, Mattresses October 31, 2022, Updated on May 16, 2023
John-Manuel Andriote
There are quite a few factors you should keep in mind when determining which mattress size is right for you. These include the size of your bedroom, who will be sleeping in the bed, and even how tall you are.
Twin, full, and queen mattresses are three common standard mattress sizes—so there’s a good chance one of them will be right for you. If you have children or teens or live in a really small house, then a twin or full-size mattress is a great option. If you have more room—or sleep next to a partner—a queen is your best bet.
Is a twin, full, or queen right for you? Our twin vs. full vs. queen bed guide will help you determine just that.
Twin mattress size
A twin mattress (also known as a single bed) measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long.
Pros of a twin
When would a twin mattress make more sense than a full or queen-size bed? Here are the top four reasons to choose a twin:
- A twin mattress is great for growing children. It’s an ideal size between toddler beds and the full-size mattress they may use as teenagers. It also fits nicely into kids’ rooms. “Twin beds are so fantastic for kids’ rooms because you don’t need much space for them,” says Prudence Bailey, founder and principal designer of Prudence Home + Design in Connecticut. “They can function as a bed or even a day bed.”
- Bailey adds that having two twin mattresses in a room is perfect for kids who love throwing sleepovers—or siblings who share a bedroom.
- A twin mattress size is versatile—it can be used in bunk beds, day beds, and for solo sleepers in studio apartments. (Keep in mind, your bedroom should be 7 feet by 10 feet at minimum to fit a twin-size mattress.)
- Since a twin mattress is the smallest mattress size, it naturally comes with the smallest price tag, and it’s a piece of cake to move.
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Cons of a twin
Of course, a twin mattress isn’t without its drawbacks. Here are the biggest downsides to this mattress size:
- It’s too small for two. Given that a twin mattress is only 38 inches in width total, it doesn’t afford much space for two people.
- Because it’s only 75 inches long (which translates to 6 feet 2 inches), a twin-size mattress may not be long enough for taller teens or adults. If you’re over 6 feet tall, or you suspect your teen will grow, a twin XL might be a better option because it offers an additional 5 inches in length.
Full-size mattress
A full-size mattress (also known as a double bed) measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.
Pros of a full
Weigh these benefits of a full-size bed before deciding whether or not it’s right for you:
- Full-size beds offer an ideal situation for solo sleepers. If you live by yourself, a full-size bed will provide ample room.
- This mattress size is a natural fit in downsized spaces. Those who live in apartments or who have small bedrooms will find that a full-size bed is a good option. A full-size bed can fit comfortably into a bedroom that’s at minimum, 10 feet by 10 feet.
- Full-size beds offer more space than a standard twin for kids. Bailey speaks from her first-hand design experience, saying, “We use full-size beds a lot when designing kids’ rooms since it’s a bed that they won’t outgrow until they leave home.”
- They’re also usually less expensive than their larger counterparts and easier to transport than bigger mattresses.
[SHOP FULL-SIZE MATTRESSES]
Cons of a full
Full-size beds do have a few drawbacks. Here are the two main ones:
- They don’t provide adequate space for most couples. In a full-size bed, each person will only have 27 inches of space for themselves. “Size is the biggest downside, as most adults will find it too small to share,” says Bailey. That said, if you’re not physically large and don’t mind snuggling, it could be just fine. “If they are a cuddling couple, this is the size for them,” says Bailey.
- Since they’re not especially long, full-size beds aren’t a great option for tall folks. A full-size bed is just barely over 6 feet in length, so you’re looking at feet hanging over the edge of the bed if you’re a few inches over 6 feet tall. Taller teens will be better suited to a twin XL mattress, while adults should opt for a queen.
Queen-size mattress
A queen-size mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Pros of a queen
There are a lot of reasons to choose a queen size bed. Here are the top two reasons why should consider one for your bedroom:
- It’s versatile, making it an outstanding option for couples and solo sleepers alike. Each sleeper gets about 30 inches of space to themselves. This gives couples plenty of room to move around. “A queen-size mattress is ideal for many people because it offers generous sleeping room for a single sleeper, yet the size is still ample and comfortable for two people,” says Mary Brennan, interior designer and founder of House of Fine Design in New Jersey. If you’re a combination sleeper—someone who switches positions throughout the night—you should have enough room in a queen-size bed so you won’t disturb your partner.
- You’ll have enough room for kids and pets as well. Although a queen-size mattress isn’t quite as large as a king-size mattress, you should still comfortably be able to snuggle with your family.
[SHOP QUEEN-SIZE MATTRESSES]
Cons of a queen
Here are two downsides to getting a queen-size bed:
- Naturally, a queen-size bed doesn’t offer as much room for couples and/or families as a king-size bed. You’ll have 16 inches less width in a queen-size bed than you would in a king.
