a twin XL saves floor space in a small room. A queen suits a single sleeper who shares the bed with a pet or who expects to share it later.
Couples
A queen is the usual choice for two adults. A king gives each sleeper 38 inches of width, which is the same as a twin for each person, and it suits couples who wake each other during the night.
Children and teenagers
A twin fits most children’s rooms and most bunk beds. A twin XL or a full gives a growing teenager more length or more width.
Guest rooms
A full or a queen serves most guests. A queen is the safer choice when the room will host couples.
Tall sleepers
The twin XL, queen, and king are all 80 inches long. The California king is 84 inches long, which makes it the longest standard size.
Will the mattress fit through your door and up your stairs?
A mattress has to reach the bedroom before it can fit the bedroom. Measure the width of the front door, the bedroom door, each hallway, and each stairway, and note any tight turn or low ceiling on the stairs. Loft bedrooms and narrow cabin staircases deserve particular care. A mattress will bend slightly around a corner, and a rigid foundation will not. Tell the store about any tight spots when you order, so the right foundation can be chosen.
Which sizes work with an adjustable base?
Adjustable bases are made in most of the same standard sizes as mattresses. A split king uses two twin XL mattresses on two bases, so each side moves on its own. You can see the bases we carry on our adjustable bases page.
More questions about mattress sizes
What is the difference between a twin and a twin XL?
A twin measures 38 by 75 inches, and a twin XL measures 38 by 80 inches. The two are the same width, and the twin XL is 5 inches longer. The extra length suits taller teenagers and adults, and it is a common size in college dormitories.
What is a split king?
A split king is two twin XL mattresses placed side by side. Together they measure 76 by 80 inches, the same as a standard king. Each sleeper can choose a different firmness, and on a split adjustable base each side can be raised or lowered separately. Ask the store which models are available as a split king.
Try each size in the showroom
Bring your room measurements to our Murphy or Andrews store and lie down on each size you are considering. Queen mattresses start at $449, and other sizes are priced in the store. You can see the current models on our mattresses page, or take the mattress quiz before you visit.
Murphy store
1315 US Hwy 64, Murphy, NC 28906
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Andrews store
13860 US Hwy 19, Andrews, NC 28901
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Written by the Nothing But Beds Team. Nothing But Beds has been family owned since 2001, with more than 40 years of combined mattress experience.