Mattress Dimensions – Where Size Matters in the Bedroom

We’ve listed out the dimensions of the standard mattress sizes so you can determine what size bed is right for you. Your individual preferences, body type, and the room will impact your decision.

On this page

    Your Size

    Taller people will want a longer mattress size to stretch out and get comfortable. While your height is a valid concern, recent studies have also found that body mass is a relevant factor. An individual with a higher BMI requires more space to turn in bed comfortably.

    The Bedroom

    The dimensions of the bedroom determine the size of the bed you can choose. Smaller spaces, in particular, limit viable options.

    Don’t overlook accessibility in your bedroom. Even if your sleep area is spacious, you can still have limitations. Most homes built before the 1960s were designed with full-size mattresses in mind. Stairways, tricky corners, and low ceilings can be significant problems for delivering larger beds.

    Sleeping Habits

    If you toss and turn, you may want a wider mattress for more comfort and practicality.


    Mattress/Bed Sizes and Dimensions

    The following bed size chart provides the dimensions for each mattress size and who it is optimal for:

    Bed Sizes Dimensions Best For
    Crib 27″ x 52″ Infants
    Twin 38″ x 75″ Children who have outgrown their cribs, single adults living in cramped spaces, and bunk beds
    Twin XL 38″ x 80″ Taller children and adults, adults in dorm rooms, couples with different mattress needs
    Full 54″ x 75″ Children, single adults, single adults with pets/children
    Full XL 54″ x 80″ Taller individuals who have limited space for mattress width will benefit here
    Queen 60″ x 80″ Most popular choice among couples, single adults who want ample space
    King 76″ x 80″ Couples who need maximum personal space, Couples sharing the bed with pets or children
    Cal King 72″ x 84″ Couples with pets or children, taller people

    Bed Types and Descriptions

    Choosing the right bed and mattress size can be challenging, given the numerous options available. Listed below, are descriptions and details of the most popular mattress dimensions. Keep in mind your bedroom dimensions while considering any of these sizes.

    Crib Sized Mattress

    The federal government regulates dimensions for full-size cribs under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. (CPSIA). This is to prevent the risk of injuries (or death) due to dislodgement, poor assembly, etc.

    • Crib Mattress Dimensions: 27″ x 52″
    • Crib Dimensions: 28″ (~ 5/8″) x 52 3/8″ (~ 5/8″)

    While crib dimensions are relatively standard across the US, their mattress sizes can still vary slightly. For safety reasons, the mattress must have a snug fit when placed in the crib. A maximum distance of “two fingers” of space should be present between the side of the mattress and crib frame.

    The thickness of the mattress should not exceed 6 inches. Like adult mattresses, these can be either foam or innerspring mattresses. However, they must be firmer than the average adult mattress. Too soft of a mattress can pose a suffocation hazard and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They may also be lighter than adult mattresses for better portability and easy cleaning.


    Twin Mattress Sized Mattress

    Twin mattresses were once referred to as singles because they were intended for use by one person. While the next size up, they are significantly different from toddler beds as they are large enough to fit a single adult of average height. Taller teens and adults may need something with a bit more length to sleep comfortably.

    Twin Size Mattress Dimensions: 38″ x 75″

    Best Place For A Twin Size Mattress

    • For a young child’s bedroom: A twin mattress is usually the best fit for children between the toddler and teenage years. The slim size makes them ideal for bunk beds or side-by-side in shared kids bedrooms.
    • Small bedrooms: Since the twin is the smallest adult size, it is also commonly chosen by those who are short on bedroom space. Sharing a living area with a roommate, for instance, can limit the size of the bed you pick. For those living in cramped quarters, a twin size mattress is a great option.
    • Those on a budget will find a twin mattress and frame to be the most affordable option. While a full and queen size is relatively close in price, a twin costs considerably less than either option. Not only are twin mattresses cheaper than the other sizes, so are their sheets, blankets, and comforters. They are also the easiest to move from one location to another.

