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Mattress Sizes, Dimensions, and Comparison Chart
Whether you need a new bed for yourself, your child, a guest bedroom, or a rental property, setting your budget and choosing a size come first in the mattress shopping process.
Selecting the “right” mattress size isn’t complicated, but it does deserve consideration, even if you think you already know what you want. Your needs may have changed since the last time you bought a mattress, and you may not be familiar with all the options out there.
This guide will walk you through each of the standard—and oversized—mattress sizes available. It will also help you figure out how much space you need to sleep comfortably and which sizes your bedroom has the space to accommodate.
Mattress Size Chart
Bed Size
Mattress Width
Mattress Length
Total Surface Area
Crib
28"
52"
1,456 in²
Toddler
28"
52"
1,456 in²
Twin
38"
74"
2,831 in²
Twin XL
38"
80"
3,040 in²
Full
53"
75"
3,948.5 in²
Full XL
53"
80"
4,320 in²
Queen
60"
80"
4,800 in²
California King
72"
84"
6,048 in²
King
76"
80"
6,080 in²
Split King
76"
80"
6,080 in²
Wyoming King
84"
84"
7,056 in²
Texas King
80"
98"
7,840 in²
Alaskan King
102"
108"
11,664 in²
Crib and Toddler Bed Mattress
Dimensions: 28" x 52"
The very first mattress you buy for your child will likely be the cushion you slide into their crib. Some cribs come bundled with a mattress, but more often than not, you have to purchase the mattress separately.
Fortunately, your child can use this mattress for at least a few years. A standard toddler bed accommodates the same size mattress as a standard crib, so all you have to do is move the mattress to the new bed frame when your toddler graduates to their first real bed. You also have the option of buying a crib that converts into a toddler bed.
Parents preparing for a baby should know that not all cribs fit the same size mattress. While 28 by 52 inches is the standard, you’ll likely see other options. In the U.S., crib mattresses must comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. They must measure at least 27.25 inches wide by 51.25 inches long and not exceed 6 inches high.
Twin-Size Mattress
Dimensions: 38” x 74”
Best For: Kids and teens
Especially if you have children who share a bedroom, twin beds make a practical fit. Most kids have plenty of wiggle room on a twin-size mattress and can sleep comfortably in a twin bed through their teenage years. However, taller teens may need a bit more room to stretch out. We do not recommend a standard twin-size mattress for sleepers 6 feet tall or taller.
The Nolah Nurture Kids’ Mattress
Nolah now offers a flippable mattress designed to last your child from their toddler years to their high school graduation and beyond. The Nolah Nurture has a soft side and a firm side, meaning your growing child will always have a comfortable option regardless of their size and age. Our hybrid kids’ mattress uses safe and natural materials like hypoallergenic Talalay latex, fire-resistant organic wool, and soft organic cotton.
Twin XL Mattress
Dimensions: 38” x 80”
Best For: Taller kids and teens, college students
Twin XL mattresses provide the extra length required by taller kids and teens. They have the same width as regular twin-size mattresses but tack on an additional 5 inches in length. Twin XL beds also make a good fit for single young adults with limited space; twin XL is the standard mattress size for college dorms.
The Nolah Nurture Kids’ Mattress
Nolah now offers a flippable mattress designed to last your child from their toddler years to their high school graduation and beyond. The Nolah Nurture has a soft side and a firm side, meaning your growing child will always have a comfortable option regardless of their size and age. Our hybrid kids’ mattress uses safe and natural materials like hypoallergenic Talalay latex, fire-resistant organic wool, and soft organic cotton.
Full-Size Mattress
Dimensions: 53” x 75”
Best For: Teens, single young adults, and guest bedrooms
Full-size beds, also known as double beds, provide more lateral space than twins. Compared to twin and twin XLs, they measure 16 inches wider. That's plenty of room for a single sleeper to sprawl out in bed. However, we suggest a wider option for couples.
Full mattresses have the same length as standard twins, making them a tight fit for individuals 6 feet tall or taller. If you like the width of a full-size mattress but want additional length, you can opt for a full XL mattress measuring 53 inches wide by 80 inches long. Keep in mind that full XL mattresses are less common than other models, and you may have trouble finding a bed frame and bedding that fit.
Queen-Size Mattress
Dimensions: 60” x 80”
Best For: Single adults and couples who want just enough personal space
The next size up, the queen, is the most popular mattress size. A queen-size bed makes a spacious oasis for a single sleeper but can also comfortably sleep two adults. You may want more room if you and your partner share your bed with a young child or pet or if one of you is a particularly rambunctious sleeper. Otherwise, you’ll both have a comfortable amount of personal space.
