A Complete Guide to Bed Sizes and Mattress Dimensions

Choosing the right bed size can feel like solving a puzzle - especially when there are so many options out there. 

Whether you’re upgrading from a twin to a queen bed or deciding between a king size and California king, understanding bed sizes and mattress dimensions is key to a good night’s sleep. 

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about bed sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your space and comfort.

Standard bed sizing guide

Twin bed: 38" x 75"

The twin bed, also known as a single bed, is the smallest standard size that measures 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. 

It’s a great option for kids, young teens, or single sleepers who don’t require much space. Twin beds are often used in children's rooms, bunk beds, and smaller guest rooms due to their compact size, making them an excellent space-saving solution.

Twin XL bed: 38" x 80"

A Twin XL bed is a slightly longer version of the standard twin, measuring 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. It's ideal for taller individuals or teenagers who have outgrown a regular twin but still need a compact bed. 

Twin XL beds are commonly found in college dorm rooms due to their space-saving size and extra length.

Full bed: 53" x 75"

Also known as a double bed, a full bed is 53 inches wide and 75 inches long. It offers more width than a twin or twin XL, making it a good option for single sleepers who like to stretch out or couples who don’t mind a tighter fit. Full beds are also great for smaller master bedrooms or guest rooms.

Queen bed: 60" x 80"

The queen-sized bed is one of the most popular bed sizes, measuring 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. It strikes the perfect balance between space and comfort, making it ideal for couples who want room to move without taking up too much space in a bedroom. It’s also a popular choice for guest rooms.

King bed: 76" x 80"

The king-sized bed is the largest standard bed size, coming in at 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. This bed is perfect for couples who want maximum space or for families who like to share their bed with kids or pets. It’s essentially the equivalent of two Twin XL beds side by side.

California King Bed: 72" x 84"

The California King bed is slightly narrower but longer than a standard king, measuring 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. This bed is ideal for taller individuals who need the extra legroom while still providing plenty of space for couples.

Uncommon bed sizes

Aside from the usual twin to California king beds, there are also some less common bed sizes: the split king, Olympic queen, and Alaskan king-sized beds.

Split king: Two 38" x 80" (each)

A split king is essentially two twin XL beds placed together, allowing each sleeper to customize their mattress. This is popular for adjustable beds where partners might have different comfort preferences.

Olympic queen: 66" x 80"

An Olympic queen measures 66 inches wide by 80 inches long, making it slightly wider than a standard queen. This size is less common but works well for couples who need just a bit more width but don’t have room for a king.

However, finding mattresses, bedding, and bed frames for this size can be more challenging since it’s less commonly available.

Alaskan king: 108" x 108"

The Alaskan King is one of the largest bed sizes available, measuring a whopping 108 inches by 108 inches. This square-shaped bed provides an incredible amount of sleeping space and is perfect for those who want to go all out on comfort and luxury.

If you have a large master bedroom and want maximum sleeping space, the Alaskan King delivers. It’s perfect for families who co-sleep with children or pets, allowing everyone to sleep comfortably without feeling crowded.

Because of its massive size, it's often custom-made, and finding mattresses and bedding can be a challenge.

Here’s an overview of all the bed sizes and dimensions:

Factors to consider when picking a bed size

Choosing the right bed size isn't just about comfort; it's also about making sure the bed fits your lifestyle, space, and needs. Here are key factors to consider when making that all-important decision:

1. Sleeping habits

Your personal sleep style plays a significant role in determining what bed size is best for you. Do you like to stretch out, or do you sleep curled up in a corner? Are you sharing the bed with a partner, kids, or even pets? Let's dive deeper into these scenarios:

• Solo Sleeper: If you're a solo sleeper who tends to stay in one spot, you might be perfectly comfortable with a twin or full bed. However, if you toss and turn throughout the night, or if you like to sprawl out like a starfish, you’ll likely appreciate the extra room a queen or king bed offers.
  
  

• Couples: Sharing a bed means you need to account for the sleeping styles of both partners. Some couples enjoy being close together, making a queen bed a popular choice. But if both partners like their space, or if one is an active sleeper who tosses and turns, a King or California king is ideal.
  
