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Plus, tips for choosing sheets & bedding to top your new mattress
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You spend 8 hours a day on your mattress—that’s a third of your life! The right mattress is crucial for your sleep quality and overall well-being, and that includes choosing the right size for you and your bed partners. In this article, we’ll break down all of the standard mattress dimensions and who they work best for so you can find a mattress that’s spacious enough to meet your needs. We’ll also explain what other factors to consider when you’re mattress shopping and how to choose the best sheets and bedding to complement your new mattress, courtesy of Tuft & Needle . Read on to learn more!

Standard Mattress Dimensions by Size

  • Twin: 38 x 75 inches (97 x 191 cm)
  • Twin XL: 38 x 80 inches (97 x 203 cm)
  • Full (Double): 54 x 74 inches (137 x 188 cm)
  • Queen: 60 x 80 inches (152 x 203 cm)
  • King: 76 x 80 inches (193 x 203 cm)
  • California King: 72 x 84 inches (183 x 213 cm)
Section 1 of 6:

Mattress Size Chart

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  1. Most manufacturers are guaranteed to make Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King mattresses. Many also offer crib/toddler mattresses and specialty sizes, like an Olympic Queen or Alaskan King. There’s no universal thickness for mattresses, but the length and width are standardized. Here’s a breakdown of all the different mattress dimensions: [1]
    • Toddler/crib: 28 x 52 inches (71 x 132 cm)
    • Twin: 38 x 75 inches (97 x 191 cm)
    • Twin XL: 38 x 80 inches (97 x 203 cm)
    • Full (Double): 54 x 74 inches (137 x 188 cm)
    • Queen: 60 x 80 inches (152 x 203 cm)
    • King: 76 x 80 inches (193 x 203 cm)
    • California King: 72 x 84 inches (183 x 213 cm)
    • Olympic Queen: 66 x 80 inches (168 x 203 cm)
    • Wyoming King: 84 x 84 inches (213 x 213 cm)
    • Texas King: 80 x 89 inches (203 x 226 cm)
    • Alaskan King: 108 x 108 inches (274 x 274 cm)
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Section 2 of 6:

Overview of Each Mattress Size

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  1. A standard Twin mattress is 38 x 75 inches (97 x 191 cm), sleeps one person comfortably, and is great for small bedrooms. They’re often used in children’s or guest rooms, dormitories, and bunk beds. They’re generally pretty affordable and there are a lot of different styles of bed frames you can choose to match. [2]
    • Best for: Children, teens, adults under 6 feet (1.8 m) tall
    • Minimum suggested room size: 7 x 9 feet (2.1 x 2.7 m) without other furniture; 8 x 10 feet (2.4 x 3 m) with other furniture
  2. A Twin XL (38 x 80 inches (97 x 203 cm)) is 5 inches (13 cm) longer than a standard twin, making it the same length as a Queen or King. It’s a great choice for tall teens or adults who sleep alone and need extra legroom. Like regular Twins, these are most often found in guest rooms and dormitories. [3]
    • Best for: Tall teens and adults over 6 feet (1.8 m) or single sleepers who want to sleep with a pet
    • Minimum suggested room size: 7 x 10 feet (2.1 x 3 m) without other furniture; 8 x 10 feet (2.4 x 3 m) with other furniture
  3. Also called a Double mattress, a Full mattress measures 54 x 74 inches (137 x 188 cm). It’s more spacious than a Twin and is great for single sleepers who like to spread out. It can also accommodate a couple, but it may feel snug to some. Full mattresses are versatile and great for guest rooms, small bedrooms, or studio apartments. One drawback to a Full is that the price is close to that of a Queen, but with less space. [4]
    • Best for: Single sleepers, teenagers, adults under 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, some couples
    • Minimum suggested room size: 9 x 10 feet (2.7 x 3 m) without other furniture; 10 x 12 feet (3 x 3.7 m) with other furniture
  4. A Queen mattress measures 60 x 80 inches (152 x 203 cm) and is a common choice for couples (who don’t regularly sleep with pets or children) or tall single sleepers. In fact, it’s the most common mattress size of all, meaning it’s easy to find bedframes and accessories to suit your style. It’s a versatile size that fits well in primary bedrooms or large studio apartments. [5]
    • Best for: Couples, single sleepers who need more space or who sleep with pets
    • Minimum suggested room size: 10 x 10 feet (3 x 3 m) without other furniture; 10 x 14 feet (3 x 4.3 m) with other furniture
    • An Olympic Queen is 6 inches (15 cm) wider than a standard Queen, making it a great choice for couples who want more room without upgrading to a King mattress.
  5. A King mattress measures 76 x 80 inches (193 x 203 cm) and is the largest standard size of mattress. It’s excellent for couples who want a spacious sleeping experience or who frequently share the bed with children or pets. Kings are standard in large primary bedrooms, oversized lofts, or spacious guest rooms, but may overwhelm smaller spaces. They’re considered the ultimate mattress for space, comfort, and luxury. [6]
    • Best for: Couples who want extra space or who sleep with children or pets
    • Minimum suggested room size: 12 x 12 feet (3.7 x 3.7 m) without other furniture; 13 x 13 feet (4 x 4 m) with other furniture
    • A Split King mattress has the same dimensions as a King but is “split” in the middle so each sleeper can customize their half of the bed. Each half is the same size as a Twin XL mattress (38 x 80 inches (97 x 203 cm)).
  6. A California King measures 72 x 84 inches (183 x 213 cm). It’s 4 inches (10.2 cm) narrower and 4 inches longer than a regular King, making it perfect for couples or tall sleepers who need more length without sacrificing a lot of width. On the downside, it’s the most expensive of the standard mattress sizes and there are fewer bedframe and accessory options available. [7]
    • Best for: Tall sleepers, couples, couples who share the bed with children or pets
    • Minimum suggested room size: 12 x 12 feet (3.7 x 3.7 m) without other furniture; 13 x 13 feet (4 x 4 m) with other furniture
    • A Split California King has two sides that each measure 36 x 84 inches (91 x 213 cm), making each side slightly narrower and longer than a Twin XL.
    • Tuft & Needle makes their Original and Mint mattresses in all 6 standard sizes, from Twin through California King. With a 100-night free trial, you can rest assured that you’re choosing the perfect size for you, no matter which one you pick!
  7. There are several larger variations of a King mattress that are less common, but work well for extra-large sleeping spaces and couples who sleep with multiple pets or children:
    • A Wyoming King (84 x 84 inches (213 x 213 cm)) is 8 inches (20.3 cm) wider than a King and the same length as a California King. Its unique square shape makes it a focal point in large primary bedrooms.
    • A Texas King (80 x 89 inches (203 x 6 cm)) is only a few inches wider than a King but significantly longer, making it a great option for extra-tall sleepers who need more legroom.
    • An Alaskan King (108 x 108 inches (274 x 274 cm)) is the largest mattress of them all and provides an unmatched amount of space in very large sleeping areas.
  8. Crib and toddler mattresses are actually the same size (28 x 52 inches (71 x 132 cm)) but serve different purposes. A crib mattress is firm, fits snugly into a standard crib’s dimensions, and is slightly thinner than a Twin mattress. Toddler mattresses (for kids aged 2–5 years old) are softer and fit in beds without rails so toddlers can get in and out of bed themselves. [8]
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Section 3 of 6:

