Mattress Sizes Guide
Trying to decide which mattress size is for you? This is one of those decisions that seems like it should be a fairly straightforward choice, but for many it's a dilemma. How much open space should you keep in your room? What size beds do your kids really need? And what about guests--is a day bed with a trundle adequate, or should you go for a queen? There's also a lot of confusion about the different mattress sizes out there today. We're here to help break down your options so you can make the perfect choice.
Measure Your Space and Mock-Up Your Potential Mattress Sizes
When deciding which mattresses are right for your space, start by taking a few minutes to measure your room to figure out just how much space you have available. If you're having trouble imagining what different mattress sizes will look in your room, use painter's tape to outline the mattress size dimensions on your floor. You'll be able to see just how much floor space is left--and avoid unpleasant surprises when moving a new mattress in.
Most Common Mattress Sizes
Which is larger, a double or a queen? What's the difference between a King and a California King? And is a twin size bed really large enough for your growing kids? Here are the dimensions for all the most common mattress sizes.
1. King
Dimensions: 76" x 80"
Perfect for: Couples, families who cosleep, partners who prefer not to have to touch each other in the middle of the night
King mattresses are the gold standard for those who want a roomy sleep environment. They're the largest standard mattress size on the market. If you share a bed and don't like feeling crowded, a king is your best bet. King is also a popular choice for families with young children who cosleep or who need extra space to accommodate middle-of-the-night visits into the master bedroom.
2. California King
Dimensions: 72" x 84"
Perfect for: Tall people who want space to stretch out
There's a common misconception that California Kings are larger than king-sized beds. They're actually four inches narrower, but are four inches longer to accommodate taller people who really want space to stretch out at night. California kings are also a great choice for couples; some couples choose a California king over a standard king simply because it fits better in their bedroom space.
3. Queen
Dimensions: 60" x 80"
Perfect for: Singles, couples who don't mind a little closer proximity
Queen-sized beds are the most popular options on the market and the most well-stocked mattresses in stores. A popular choice for singles and couples alike, queen beds offer plenty of space for a single person to sprawl comfortably, while still allowing plenty of room for couples to share a bed. Queen beds are also a popular choice for guest rooms, thanks to their versatility.
4. Full (aka Double)
Dimensions: 54" x 75"
Perfect for: Singles
Full beds and double beds are one and the same, and they were once the mattress size of choice for couples. Today, fulls are generally only marketed to those who don't share their bed. Full mattresses are noticeably smaller than queens, but are usually sold at practically the same price point. When in doubt, we suggest sizing up to a queen if your space allows.
5. Twin (aka Single)
Dimensions: 39" x 75"
Perfect for: Kids, Teens, Singles, and bedrooms with very limited space
Apart from crib mattresses, twins are the smallest mattress size on the market, at just over three feet wide. The bed of choice for children, teens, and college students, twin beds are space-efficient yet still offer a comfortable sleeping area for most individuals.
6. Extra-Long Mattresses
Dimensions: 80" long
Perfect for: Growing kids or anyone who's on the tall side
Both full and twin-sized mattresses are available in extra-long lengths, measuring in at 80" instead of 75" to accommodate taller sleepers. When purchasing a mattress for a growing preteen or teen, it doesn't hurt to size up to an XL to be on the safe side. The price tag of XL mattresses is typically not significantly higher than their standard counterparts. Keep in mind, though, that not all bed frames will work with XL mattresses, so if you're purchasing a mattress to complement furniture you already have, double-check before you buy. And, of course, you would need to purchase bedding to fit.
7. Crib Mattresses (aka toddler mattresses)
Dimensions: 27 1/4" x 52 5/8"
Perfect for: Infants and toddlers
The U.S. government set the standard size for crib mattresses (which might explain the odd dimensions!), primarily to ensure a safe correspondence between standard crib and mattress sizes (mattresses that are too small for a crib can cause infants to become trapped between the mattress and the crib's edge and therefore cause a risk for suffocation). Crib mattresses fit in both cribs and toddler beds; many parents choose to have their child sleep in a crib until they can climb over the edge, then transition to a toddler bed. Take this route, and a single crib mattress will work for most children until they're at least 3-4 years old.
If you're still not sure...
Still on the fence about which size mattress is right for you? Head down to your local mattress or furniture store. Even if you plan to order online, try out a few different options in person. Don't be shy--lie down and stretch out to see what works for you! If you're trying to decide between two different sizes, we always recommend sizing up, assuming your bedroom or guest room is large enough. If you're purchasing a larger mattress than your current one, you'll also want to make sure you can get it into your space. For newer homes this isn't usually a problem, but older houses or apartments with tight corners and staircases can pose a tricky challenge--particularly for larger sized box springs, which you can't flex around corners. When in doubt, take lots of measurements, compare mattress dimensions, and don't hesitate to contact us for help making sure your choice will work in your space.