Mattress Size Guide: Selecting the Right Mattress (2024)

Shopping for a mattress, but not quite sure what size you need? We’re here to help! Keep reading to learn about the different sizes available, plus answers to common questions about bed dimensions and tips for choosing your perfect size.

What Are the Standard Mattress Sizes?

Check out this mattress sizes chart to find the right one for you:

• Twin mattress: 38” x 75”
• Twin XL mattress: 38” x 80”
• Full/Double mattress: 54” x 75”
• Queen mattress: 60” x 80”
• King mattress: 76” x 80”
• California King mattress: 72” x 84”

Mattress Dimensions Chart

Need to know the dimensions of each mattress in inches, centimeters or feet? Here’s a handy reference:

Which Size Mattress is Best for You?

Your mattress size needs may change as you move through your life. Here’s how to know which is right for you now:

1. Twin Mattress: Great for Solo Sleepers

At 38” x 75”, a Twin is the smallest conventional mattress size. We don’t recommend this one for folks who are sharing a bed–there’s not enough space! Instead, a Twin mattress is well-suited for children, teenagers or single adults. It can also work in a guest room if you’re short on space. The GhostBed Classic is our most popular mattress for Twin sleepers.

2. Twin XL Mattress: The Dorm Room Essential

You often find Twin XL mattresses–which at 38” x 80” are five inches longer than a standard Twin–in dorm rooms. They’re great to accommodate single-sleeping college students, including tall ones. However, these mattresses can also be a fit for your teenager’s bedroom at home, or for a single adult sleeper who needs more stretching room.

3. Full: For Single Sleepers Who Need More Space

At 54” x 75”, a Full mattress (sometimes called a “double” mattress) is significantly wider than a Twin, making it perfect for singles who need a little more stretching room. We still don’t recommend it for couples unless you’re very cuddly sleepers.

4. Queen: The Smallest Size for Couples

A Queen mattress measures 60” by 80”. This is the smallest-sized mattress we recommend for couples. It’s also a good option if you’re a single sleeper and have a furry companion sharing your bed with you.

5. King: For Couples Who Prefer More Stretching Room

At 76” x 80”, a King is perfect for couples who like to spread out. This mattress is also a good size if you have a furry companion in bed with you or a little one who likes to sneak in and wake you up in the morning.

6. California King: The Biggest Standard-Size Mattress

The California King is 72” x 84”, making it the largest standard-size mattress. (To go any bigger, you’d need to purchase a non-standard size, like the Alaska King.) California Kings are excellent for couples who co-sleep with their children, share a bed with pets, or simply prefer tons of room to spread out.

Which Size Mattress is Best for Your Bedroom?

The average secondary bedroom is about 11 feet x 12 feet. You can fit a Queen mattress into a room that size, but anything beyond that would be too tight of a squeeze.

Here’s a visual of how a Twin, Twin XL, Full, and Queen bed would fit into the average secondary bedroom:

The average primary bedroom is about 14 x 16 feet. You can comfortably fit any size bed, including a King and California King, into a room with these dimensions.

Here’s how each size mattress would fit in the average primary bedroom:

Need to know the minimum room size for your desired mattress? Use this reference chart:

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your Mattress Size

A mattress is a big purchase, so you’ll want to get the sizing right the first time. Keep these factors in mind as you make your selection:

1. How many people will be sleeping in the bed? If you’re sleeping with a partner, you’ll want a Queen-sized mattress (or larger). If you’re co-sleeping with your child too, you’ll likely want a King or California King mattress.
2. How much space do you have in your bedroom? The chart above is a handy starting reference for figuring out the size mattress your bedroom allows. But consider any architectural or design features that limit your space.
3. What are your sleep preferences? Do you like to spread out like a starfish or snuggle up to your partner? This can help dictate the size bed you’ll need.
4. What is your body size? You deserve to feel comfortable in your bed, so now is not the time to choose something too small. If you’re taller or wider, choose a mattress size that will accommodate that.
5. What are your future needs? Will you be moving in with a partner, adding a furry friend to the mix or downsizing to a smaller place soon? Keep these things in mind as you select your mattress.

If you need more help choosing your mattress, head over to our mattress quiz. Or, you can speak with a GhostBed Sleep Expert. We’re standing by to give you the information you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here at GhostBed, we love helping folks choose the best mattress size for them. Often, that process comes with questions–we get it! So we’ve made a list of some of the ones we hear most often.

If you don’t see your question answered below, you can chat with a sleep expert now.

How Do I Measure My Mattress Size?

If you’re looking to replace your current mattress and you’re not sure what size it is, you’ll need to get the measurements. We recommend starting with the width. Extend a tape measure from one side of the foot of your bed to the other and write down the number.

Then, measure from the foot of the bed to the head of the bed to get the length. You can also measure your mattress thickness by extending the tape measure vertically from the top of the mattress to the bottom.

What is The Size Difference Between a Twin and a Full?

A Full mattress is sixteen inches wider than a Twin mattress. Both types of beds are suitable for single sleepers, but a Full allows more room to spread out.

Is a Full XL Mattress the Same as a Full?

A Full mattress is not the same as a Full XL mattress. Typically, a Full XL mattress is five inches longer than its standard counterpart. These mattresses can be hard to find because there isn’t as much consumer demand for them.

Are Full and Double the Same?

Yes, Full and Double mattresses are the same size. The name for this mattress simply varies by region.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve determined which size mattress you’d like, it’s time to choose the type of mattress you prefer. If you need help, we have a quick quiz that’ll give you a personalized recommendation (and a discount on the mattress, too)!