Common Mattress Sizes: A Complete Guide
Mattress sizes vary by region, but the most standard options (used in North America, Europe, and many parts of Asia) are defined by specific dimensions. Choosing the right size depends on your space, body type, and whether you sleep alone or with a partner.
1. Standard Mattress Sizes (North American Dimensions)
These are the most widely used sizes, with clear width and length specifications to fit standard bed frames.
- Twin: Measures 38″ x 75″. It’s best for kids, teens, or single adults in small rooms. As the smallest standard size, it fits narrow spaces like dorm rooms.
- Twin XL: Measures 38″ x 80″. It suits taller teens or adults, and is commonly used in college dorms. It’s 5 inches longer than a Twin, making it ideal for people over 6 feet tall.
- Full (Double): Measures 54″ x 75″. It works for single adults who want more space than a Twin, or for guest rooms. It’s wider than a Twin but shorter than a Queen, so it may feel tight for two adults.
- Queen: Measures 60″ x 80″. It’s the top choice for couples, or single adults who prefer extra space. As the most popular size, it fits most bedrooms and offers enough room for two people.
- King: Measures 76″ x 80″. It’s great for couples (especially those who sleep with kids or pets) and tall adults. It has the same length as a Queen but is 16 inches wider, so it needs a larger bedroom.
- California King: Measures 72″ x 84″. It’s designed for tall couples (over 6’4″) or bedrooms with narrow layouts. It’s 4 inches longer than a King but 4 inches narrower, making it perfect for tall sleepers.
2. Key Considerations for Choosing Size
- Space: Measure your bedroom first. Leave at least 2–3 feet of space around the bed for easy walking. For example, a Queen mattress needs a room that’s at least 10′ x 10′, while a King requires a 12′ x 12′ room.
- Sleepers:
- Single adults: Twin XL (if you’re tall) or Full (if you want more width) are good choices.
- Couples: Queen is the minimum size for comfortable sleep. Opt for King or California King if you need extra space, or if you share the bed with pets or kids.
- Body Type: Taller people (over 6 feet) should avoid Twin or Full sizes—they’re too short. Instead, choose Twin XL, Queen, King, or California King.
3. Regional Size Variations (Brief Overview)
If you’re shopping outside North America, sizes differ slightly:
- Europe: Uses “Single” (90cm x 200cm, roughly 35″ x 79″) and “Double” (140cm x 200cm, roughly 55″ x 79″)—these are similar to Twin and Full but use metric dimensions.
- Asia: Sizes are often smaller. For example, “Single” is around 91cm x 188cm (roughly 36″ x 74″) and “Double” is about 152cm x 188cm (roughly 60″ x 74″)—both are shorter than their North American equivalents.