  

• Families with kids or pets: If your kids or pets love to join you in bed, a larger bed like a king is the way to go. This gives everyone room to spread out without feeling cramped. 

Here’s a tip: If you’re planning to share a bed and don’t want your partner too close for sleeping comfortably, get your partner to lie beside you on the mattress and keep your elbows facing outwards. You’ll know that you’ll have enough room if your elbows don’t touch!

2. Bedroom space

Before you fall in love with that king-sized bed, make sure it fits comfortably in your room. Measuring your space is crucial because even the comfiest bed can become a headache if it leaves no room for anything else.

For smaller bedrooms, a twin, twin XL, or full bed is often the best choice. These sizes save space while still providing a comfortable sleep environment. If you’re working with a more generous room size, queen or king beds could be ideal.

Aside from the bed itself, you’ll need to factor in other essential bedroom furniture like your nightstands, dressers, and possibly a wardrobe or accent chair.

A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 24 inches of walking space around the bed. That way, your bedroom won’t feel cramped or difficult to navigate.

3. Lifestyle considerations

Think about how your lifestyle or living arrangements might change in the near future. Are you planning to move to a bigger home or have children? Are you furnishing a guest room that might accommodate couples or single sleepers?

If you’re furnishing a guest room, consider who will be using it. A queen bed tends to be the best of both worlds, as it’s large enough for couples but not too massive for a single sleeper. If you often host guests with different needs, a Full bed or even a twin XL with a trundle could be a smart, space-saving choice.

If you’re planning to start or expand your family, you might want to opt for a larger bed size now. A king bed gives you room to grow, whether that means welcoming children or furry friends into your sleeping space.

4. Budget considerations

Larger beds often come with larger price tags, not only for the bed frame but also for the mattress, bedding, and accessories. Keep in mind that while upgrading to a larger bed may feel luxurious, it could stretch your budget more than anticipated.

Bedding also tend to cost more as the bed size increases, so be sure to factor these additional costs into your decision.

However, consider that a bed is a long-term investment in your comfort and health. Spending a bit more on a bed that fits your needs and lifestyle could be worth it in the long run. A larger bed that provides quality sleep might save you from tossing and turning on a bed that's too small.

Sleep easy with the right bed

Choosing the right bed size is a game-changer when it comes to comfort and the overall flow of your bedroom. Whether you’re upgrading to a king for more space or downsizing to a full for a cozy room, understanding bed sizes and mattress dimensions is the first step in making an informed decision.

Now that you’ve got all the details, it’s time to pick the perfect size and start enjoying those blissful nights of sleep!

FAQs

1. Can two people sleep on a full bed?

Technically, yes, two people can sleep on a full bed (also known as a double bed), which measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. However, it’s important to consider how much personal space each sleeper needs. 

For couples, a full bed offers only 27 inches of width per person, which is narrower than the space each would have on a twin bed. It might feel cramped, especially if both sleepers tend to move around a lot or prefer more room to stretch. 

Full beds are often a good choice for single sleepers who want more space than a twin offers, but for couples, a queen or king bed is generally recommended for a more comfortable sleeping experience. 

2. What bed size should I get for a guest room?

The ideal bed size for a guest room depends on the space available and the type of guests you anticipate hosting. In most cases, a queen bed (60 inches wide by 80 inches long) is the best option because it strikes a balance between comfort and space efficiency. 

It’s large enough to comfortably sleep two adults, making it a versatile choice for accommodating couples, single guests, or even families with children. 

3. Is a California king bigger than a regular king?

A California king bed is often misunderstood in terms of size. While it is longer than a regular king bed (84 inches versus 80 inches), it is actually narrower. A California King is 72 inches wide, compared to the 76-inch width of a standard King. 

This makes the California King an excellent choice for taller individuals who need extra legroom, but it’s slightly narrower for couples compared to the standard King. The difference might not be noticeable for couples who prefer to sleep close together, but if you're someone who likes more space on the sides, the regular King might be a better fit.