Full Size Mattress Dimensions: How Big is a Full Size Bed?

If you have limited space but want a bigger bed, a full size could be the best mattress for you. Full beds are an excellent choice for children, teenagers, and single adults on their own for the first time. A full is bigger than a twin, but not as bulky as a queen. Full size mattresses won’t take up as much space, but they provide more room to stretch out.

What is a Full Size Mattress?

Full size mattresses are 54 inches by 75 inches—the same length as a twin but 16 inches wider, providing more room to stretch out. Full mattresses are also known as double beds. This size used to be a good fit for couples until the queen mattress rose in popularity. Today, full size beds are considered too small for couples, since they only offer 27 inches of personal space—about the same width as a crib mattress.

Full beds are best for single adults and children. If you’re single and on your own, a full size mattress provides a great sleeping area, especially if you have limited living space. Double beds are also a good option if you tend to toss and turn at night.

For children, a full mattress is perfect for a growing body—it’s bigger than a twin but smaller than a queen size, lending plenty of space. Full beds are also ideal if a parent and child like to snuggle in bed.

A full bed fits comfortably in 10 feet by 12 feet small bedrooms. This amount of space leaves room for a bed frame and additional furniture, like nightstands and lamps, without feeling cramped.

Full XL Size

A variant of the standard full is the full XL size. The full XL is similar to the full, except it’s 5 inches extra long. A full XL might be a better option for taller individuals, giving more leg room than a full or twin size.

Price for a Full

A full size mattress can cost between $500 to $3000. Larger mattresses sizes will cost more because they use more materials. The price may also depend on the materials. Mattresses that contain natural materials, like latex, will cost more compared to memory foam or innerspring coils.

Pros and Cons of Full Size Mattresses

Pros

• Perfect for single sleepers
• Excellent for growing children and teens
• Budget-friendly size
• Easy to transport
• Fits small bedrooms and studio apartments

Cons

• May feel too short for taller individuals
• Not enough space for couples

Other Mattress Dimensions

If a full size mattress isn’t the right size for you, other standard mattress sizes may be a better fit. Twin and twin XL beds may cost less, but they may not provide enough space, either. Larger sizes, including queen, king, and California king mattresses, may have more sleeping space, but they’ll cost more than a full size bed.

Twin Size

Twin size mattresses are small and compact, about 38 inches by 75 inches. Twin beds are larger than a crib, making them perfect for growing children. Families with more than one child may appreciate a bunk bed frame—bunk beds can accommodate up to three sleepers while providing more play room for children.

Twin mattresses are also great for those living in studio apartments. Their small size provides a sleeping area without taking up too much space.

Twin XL Size

Twin XL mattresses are five inches longer than a standard twin but have the same width. Twin XL beds may be a better option for taller sleepers and teenagers. Like a twin size, twin XL mattresses fit nicely inside smaller bedrooms. Because of their extra length, this mattress size is standard in college dorm rooms—more leg room accommodates students of any height for better comfort.

Queen Size

Queen size beds are one of the most popular standard sizes available. Single sleepers love the luxury space, with plenty of room for both average and tall individuals. Couples appreciate the budget-friendly option of a queen size mattress—a queen costs less than a king or Cal king size and offers each sleeper 30 inches of personal space. Couples can also save on floor space since a queen bed takes up less room than larger mattress sizes.

Unlike smaller mattress sizes, you won’t have to worry about outgrowing a queen-size mattress. Plus, queen beds are great additions to guest bedrooms.

King Size

King size mattresses are specifically designed for couples. At 76 inches by 80 inches, this large and spacious mattress size provides 38 inches of personal space—lots of room to stretch out without bumping into your sleep partner.

King beds may cost the most, but couples who prefer more sleeping space usually feel it’s worth it. Because of their large size, king size beds are an excellent fit for large master bedrooms, at least 13 feet by 13 feet.

Split King Size

Split king mattresses are two twin XL beds placed next to each other. This size is an excellent mattress for couples who don’t want to compromise their comfort or support. Couples can choose any mattress model, type, or firmness based on their needs. Adding an adjustable base can further enhance comfort—each individual can elevate their upper or lower body without disturbing their sleep partner.

California King Size

California king beds are similar in size to king mattresses, except a California king size is narrower and longer, with bed dimensions of 72 inches by 84 inches. California king size mattresses are 6 inches narrower compared to a king size, but they do have more leg room, perfect for tall couples.

California king size mattresses are a great fit for large master bedrooms, but they may feel too large for a guest room.

Split California King Size

Split California king beds are not as common as split kings, but they are available. Couples can have their own bed based on their personal preferences—this could also improve sleep quality since you won’t have to compromise your needs. Split California king mattresses are also a perfect fit for an adjustable bed.

SEE ALSO: The Best Place to Buy a Mattress & In-Store Myths

FAQs

How big is a full size bed?

A full size bed is 54 inches by 75 inches, 16 inches wider than a twin size. A full mattress is perfect for teenagers and single adults on their own. Full beds may cost more than a twin, but they’re not as expensive as a queen and can fit inside any small space. Those who toss and turn at night may appreciate the extra width from a full—there’s less chance of rolling off the mattress.

Can a couple sleep on a full size bed?

A full size is too small for a couple, but it does provide 16 inches more width for single adults. The extra space is great for teenagers and adults on their own. For couples, a queen, king, or California king size are better options. These sizes provide more personal space for couples to stretch out.

Do two twin beds equal a full size mattress?

No, but two twin beds make a king size mattress, not a full. A twin bed is 38 inches by 80 inches—two twin mattresses placed together equal a mattress that’s 76 inches by 80 inches. This is the exact bed dimensions for a king size mattress.

Does my mattress need a box spring?

Depending on the type of mattress you have, you may not need a box spring. A box spring is a mattress foundation consisting of a wooden frame filled with innerspring coils and wrapped in fabric. A box spring is best for an innerspring mattress, but for other mattress types, including memory foam and latex, perform better without a box spring.

Because memory foam and latex are heavier than innerspring coils, the mattress weight could damage the box spring, or the springs could poke through the mattress. Instead, memory foam and latex beds do better on a flat, solid or slatted surface, like a platform bed frame.

Will full size sheets fit on a queen size mattress?

No, full size sheets are too small and too short to fit a queen size mattress. A full bed is 54 inches by 75 inches, while a queen bed is 60 inches by 80 inches. It’s better to choose sheet sets that have the same size as your mattress. Otherwise, you could end up tearing your sheets or damage your mattress by forcing the wrong sheet size onto your mattress.

Conclusion

A full size bed is the perfect size for small bedrooms and studio apartments. Full mattresses are best for single adults—couples may find the mattress too small, especially since this bed size only gives 27 inches of personal space. Full beds may cost more than a twin size, but you may feel the cost is worth it if you’re looking for a mattress with more sleeping space.