Picking the Right Mattress

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  1. Obviously, the size of your bedroom and the amount of other furniture you have in it plays a big role in picking a mattress size. Most small kids’ rooms, guest rooms, and dorm rooms that are 7 x 10 feet (2.1 x 3 m) or bigger are suitable for a Twin or Twin XL. Slightly larger bedrooms that are at least 10 x 10 feet (3 x 3 m) and studio apartments can fit a Full or Queen well. King beds are best for large master bedrooms measuring at least 12 x 12 feet (3.7 x 3.7 m).
    • Consider the difficulty of moving your mattress, too. Larger mattresses are more challenging to fit through narrow doorways or hallways leading to your bedroom. [9]
    • Tip: If you want a King but are concerned about moving it, consider a split King or split California King so you only have to move the 2 smaller halves.
  2. Teens and adults over 6 feet (1.8 m) tall may feel cramped in a standard Twin or Full mattress, which are both 75 inches (191 cm) long. Longer options, like a Twin XL, Queen, or King (80 inches or 203 cm) may be more comfortable. For the extra tall, a California King (84 inches or 13 cm) may be the most comfortable choice. [10]
    • Need help choosing between mattresses? Tuft & Needle’s website has a cool “Compare Our Mattresses” feature that lets you view stats on firmness, support, coolness, and materials side-by-side to see which choice is right for you. They offer free shipping and returns, so there’s minimal hassle if you decide the first mattress you tried isn’t quite right for you.
  3. The more sleepers you have, the more space you’ll want! For single sleepers, you can choose any mattress size that fits you comfortably—most adults need a Twin XL or larger. Couples without kids or pets in the bed may fit snugly in a Full bed, but a Queen or King is more spacious and comfortable. [11]
    • A King or California King is especially nice if you regularly have pets or small children sleeping with you. California Kings are especially great for pets who like to sleep at the foot of the bed.
  4. The positions you like to sleep in determine the firmness of your mattress. This is because your spine will need support in different places depending on how you sleep: [12]
    • Back sleepers need a medium-firm or firm mattress with light to moderate contouring to support their lower back.
    • Side sleepers do best with medium-soft or medium-firm mattresses to support pressure points like their shoulders and hips, which are stacked on top of each other while side sleeping.
    • Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to support their lower back, similar to back sleepers.
    • Combination sleepers (people who sleep in multiple positions) should base firmness on the position they spend the most time in. If you’re unsure or move around a lot, a medium or medium-firm mattress is your best bet.
  5. Your weight determines how far you sink into your mattress. This means that different levels of firmness will feel better to people of different weights. Feel free to choose whatever is most comfortable for you, but here are some general recommendations: [13]
    • Under 130 pounds (59 kg): Extra-soft or soft
    • Between 130-230 pounds (59-104 kg): Medium-soft, medium, or medium-firm
    • Over 230 pounds (104 kg): Medium-firm, firm, or extra-firm
  6. Your budget largely depends on the size of the mattress, but also the material. Foam mattresses tend to be less expensive than innerspring mattresses and hybrid mattresses , which combine foam and springs or coils. Adjustable air mattresses are the most expensive, but the exact prices vary based on brand. [14] Mattresses may seem like an expensive investment, but considering that you’ll spend 8 hours a day on it (hopefully), it’s often worth it to pay a bit more for a high-quality, comfortable, supportive mattress. Here are the average price ranges for a Queen mattress in different materials: [15]
    • Foam: $900–1,300
    • Innerspring: $600–1,100
    • Hybrid: $1,500–2,000
    • Latex: $1,600–2,000
    • Airbed: $2,000–2,400
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Section 4 of 6:

