How To Choose the Right Mattress Size

 

Shopping for a new mattress is all about finding the right fit for your body and sleep style. Your bed size can affect how well you sleep at night. That’s why it’s a good idea to try out different sizes before you decide. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the seven standard mattress sizes and who they work best for.

 

 

Twin & Twin XL Mattresses

What Size Is a Twin Mattress?

• Twin: 38" wide × 75" long
  

• Twin XL: 38" wide × 80" long

Twin mattresses are ideal for children, teens, or single sleepers in tight spaces. Twin XL mattresses add five extra inches of length, making them a great option for taller individuals or college dorm rooms.

Pro tip: Twin XLs require specific sheet sets, so be sure to buy bedding labeled "XL" for the right fit.

Benefits of Twin & Twin XL Mattresses:

• Great for kids, teens, or single adults
  

• Perfect for small rooms, bunk beds, or studio apartments
  

• Twin XL works well for guest rooms or taller sleepers without taking up too much floor space

 

 

Full (Double) Mattresses

What Size Is a Full Mattress?

• Full/Double: 54" wide × 75" long

A full mattress (also called a double) is wider than a twin but still best for a single sleeper. It’s ideal for young adults or solo sleepers who want a little more room to stretch.

Benefits of a Full Mattress:

• A step up in width from twin beds, which is great for single adults
  

• Can technically fit two people, but space is tight
  

• Offers extra room for solo sleepers with pets
  

• Works well in guest bedrooms or smaller master bedrooms

 

 

Queen Mattresses

What Size Is a Queen Mattress?

• Queen: 60" wide × 80" long

The queen mattress is the most popular choice for couples. It’s big enough for two people to sleep comfortably, yet still fits in most bedrooms.

Benefits of a Queen Mattress:

• Spacious enough for couples or individuals who like to sprawl
  

• Fits well in standard master bedrooms or larger guest rooms
  

• Offers enough room for pets or small children to join you
  

• Widely available with a variety of bedding and frame options

Note: There’s no “Queen XL,” only one standard queen size.

 

 

King & California King Mattresses

What Size Is a King Mattress?

• King: 76" wide × 80" long
  

• California King: 72" wide × 84" long

A king mattress offers maximum width, while the California king mattress provides more length for taller sleepers. Both are excellent for couples or families who want extra room.

Benefits of King & Cal King Mattresses:

• Ideal for couples who want to spread out or co-sleep with kids or pets
  

• Reduces motion transfer if one partner tosses and turns
  

• Offers plenty of room for any sleeping position
  

• Great fit for large master bedrooms

Need custom comfort? Consider a split king mattress, which is perfect for couples with different sleep styles. These beds pair well with adjustable bases, letting each sleeper control their side's firmness or incline.

 

Standard Mattress Sizes Comparison

Let’s compare the different mattress sizes side-by-side:

 

What Size Mattress Do I Need for My Height?

Here's a quick cheat sheet based on your height:

• Under 6 feet tall: A full or queen size will usually be fine.
  

• 6 feet or taller: Go with a queen, king, or California king; a full will likely be too short.

Pro tip: Twin XL is often overlooked, but great for tall sleepers in tight spaces.

 

Best Bed Size for Single Person, Couples, and Families

Best for Singles:

• Twin XL: Great for compact spaces or teens
  

• Full: Ideal if you like room to move

Best for Couples:

• Queen: The most popular size (by far)
  

• King: For couples who like their space
  

• California King: Especially good if one or both of you are tall

 

What Size Bed Fits in My Room?

If you’ve got a small space or tricky layout, measure before you buy. Here’s a rough guide:

Should Mattress Height or Thickness Matter?

Yes! Mattress height affects both comfort and accessibility. Here's why it matters:

• Low-profile beds (6–10 inches): Good for kids and trundle beds, but may lack support.
  

• Standard beds (10–14 inches): Most common; offers a balance of height and support.
  

• High-profile beds (14–18 inches+): Luxurious feel, but can be tricky for seniors or shorter individuals.

 

What Size Mattress Is Best for Back Pain?

Back pain sufferers often need more support, not just more space. While size matters, so does the construction of the mattress.

• For solo sleepers: Twin XL or Full with medium-firm support
  

• For couples: Queen or King with motion isolation and pressure relief

 

 

Find Your Perfect Fit at Bedzzz Express

Choosing the right mattress size isn’t just about measurements; it’s about comfort, room layout, and how you sleep. Whether you're tall, sharing the bed, or trying to fit a mattress into a compact guest room, getting the size right makes all the difference.

Still not sure which size is best for you? That’s where we come in. Visit one of our mattress store locations in Alabama or Georgia, or contact us to check out different mattress sizes in person.

With our 3-year exchange policy and 2-year extended warranty, you can shop confidently, knowing you're covered long after your purchase. We also offer other bedding accessories, like mattress toppers, bed frames, and pillows, to further enhance your sleep experience. 

Shop our mattresses at Bedzzz Express today!

Related readings from our blog:

• Do We Really Need a King-size Bed?

• What Are the Best Mattresses for Couples?

• When and How to Switch to a Big Kid Bed

 

FAQ: Questions About Choosing the Right Mattress Size

1. How do I know what size bed to get?
Consider your height, who’s sleeping in it, and your room size. Queen and king are best for couples; full or twin XL for single sleepers.

2. Does bed height affect sleep?
Yes. Too low or too high can make getting in and out harder and affect alignment. Aim for a total bed height of 20–25 inches.

3. Is there a big difference between a full and queen bed?
Yes. A queen is 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer, making it much more comfortable for couples or taller individuals.

4. What height bed is best for seniors?
A total bed height (including frame and mattress) of 20–23 inches is ideal for getting in and out easily.

5. Is a 6-inch mattress thick enough?
Not for most adults. We recommend 10 inches or more for regular use.