What’s the Right Size Bed for You? We Break It Down (2024)

With so many options, it can be overwhelming to understand the difference between all the mattress sizes and bed dimensions on the market today.

The bed sizes typically available in the United States range widely and comprise twin, full, queen, king, and California king varieties. So, how do you choose the right size for you? We've broken it all down—from how to choose one that best fits your space to how each impacts the way you sleep.

Read on to learn about each option and how to choose the perfect pick for you.

What’s the Right Size Bed for You? We Break It Down (1)

Mattress Sizes and Bed Dimensions

When choosing a bed size, you may want to rearrange your room—or even give it a complete makeover.

Whether you're looking to upgrade an old full bed to a roomier option for your new partner or are downsizing to a smaller city apartment, choosing the right dimensions for your space is important.

Start by measuring your room, then choosing a bed that fits comfortably within those dimensions. Here are some key dimensions to know:

Bed SizeDimensions
Twin39 x 75 inches
Twin XL39 x 80 inches
Full54 x 75 inches
Queen60 x 80 inches
King76 x 80 inches
California King72 x 84 inches

Twin, Single, and Extra-Long Twin Beds

Twin beds are also known as single beds. They are 39 inches wide and 75 inches long (or 80 inches long for XL twin beds). They're the most common choice for children's or multi-use guest bedrooms.

These beds are narrow and fit easily into the smallest bedroom. Often twin beds have a "trundle" underneath to accommodate a sleep-over or second guest. Twin beds are used for bunk beds too.

Twin Bed Dimensions

  • Overall dimensions: 39 inches wide x 75 inches long
  • Width per person: 39 inches
  • Pros: Because of its small size it will fit easily into smaller bedrooms. Twin mattresses and sheets are the least costly of all sizes. It's also easy to make a twin bed.
  • Cons: A standard size is too short for many adults.

XL Twin Dimensions

Twin extra-long beds are 5 inches longer than a standard twin, but the same width, making them 39 inches wide and 80 inches long. They're often used in college dorm rooms to accommodate tall teens.

  • Overall dimensions: 39 inches wide x 80 inches long
  • Width per person: 39 inches
  • Pros: The longer length is good for taller teens and adults. It's easy to makesince it's narrow. Two extra-long twins are a good choice in a guest room that needs to be flexible to accommodate various people. The mattresses can be used separately or pushed together to form a king-size bed.
  • Cons: Bedding is difficult to find and not available in every pattern.

Tip

What is considered "standard" may vary slightly amongst manufacturers. Before shopping for bedding, know the exact measurements of the bed you have purchased. Some standard fitted sheets may not fit.

Double/Full Beds and Queen Beds

Any of these sizes fit in a normal room but many couples feel that a full or double bed (essentially the same thing) is too narrow for more than an occasional night's sleep. A queen-size bed gives each person more room without taking up too much floor space.

Double or Full Bed Dimensions

Double or full bedsare 15 inches wider than twin beds at 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, but if two share the bed, each has only 27 inches of personal space—much less than a twin.

Double beds—also known as full—were the most common for two to sleep in until the 1960s. At 75 inches long, a full-sizebed may be too short for some taller adults.

  • Overall dimensions: 54 inches wide x 75 inches long
  • Width per person: 27 inches
  • Pros: Fits into smaller rooms. It might be right for a single sleeper shorter than 5 feet and 5 inches. Sheets can be less expensive than a queen or king size.
  • Cons: Many people find a double bed too narrow and short for two adults.

Queen Bed Dimensions

Queen-size beds, at 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, are 21 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a twin bed and 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a double bed.

Though this extra width and length can make all the difference in getting agood night's sleep, each adult still has 9 inches less width than they would if they slept separately in twin beds.

A queen bed works well forguest roomsand small primary bedrooms and is a good choice for couples who like to snuggle.

  • Overall dimensions: 60 inches wide x 80 inches long
  • Width per person: 30 inches
  • Pros: It gives two adults more space than a double. The extra length (5 inches) works well for most adults. Sheets and blankets are easy to find and cost lessthan kingbedding.
  • Cons: With only 30 inches of personal space for each person (only 3 inches more than a double), a queen may be too narrow for everyday sleeping for a couple. Some bedding is sold as "full/queen" and doesn't fit either full or queen perfectly. Check bedding dimensions to be sure that it will fit comfortably. Standard-size pillows or queen pillows work well.

Tip

You might find a slightly larger queen-size bed called an "Olympic Queen." Beware before you buy bedding: standard queen sizes may not fit correctly and you might need to cut down king-size bedding, adding a considerable cost to your purchase.