Choosing Sheets & Bedding for Your New Mattress

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  1. Check the label on any new sheets or comforters to make sure they’re the right size for your mattress. If your mattress is over 14 inches (36 cm) thick, you may need sheets with deep pockets or extra-deep pockets to cover it fully. [16]
  2. What’s your ideal sheet texture? The thread count tells you how many threads are in 1 square inch of fabric. Generally, a higher thread count means softer and higher-quality sheets. The way the thread is woven together also makes a difference:
    • Percale weaves use a tight, criss-cross weave that’s soft, cool, and durable.
    • Sateen weaves are heavier than percale and buttery soft. They’re great for cold climates but also breathable enough for warm weather.
    • Jersey knits are soft, warm, and feel like a worn-in T-shirt.
    • Not sure where to start sheet shopping? Tuft & Needle offers high-quality sheet sets, pillows, and duvets that feel great to any sleeper. Browse their linen-cotton and percale collections to find your new dream set!
  3. Are you a hot sleeper? Do you live in a cold climate? The warmth and breathability of your sheets make a difference! Lightweight, breathable sheets made from materials like cotton, linen, bamboo, silk, and some synthetic materials are great for warm weather or hot sleepers, while heavier materials like flannel are great for colder climates. [17]
    • Generally, synthetic materials like polyester or microfiber are less expensive than natural ones without sacrificing quality or breathability.
  4. Here’s the fun part—picking the colors and patterns of your bedding! There are tons of prints, patterns, and solid colors to choose from. For example, if your bedroom has patterned wallpaper or lots of artwork on the walls, a solid-colored bedspread may balance the room out. The opposite is also true—a fun and colorful comforter can be the focal point of a room with plain walls. [18]
    • Is dopamine decor important to you? Dopamine decor involves bright colors and patterns, fun prints, inviting textures, and a bit of nostalgia to give you a dopamine rush. [19] Tuft & Needle’s bright hemp sheets are a perfect, soft, and sustainably-grown option to give you a dopamine kick whenever you walk into your bedroom!
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Section 5 of 6:

RV Mattress Sizes

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  1. This is to accommodate the more cramped space and varying dimensions inside an RV. These mattress dimensions can vary slightly, but generally look like this: [20]
    • RV Bunk : 34 x 75 inches (87 x 191 cm) [21]
    • RV Three Quarter : 48 x 75 inches (122 x 191 cm)
    • RV Full : 53 x 75 inches (135 x 191 cm)
    • RV Short Full : 48 x 74 inches (122 x 188 cm)
    • RV Short Queen : 60 x 74 inches (152 x 188 cm)
    • RV Queen (same dimensions as standard Queen): 60 x 80 inches (152 x 203 cm)
    • RV Short King : 72 x 75 inches (183 x 190 cm)
    • RV King : 72 x 80 inches (183 x 203 cm)
    • Eastern King (same dimensions as standard King): 76 x 80 inches (193 x 203 cm)
    • RV California King : 72 x 84 inches (183 x 213 cm)
Section 6 of 6:

European Mattress Sizes

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  1. The standard sizes in Europe and the UK—Single, Double, King, and Grand King—roughly correspond to a Twin, Full, Queen, and King in the US, but are slightly different dimensions. Mattresses in the UK are also slightly smaller than in the EU. If you have a non-adjustable European bedframe, you may need one of these sizes to fit: [22]
    • EU Single: 90 x 200 cm (35.4 x 78.7 in)
    • EU Double: 140 x 200 cm (55.1 x 78.7 in)
    • EU King: 160 x 200 cm (63 x 78.7 in)
    • EU Grand King: 180 x 200 cm (70.9 x 78.7 in)
    • UK Single: 90 x 190 cm (35.4 x 74.8 in)
    • UK Double: 135 x 190 cm (53.1 x 74.8 in)
    • UK King: 150 x 200 cm (59 x 78.7 in)
    • UK Super/Grand King: 180 x 200 cm (70.9 x 78.7 in)
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