    Twin XL Sized Mattress

    For those who find the twin size slightly uncomfortable lengthwise, the twin extra long (twin XL) is an excellent alternative. It provides 5 inches of additional length when compared to the twin size mattress. It is also a popular choice for those with growing teenagers. Twin XL beds tend to last longer as teenagers may find it comfortable even after a growth spurt. They provide the convenience of a twin bed with the comfort of the additional 5 inches in length.

    Sheets and bedding for twin XL sheets may be harder to find than twin size sheets. If combining two twin xl mattresses to create a king size mattress, you’ll want to purchase a Split King sheet set. These sets include a one-piece king size top sheet and two fitted twin xl bottom sheets.

    Twin XL Mattress Dimensions: 38″ x 80″

    Best Place For A Twin XL Mattress

    • Dorm rooms: On-campus rooms are usually quite small and shared by more than one student. Due to their slim fit and extra length, the twin XL is the popular choice for a college housing.
    • King size bed frames frequently use twin XL mattresses but, of different firmness types. Couples who have different comfort needs prefer this setup. For instance, one partner may want a firm mattress while the other needs a soft plush bed. Arranging two twin xl size mattresses side-by-side will ensure each sleep partner can be comfortable.
    • Adjustable beds are one of the most common purposes for twin xl mattresses. While resting side by side, two twin xl’s are equal in size to a king mattress. This setup allows for each sleep partner to operate their adjustable base separately. Having this independence permits each base to lift the head and feet independently of each other. Couples can get individualized comfort while sleeping in the same bed.

    Full Sized Mattress

    It wasn’t until the middle of the last century that queen and king size mattresses were introduced. Before this time, the full size (or standard double) was the bed most American couples owned. They offer ample space when compared to the twin size mattress. But, they are a bit more cramped for couples when compared with bigger sizes. That said, for those with a sleep partner, they are still a viable option if space is limited. In most homes today, the full size mattress fills the role of guest bedrooms, children, or single adults.

    Full Size Mattress Dimensions: 54″ x 75″s

    Best Place For A Full Size Mattress

    • Bedrooms where a queen won’t fit, and a twin is too small are ideal for a full size mattress. Compared to a queen, a modest decrease in size creates additional floor space.
    • In a child’s bedroom, bypassing the twin and going directly to the full makes sense for a variety of reasons. During the younger ages, the bed is large enough to accommodate the child and a parent. As your child grows, there is plenty of room to accommodate them through the teen years. It also saves money by not purchasing the twin first; only to buy the full a few years later.
    • As a guest bedroom, a full size bed is a great choice. They are small enough for a less spacious extra room but, large enough to accommodate most adults. While queen size is ideal for couples, a full will usually suffice short term.

    Queen Sized Mattress

    The Queen size mattress is the most common bed sold in the US. It seems as though they’ve been around forever. But, queen size beds are a relatively new concept. They were created out of both necessity and demand for larger beds. Significant increases in the height of average Americans from 1900 to 1959 have been well documented.

    Although first introduced in the 1940’s queen size beds had very little impact on mainstream buyers until a decade later. Until then, most couples slept in what was referred to as a standard double; today’s full size mattress. If this size felt a bit cramped for couples, the only other option was sleeping in two separate twin beds. Other than on old-time tv sitcoms, this idea never gained much traction. Once gaining public acceptance, the queen size bed quickly became the new standard for American couples.

    Queen Size Bed Dimensions: 60″ x 80″

    Queen size mattresses are 5″ longer and 6″ wider than a full size. Appropriate bedroom dimensions are required to accommodate their size. A queen size bed with its head against the wall and 2 feet of space on either side will need a room at least 9 feet wide and 8 feet long. If you plan to fit a nightstand or other furniture, you would want at least a 10’x12′ room.

    The queen mattresses popularity has made them a readily available and affordable option. As a result, sheets and other bedding accessories are readily available in a wide variety of designs. Unless space is limited, the queen makes sense for most couples.