Queen mattresses are both wider and longer than full-size mattresses; they’re the same length as king mattresses but 16 inches narrower.
King-Size Mattress
Dimensions: 76” x 80”
Best For: Couples, especially those with young kids and pets
Sleeping on a king-size mattress will certainly make you feel like royalty. A king is the widest standard U.S. mattress size; even if you and your partner like to spread out while you sleep, you’ll each have more than enough room to stretch out and relax. King beds also make a great fit for couples who like to snuggle with their young children or pets in bed.
Split King
Dimensions: 76” x 80”
Best For: Couples with different mattress preferences or an adjustable bed frame
A split king bed has the same dimensions as a regular king but comprises two twin XL mattresses instead of a single king-size mattress. To create a split king bed, you simply arrange the twin XL mattresses side by side on a king-size base or bed frame.
Opting for a split king bed allows you and your partner to select your own mattress with your ideal firmness level and features. Just make sure you choose mattresses of the same height.
Also, many king-size adjustable bases are specifically designed for split king mattresses. This setup allows you and your partner to elevate your side of the bed independently of the other.
California King-Size Mattress
Dimensions: 72” x 84”
Best For: Couples who prioritize mattress length over width
A California king—the longest standard U.S. mattress size—offers clearance for even the tallest individuals. California kings measure 7 feet long; for most sleepers, that leaves room for your furry best friend to sleep at your feet. While slightly narrower than standard king-size mattresses, California king mattresses are still one foot wider than queens and give couples space to spread out.
How to Choose the Right Mattress Size for You
Choosing a size is one of the first steps of the mattress shopping process, which we discuss at length in our Mattress Shopping Guide. Now that you have a clear picture of all your options, you should consider your sleep situation and needs. Thinking through these five factors can help you identify the perfect fit.
1. Room Size
Your bed may be the focal point of your bedroom, but you still need space for a dresser, nightstands, TV stand, desk, vanity set, clothes rack, or any other furniture you keep in your room. Plus, you want enough open space to walk around freely.
To avoid a cluttered, claustrophobic feel, we recommend leaving at least 30 inches of clearance on each side of your bed except the head that sits against the wall. Does your bedroom have enough square footage to accommodate this minimum clearance, your bed, and your other furniture? The chart below lists the ideal minimum bedroom dimensions for each standard mattress size.
Bed Size
Recommended Minimum Room Dimensions
Recommended Minimum Square Footage
Twin
7'x 9'
63 ft²
Twin XL
7' x 10'
70 ft²
Full
10' x 10'
100 ft²
Queen
11" x 10"
110 ft²
King
12' x 12'
144 ft²
California King
12' x 12'
144 ft²
2. Sleeper Specifications
Next, you should consider how much you—and your partner, if you share a bed—need to sleep comfortably. Be sure to factor in your height, weight, and your sleep habits. For example, do you tend to roll around while you sleep or stay stationary? Do you spread yourself out like a starfish or sleep straight like a log?
If you need help visualizing which mattress size you need, refer to these rules of thumb:
- If possible, choose a mattress at least 6 inches longer than your height or your partner’s height if they’re taller.
- While a full mattress may fit two people in a pinch, we recommend at least a queen-size mattress for a couples’ primary bed.
- Think about your personal bedroom habits outside of sleeping. Do you read or watch TV in bed a lot? You may need a bigger bed if you like to lounge in it during the day.
3. Budget
Naturally, the bigger the mattress, the more it costs. If you need to keep costs at a minimum, you may want to stick with the smallest mattress size that still fits your needs. Have some wiggle room in your budget? Size up!
4. Bed Frames, Bedding, and Accessories
Keep in mind that if you upsize or downsize for your next mattress, you’ll need a new bed frame and a few new bedding sets. You may also want to purchase a mattress protector or topper. When deciding on a mattress size, make sure you consider the total cost of a new bed setup.
5. Planning Ahead
With proper care, a high-quality mattress may last more than 10 years. Your circumstances may change in that time; for example, maybe you’ll move in with a partner or welcome a child that will want to snuggle in bed with you. A mattress is a long-term investment, so you’ll want to think long-term about your sleep needs.
What's Next?
Considering these five factors, you have all the information you need to pick the right bed size for your bedroom and your physical requirements. Once you select a size, you’re ready to move on to the next step of your mattress shopping journey—choosing a mattress type. Our Mattress Shopping Guide explores the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular mattress materials and will point you toward the bed of your dreams.
If you still have questions about mattress sizing, check out the frequently asked questions below. You can also use the chat feature to connect with a Nolah mattress expert.