- If you have a very small bedroom, a queen size bed is still sizeable enough to cramp your space. You should only choose a queen-size mattress if your bedroom is at minimum, 10 feet by 10 feet.
Size comparison
Here’s how twin-, full-, and queen-size mattress dimensions compare:
| Dimensions | Twin | Full | Queen |
| Width | 38″ | 54″ | 60″ |
| Length | 75″ | 75″ | 80″ |
The bottom line: A queen-size mattress is ideal for couples and solo sleepers with a larger size bedroom, a full-size is great for solo sleepers and growing teens, and the twin is best for younger children or studio apartments occupied by one solo sleeper.
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FAQs
Do two twins make a queen?
Two twins don’t make a queen. If you put two twin beds together, you’d get a mattress that was sized 76 inches wide by 75 inches long. A queen-size bed, on the other hand, measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Which is better: a full or a twin?
Neither mattress size is inherently better than the other. It all comes down to your sleeping arrangements. Full-size beds offer more room for solo sleepers and larger individuals, while twin beds are a good option for small children.
Is a full the same as a twin?
A full isn’t the same thing as a twin. A full-size mattress measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, while a twin-size mattress measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. That means a full-size bed is 16 inches wider than a twin.
Is a twin-size bed the same as a queen?
A twin isn’t the same as a queen. A twin-size mattress measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long, while a queen-size mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. That means a twin-size bed is 22 inches narrower and 5 inches shorter than a queen.
Find the best twin, full, and queen mattresses at Saatva
Saatva offers a wide range of high-quality mattresses in all standard mattress sizes, including twin, full, and queen.
All of our mattresses are handcrafted with premium materials to help you experience your most comfortable sleep. Plus, our mattresses come with a 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty.
Take our mattress quiz to find out which Saatva mattress is right for you.
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FAQs
Twin vs. Full vs. Queen: What's the Difference? ›
Coming to their dimensions, a twin mattress is 38 inches wide and 80 inches long, a full mattress is 54 inches wide and 80 inches long, and a queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long.
How much bigger is a full queen than a twin? ›The biggest benefit of choosing a queen-size bed over a twin is more space. Being 22 inches wider and five inches longer than a twin bed, queen beds are simply more spacious and more comfortable for single sleepers and couples.
Is there a difference between twin and full? ›While full mattresses are the same length as standard twin mattresses, they offer extra width and are a popular choice for guest rooms and small apartments. Because a full mattress is 15 inches wider than a twin, it's a bit more expensive and harder to move.
Does a twin and a full make a queen? ›Difference Between Twin, Full, and Queen Size Mattresses
A queen size is longer by 5 inches than a twin and full. Measuring 38 inches by 75 inches, a twin can accommodate a growing teenager or an average size adult, but there's no room left for another sleeper.
No, two twin beds do not make a queen. Two twin beds equal 78 inches in width, which is much larger than a queen size mattress which is 60 inches wide.
Can a full bed fit two adults? ›The full mattress dimensions (54 inches wide, 75 inches long) are best suited to single people, or perhaps single parents sharing a bed with a young child. They are substantially smaller than queens, so a full will also fit in better in a smaller space, such as a studio apartment.
Can a couple sleep on a full bed? ›While many people think full size mattresses are good for couples, they're actually still better suited for individuals. Full mattresses aren't the best for couples, as each person would only get 27 inches of space, which is less space than a crib.
Do two twins make a full size bed? ›No, a double bed is not the same thing as two twin beds. A double or full size bed is larger than a twin bed, but not as big as two twin beds. A double bed is nearly as large as a queen bed, though it's not quite wide enough for two people. However, two twin beds are almost the same as a king size bed.
What age is a full size bed for? ›Generally, a full-size mattress is appropriate for children once they reach around 8 or 10. However, if you notice your child has hit a sudden growth spurt, you may need to buy a mattress for them sooner.
Who should sleep on a twin mattress? ›Twin size mattresses are best suited for children, college students residing in dorms, and adults who don't normally sleep with a partner.
Does 2 twins make a king? ›
If you chose to combine two twin size mattresses, you'd have a bed that is neither here nor there; not quite the size of a king bed but pretty close. The width of two twins is the same as the width of a king sized bed, but your new creation will be five inches shorter than a traditional king.
What two mattresses make a queen? ›A standard queen size adjustable mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. A typical split queen adjustable bed uses two 30-inch by 80-inch mattresses to achieve the same surface area as a regular queen size bed.