    Best Place For A Queen Mattress

    • Master bedrooms commonly utilize a queen size bed. They are spacious enough to accommodate most couples comfortably.
    • A heavier individual with a high body mass index (BMI) will benefit from additional space to move on.
    • A parent who sleeps with a child will appreciate the extra space.

    King Sized Mattress

    A king size mattress is significantly larger than a queen. It’s the perfect option for those couples who share the bed with their child or a pet. Measuring 76″ in width the king size is the widest option available. The king size is recommended for bedrooms measuring at least 12′ x 12′. More room would be needed to fit a nightstand or other bedroom furniture comfortably.

    King Size Mattress Dimensions: 76″ x 80″

    The king size is also referred to as ‘standard king’ or the ‘eastern king’. Two people sleeping in a king-sized bed will find plenty of personal space. The king’s surface area is equal to two adults sleeping in 2 twin xl beds pushed together. It’s enough for most people and is the preferred size for large master bedrooms. Due to its width, the king-size mattress may be difficult to transport. Its mass becomes an issue when navigating through small hallways and staircases.

    For these more difficult deliveries, a split king mattress might be the answer. It uses two mattresses which are each 38″ x 80″, known as twin extra longs. The two combined make one full king size bed. Additionally, they allow couples to each chose their comfort preference.

    Best Place For A King Mattress

    • Larger master bedrooms are an ideal place for a king size bed. Take advantage of a more spacious sleep environment.
    • Couples who move a lot during sleep will enjoy the additional elbow room of a king size mattress.
    • Couples who share a bed with children or pets will enjoy this roomier mattress.

    California King Sized Mattress

    The California king is longer than the standard king size mattress. They are designed for taller people or couples who need extra length to accommodate a pet at the foot of the bed. A Cal King sacrifices 4″ of width for 4″ of length. Each sleep partner still gets a generous 36″ of sleeping space.

    Cal King Mattress Dimensions: 72″ x 84″

    The California king size also referred to as the ‘western king’. It is the longest mattress size available. Like the standard Eastern king, It requires a bedroom that is at least 12 feet x 12 feet.

    Due to its narrower dimensions, the Cal King size tends to be a bit easier to transport than a standard king. However, it’s difficult to find reasonably priced sheets to fit it. Those who deal with their feet hanging off the edge of the bed will find it well worth the trouble.

    Best Place For A California King Mattress

    • Larger master bedrooms are most suitable for a Cal King. They need the same space as a standard Eastern king.
    • Taller sleepers (individuals or couples) will benefit most from the extra 4″ of length.
    • Narrower Master bedrooms where a king is a bit too wide may find a Cal king a good solution.

    Do You Need Split Box Springs (Foundations)?

    Split foundations are often requirements for older homes. Be aware and take proper measurements before you buy. A small initial investment can prevent problems come delivery day.

    King and California king come standard with split box. But, due to its larger size, the mattress can sometimes be an issue. Pocketed coil units

    Queen size splits are available At a nominal upcharge to the set price; usually around $50.

    Full size, although not typically an issue, are also available in split foundations. They may be manufactured with the split going either horizontally or vertical. Like queen size, there is usually a small upcharge for this convenience.


    The Final Note

    Here are some things to keep in mind before making your final purchase:

    Dimensions of the Room: A queen size mattress will need a room measuring at least 10 feet x 10 feet. Any size larger than a queen will need at least 12′ x 12′. Taking measurements of the room can be helpful when considering bed sizes. Leave space for walking around the bed without having to bump into furniture or walls.

    The Occupants: Depending on who will occupy the bed, the size of the mattress can vary. Children (aged three and above) will be comfortable in twin, twin XL, and full-size mattresses. For single adults, almost all sizes starting from the twin XL and upwards could suffice. Couples will need larger sizes such as the queen, king, and California king. Additionally, couples with children and pets will also enjoy these bigger beds.

    The right mattress can make a world of difference. Use this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the right sized bed for you.

     

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