About This Term: Primary Bedroom

Many real estate associations, and the Real Estate Standards Organization, have classified the term "Master Bedroom" as potentially discriminatory. "Primary Bedroom" is the name now widely used among members of the real estate community and better reflects the purpose of the room.


Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome.

What’s the Right Size Bed for You? We Break It Down (3)

King and California King-Size Beds

A standard king is also called an Eastern king. A California king is called a Western king. A standard king is about 4 inches wider but shorter than a California king.

Two people sleeping in a king-size bed will get the same amount of personal sleeping space as in a twin bed. If you pushed two extra-long twin beds together, they'd be about the same size as a standard king.

Tip

Whenbuying sheets, be careful to purchase the right size. Flat sheets will fit both sizes of king beds, butfitted sheetsare cut to fit one or the other. Before you go shopping, be sure to measure your bed exactly so you buy linens that will fit.

Standard or Eastern King Bed Dimensions

Standard kingor Eastern king beds are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, about 16 inches wider than queen beds and the same length. A king-size bed is sold with two box springs or frames and one mattress. This makes it easier to move.

  • Overall dimensions: 76 inches wide x 80 inches long
  • Width per person: 38 inches
  • Pros: As thewidestbed commonly available in stores, the standard king is the most comfortable for two adults. The 80-inch length is sufficient for most people. Sheets labeled "king-size" fit a standard king bed.
  • Cons: Because of its size, a king bed may not be practical for frequent movers. They're hard to getupstairs, through narrow, winding hallways, and small rooms. A king bed may not be long enough for very tall people. Bedding is often the most expensive in the king sizes. The wide bed requires at least three standard or two queen or king pillows, adding to the cost.

Tip

For great versatility in a guest room, use two extra-long twin beds separately for singles or push them together to make a split king bed for couples. For a king bed, use split king sheets (including one large flat sheet and two separate fitted sheets).

California Western King Bed Dimensions

California kingor Western king beds are 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, 12 inches wider than a queen and 4 inches longer. This is the longest bed and the best choice for extra-tall people.

A California king bed set has one mattress and two half-width box springs which is manageable when moving. Very tall single people can sleep from corner to corner and still be comfortable.

  • Overall dimensions: 72 inches wide x 84 inches long
  • Width per person: 36 inches
  • Pros: A California king-size mattress is wide enough for two to sleep comfortably and is the longest bed commonly available. Its extra length is good for tall people.
  • Cons: This large mattress may be cumbersome to move, and does not fit easily in stairways, through narrow hallways, or in small bedrooms.

Custom Size Bed

Some manufacturers will custom-cut beds larger or smaller than standard sizes, but beware of these custom-made beds. While it may seem appealing to have a custom-sized bed, you may have trouble finding bedding to fit.

Determining What Size Bed is Right For You

Once you've assessed your options, you'll want to keep in mind these key considerations to finalize your bed size:

  • Room size: A general rule of thumb, the 1:3 ratio of bed to bedroom size works best—although it's not always practical. Regardless, you'll want at least 24 to 30 inches between the bed frame and walls on each side of a centered bed so you can comfortably walk around it.
  • How many people are sleeping: For a comfortable night's sleep, a double bed is the minimum size recommended for single adults though a twin bed works for a child or teenager. For couples, a queen-sized bed or a larger one works best.
  • Your height: Most bed sizes fit people of average stature, but mattress shopping is tricky for taller individuals. If you're over 6 feet tall, a twin XL, queen, king, or California king-size is optimal.
  • Budget: More niche bed sizes like a twin XL or California king will err on the pricier side as they also require more specific accessories. Save money with standard sizes like a twin, full, queen, or standard king.

Best Mattresses Roundup

  • The 8 Best Twin Mattresses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
  • The 11 Best Queen Mattresses The Spruce Has Tested
  • The 8 Best King Mattresses The Spruce Has Tested
  • After Years of Testing Mattresses, These 9 Are the Best
  • The 10 Best Online Mattresses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
  • The 10 Best Memory Foam Mattresses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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FAQ

  • What bed size is best for one person?

    A twin or single bed measures 39 inches by 75 inches and is the standard size for one person. Some people may prefer a double bed for extra space.

  • What bed size is the most popular?

    More American adults sleep on a queen-sized mattress than any other size.

  • Which bed size is preferred by couples?

    The queen-sized bed is the most purchased mattress by couples; however, some prefer a king, like families with children or pets that sneak into bed at night.

What’s the Right Size Bed for You? We Break It Down (10)

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Master bedroom and bathroom terminology: RESO discussion. Real Estate Standards Organization.

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