Is a queen size bed big enough for two people? ›The queen size mattress is ideal for couples. There is enough room to stretch. And it is easy to reach out to your partner for some snuggling time. Moreover, the queen size mattress dimensions are capable of fitting a modest-sized bedroom and there will still be enough space to fit the other bedroom furniture.
What two beds make a king? ›Twin beds are 5 inches shorter than king size mattresses, so will make a shorter mattress. But, two twin XL beds will make a king bed. They are 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, and combine to be the length and width of a standard king size mattress.
What bed is twice the size of a twin? ›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.
What do 2 full size beds equal? ›Doubling up a double or full mattress creates a bed that's 108 inches wide and 75 inches long, even wider than a king. However, since this isn't a standard size, sheets and linens will be difficult to find and may require modification, which increases the cost.
What size bed do most couples have? ›The standard queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long and is the most popular mattress size, especially amongst couples.
What's the biggest bed size? ›King-sized mattresses measure 76" X 80" and they are the largest mattress size by US standard manufacturing. It is encouraged to measure the room's floor space before buying a King size bed to ensure a comfortable fit.
Is full bed too small for guests? ›In fact, full-size bed frames make a great option for a guest room because they offer enough space to fit one person or even two people if it's not long-term. Of course, you could use a queen-size bed if the room is large enough, but many guest rooms tend to be on the smaller side.
Do husband and wife have to sleep in the same bed? ›When a person gets married or moves in with someone else, the expectation is generally that they'll share a bed. However, a growing legion of couples are opting to stay married and sexually active, but do the actual sleeping part in separate beds, even in separate rooms.
Is it OK to not sleep in the same bed as your spouse? ›
Myth 1: Separate beds are a sign of a bad marriage.
Ultimately, the quality of your relationship depends more on how you come to decisions as a couple, and how well you both are sleeping, than your sleeping arrangement itself.
Almost half (46%) say that when they first got together as a couple, both partners preferred the same side of the bed and 79% of them had to concede their preferred side to their partner. Overall, twenty percent of Americans would find it challenging to change their side if a significant other wanted the same side.
What is a California king size bed? ›The California king dimensions (72 inches wide, 84 inches long) are best suited for taller people, or for narrow bedrooms where their more slim profile will fit in better aesthetically.
What two beds make a California king? ›A split king or split California king (also known as a side-by-side king) offers more flexibility, especially if you sleep with a partner. A split king is two twin XL mattresses pushed together, and a split California king is two mattresses measuring 36 inches by 84 inches pushed together.
Is a twin bed too small for a couple? ›Can a couple sleep on a twin bed? A twin bed is going to be uncomfortable for a couple to sleep on. With only 2,840 square inches of surface area, there isn't enough space for two adults to share a twin bed.
What size bed should a 17 year old have? ›Twin mattresses are 38” X 75” long or about six and a quarter feet. A twin mattress will do just fine into adulthood for many teens, provided the mattress has proper support and comfort levels to help them sleep properly. The downside to a twin mattress comes if your child outgrows the length of the bed.
What age is a big girl bed for? ›Most experts recommend that around three is the ideal age to transition to a big kid bed. Research shows that waiting until your child is three is associated with healthier sleeping habits –– earlier bedtime, longer time asleep and less resistance to bedtime.
Who uses a full size bed? ›Full size beds are commonly used in small bedrooms that don't have space for a bigger bed. Full beds can comfortably accommodate a single sleeper who wants a little more room on either side than they would get with a twin mattress. A full bed could also accommodate two children or a parent and a young child.
How often do you need a new mattress? ›Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are various factors that influence when you should replace your mattress.
How can I sleep with my boyfriend in twin bed? ›Partners lay side-by-side on their backs. Legs are kept straight and arms are crossed over each partner's chest. Partners are able to be close together without invading each other's space. As long as nobody moves in their sleep, this position is perfect for sharing a bed equally.
Can a 5 7 person sleep on a twin mattress? ›
Since it's 75 inches long and 38 inches wide, it can usually accommodate an adult who's under 6 feet tall. A twin XL mattress has an added 5 inches of length to keep a person taller than 6 feet sleeping comfortably.
Do king sheets fit two twins? ›King size bedding should fit your two Twin XL mattresses perfectly. If you do decide to push two Twin mattresses together, the shorter length would probably require either custom bedding, or two separate Twin fitted sheets to prevent too much movement of King sheets.
Can two adults sleep on a twin bed? ›While there are many uses for twin-sized beds, they are not recommended for sleeping two adults. They are best for young children and single adults. For children, twin-size beds give them the same floor space as a regular-sized bed.
How do you keep two twin beds together? ›Strap the mattresses together so they can't slide.
Wrap a long strap—like a flat ratchet strap—around the perimeter of the mattresses, then buckle it to secure the mattresses to each other. Then, place a foam wedge in the middle of the bed to disguise the gap between the mattresses.
