Recent weeks some people consulted us about how to select the suitable mattress size. And they are confused and hesitated, because there are several candidate sizes. We find it is necessary to write some things related to the mattress sizes. Whether it’s your first time buying a mattress, or it’s been a long time since you bought your last one, choosing a new mattress can always be a big decision. You don’t want to spend a large sum of time and money only to realize you didn’t make the right choice. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you.
We’ll explain and break down all the mattress size terminology so you can choose the best one for you, whether you’re sleeping alone or with a loved partner, or whether you like to cozy up or sprawl out.
Below is a summary sheet for all mattress sizes in market.
| MATTRESS SIZE | DIMENSIONS | COMFORTABLY FITS |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | 1 person |
| TwinXL | 38” x 80” | 1 person |
| Full/Double | 54” x 75” | 1 person with a pet, 2 adults, no pets |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | 1 person with a pet, 2 adults, no pets |
| King | 76” x 80” | 1 adult with pet(s) or child(s), 2 adults with a large pet or child |
| California King | 72” x 84” | 1 adult with multiple pets or children, 2 adults with multiple pets or children |
| Crib Mattress | 28” x 52” | 1 baby |
| Toddler Mattress | 28” x 52” | 1 toddler |
Twin Mattress
Twin Mattress Dimensions: 38” x 75”
The twin is the smallest mattress size that can accommodate young children and most adults comfortably.
Great for: children, single adults, anyone with a small living situation such as a studio apartment or shared room.
Not so great for: couples, taller adult men or women, anyone who likes to spread out when they sleep. Please keep in mind that 75 inches translates to 6 foot 3.
Twin XL Mattress
Twin XL Mattress Dimensions: 38” x 80”
The twin XL mattress is most likely to be spotted in college dorm rooms. It fits in smaller living space while providing extra length for taller adults or teenagers.
Great for: teenagers or taller adults in a small living situation such as a studio apartment or shared room.
Not so great for: couples, anyone who likes to spread out during sleeping.
Full/Double Size Mattress
Full/Double Size Mattress Dimensions: 54” x 75”
The full mattress (also known as double mattress) provides a little over a foot more width than the twin or twin XL mattress. It used to be the standard size for couples several decades ago when homes were built smaller, but now is more commonly used for individual adults or children who can afford to have the extra space to spread out.
Great for: individual children or adults sleeping alone or with a pet, couples who like to cozy up without pets.
Not so great for: couples where one or both persons wish to have a little personal space to spread out or stretch their legs, taller adults, couples who wish to sleep with their pets.
Queen Size Mattress
Queen Size Mattress Dimensions: 60” x 80”
The queen mattress is most popular today. It provides the extra length for taller adults, and the extra width so couples can still snuggle up but enjoy their personal space to stretch a bit too.
Great for: adults who prefer to spread out or sleep with their pets, couples who like to sleep near each other without pets. This size is suitable for smaller master bedrooms.
Not so great for: couples where both people like to really spread out or who wish to sleep with their pets.
King Size Mattress
King Size Mattress Dimensions: 76” x 80”
The king mattress is the same size as two twin beds side by side. This offers couples ample room to spread out, or to sleep with a large pet or children. For couples who require different support or prefer different mattress types, you can order two different twin mattresses to fit the king bed frame.
Great for: couples who like to spread out, couples who like to sleep with large pets or children. This size is suitable for larger master bedrooms (ideally 12 x 10 square feet).
Not so great for: couples with smaller master bedrooms.
California King Mattress
California King Mattress Dimensions: 72” x 84”
The California king mattress may be the longest mattress size in market (unless you order a custom one). This is the couple-size version of the twin XL mattress and it provides extra inches for taller adults.
Great for: taller couples who like to spread out, couples who like to sleep with multiple large pets or children, larger master bedrooms.
Not so great for: couples with smaller master bedrooms.
Crib Mattress
Crib Mattress Dimensions: 28” x 52”
Crib mattresses are specially designed for baby who is 18 months old, reaches 3 feet in height, or begins escaping their crib. Young infants aren’t able to maneuver themselves so if the mattress is too soft and their face sinks in, they are at increased risk of SIDS or suffocation.
Great for: children up to 18 months old or less than 3 feet in height.
Not so great for: everyone else.
Toddler Mattress
Toddler Mattress Dimensions: 28” x 52”
Toddler mattresses are typically the same sas a crib mattress. The different is that toddler mattresses are slightly softer, and are placed in toddler bed frames versus cribs. Parents can opt to buy detachable safety rails to protect the child from falling out. Some parents may skip the toddler mattress altogether and move straight to a twin mattress after the crib.
Great for: toddlers or small children.
Not so great for: everyone else.
Now we have informed you all mattress sizes in market. Do you get them? To buy a mattress, there are some other things considered. We will introduce them in the next post. And after buying the mattress, regular cleaning is also important. You can refer the following post to learn how to clean maintain a mattress.
I love how you mentioned that taller adults can sleep comfortably on a queen size bed because of its extra length and it has room for couples to snuggle up but also enjoy personal space. My wife and I want a new mattress and I am a tall person so finding a bed long enough for me has been a challenge. I will talk with her about getting a queen size mattress to benefit us both. Thank you for explaining each mattress size in detail.