Overall. Choosing between a Twin and a Queen will come down to space; Queens will most likely be a better fit for a decent-sized master bedroom and a Twin (or Twin XL for extra length) could be the perfect size for a cozy dorm room or child's room.
Can a queen fit a double? ›We are often asked this question, and it's not surprising since there is nothing to stop you from laying a queen size mattress on a smaller bed frame. So the short answer is yes, you can fit a queen size mattress on a double bed frame.
Can a queen mattress be cut in half? ›A split queen size mattress is kind of like opting for a half pepperoni, half cheese pizza when you and your partner can't agree on what to get. A split queen bed is a dual queen size mattress consisting of two mattresses that each measure 30 inches by 80 inches.
Do most couples have queen or king beds? ›A queen bed is the most popular mattress size amongst couples. It is perfect for couples with enough space for small movements during sleep.
Do couples have queen or full size beds? ›A Queen bed is usually preferred for couples because it has more sleeping space. On the other hand, a full mattress is ideal for singles because you have the space to sprawl out — even if you're working with a smaller bedroom. What Is the Most Popular Mattress Size? Queen mattresses are the most popular mattress size.
Is a king size bed overkill for one person? ›Nope. If your comfortable with it&have enough space for it,it's not too much. It is entirely up to you&no one else if you'd like to have a king size bed.
What size bed is equal to two twin beds? ›
The width of two twins is the same as the width of a king sized bed, but your new creation will be five inches shorter than a traditional king. If neither you nor your partner is especially tall, this plan could still work for you.
Does a queen and a twin make a king? ›If you are thinking of pushing two mattresses together, consider the following standard mattress sizes. To summarize, two twin XL size mattresses produce a king size bed. Queen-size beds have less space than a king bed. Consequently, two twin beds combined will be better.
How much bigger is a full to a queen? ›Full- and queen-size mattresses are two of the most commonly bought mattress sizes on the market. A full-size mattress is smaller than a queen, measuring 54 inches wide and 76 inches long. A queen-size mattress adds an extra 6 inches to the width making it 60 inches wide and 80 inches long.
Is a twin bed for 2 adults? ›A standard twin size mattress at 38 inches wide can only accommodate one person comfortably. However, it's perfect for children transitioning from a crib mattress because of its compact size. It can also fit an adult but is better suited for teens and children due to the limited sleeping space.
Is a twin bed big enough for two adults? ›A twin bed is going to be uncomfortable for a couple to sleep on. With only 2,840 square inches of surface area, there isn't enough space for two adults to share a twin bed.
Can you put 2 twin beds together? ›Can two twin beds be put together? Yes, two twin beds can be put together. They will be the width of a king bed (76 inches), but slightly shorter in length. If you don't mind a little extra space near your headboard or at the foot of the bed, you can combine two twin beds in a king size bed frame.
Who gets the crown if a king has twins? ›In terms of inheriting the British throne, the same rule applies to twins as to single children – the firstborn inherits. Even if the first child is only minutes older than the younger, he or she still takes the prize.
What size bed is two fulls put together? ›Doubling up a double or full mattress creates a bed that's 108 inches wide and 75 inches long, even wider than a king. However, since this isn't a standard size, sheets and linens will be difficult to find and may require modification, which increases the cost.
What is the most common bed size for couples? ›The standard queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long and is the most popular mattress size, especially amongst couples.
Is it better to get a queen or full? ›Queen and full mattresses are both good choices based on your different needs. A Queen bed is usually preferred for couples because it has more sleeping space. On the other hand, a full mattress is ideal for singles because you have the space to sprawl out — even if you're working with a smaller bedroom.
Can I put queen sheets on a full bed? ›
The fact is that full beds vs. queen beds aren't different enough in their dimensions that one size sheet set or bedding won't work pretty well for the other.
What size bed should a married couple have? ›A King bed tends to be best suited for couples, and it is the equivalent of each individual sleeping on their own Twin XL bed (pushed together); the King bed offers each person 8” of additional space than a Queen sized bed, making it ideal for master bedrooms, but may be too large for some individuals.
What size bed for two adults? ›Couples can share either a queen or king size bed, but the king size is most comfortable for two adult sleepers. The king size bed provides 38 inches by 80 inches (size of a twin XL) of space for each sleeper, as opposed to 30 inches by 80 inches in a queen.
What size bed is comfortable for 2 people? ›A king-size bed furniture is usually 72 inches (1.8 m) wide and 72 to 78 inches (1.83m to 1.98m) long. These are just basic measurements, but their standard bed sizes could also vary depending on the seller. The king size bed dimensions remain a good fit for two adults who prefer to have plenty of personal space.