Twin vs. Full vs. Queen: What’s The Difference?

Purchasing a mattress that is too small is a big mistake for many buyers. Conversely, buying a mattress that is too big may not fit your smaller bedroom size well. Mattresses are a long term investment, so it’s important to find a size that fits your body type and living space.

Some of the most popular mattress sizes sold today are twins, fulls, and queens—but what is the difference? Which mattress size is right for you depends on your bedroom size, sleeping arrangement, and stature. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of these three mattress sizes—including dimensions, recommended bedroom sizes, and pros and cons—so you’ll know what to look for when making a purchase. Let’s start with the smallest of the three.

What is a Twin Size Mattress?

With dimensions of 75 inches by 38 inches, twin size mattresses are usually reserved for growing children and teenagers, although some adults will find that a twin bed fits fine. Smaller than a full or queen sized mattress, a twin bed can be a great transition from a crib to a larger bed. A twin’s smaller size makes them great for bunk beds, and they can easily fit in almost any bedroom.

Types of Twin Mattresses

Standard Twin

The standard twin, also known as a single bed, is the smallest conventional mattress size. At 75 inches long by 38 inches wide, they’re best compatible with a room size of 7 feet by 10 feet. Standard twins are large enough to fit most children and even some adults comfortably. They are ideal for day beds and bunk beds alike, and standard twin size mattresses are often what’s used as the next steps for children who have outgrown their cribs.

Youth Twin Mattress

Youth twin mattresses are slightly smaller than standard twins on all sides, measuring 66 inches long by 33 inches wide. These beds are considered to be a specialty size. Some parents opt to transition their toddlers from crib mattresses to a youth twin, since these mattresses can fit in smaller rooms and provide more floor space for play. Whether you want your child to move from a crib to a youth twin or standard twin depends on how big your bedroom is. On one hand, youth twins are cheaper and allow for a transition that doesn’t involve rearranging your nursery’s layout. On the other hand, your child will eventually need a larger bed.

Twin XL

The twin XL size mattress has the same width as a standard twin, but they have an extra 5 inches in length. At 80 inches long by 38 inches wide, this mattress type is great for taller-than-average children, as well as some adults. The added length makes twin XL beds akin to the length of queen and king sized mattresses. Twin XL mattresses are what is often used in college dorm rooms — two can easily fit separately in a room that is at least 13 feet by 13 feet, and many bunk beds are available in the twin XL size.

Pros and Cons of Twin Mattresses

Benefits

Twin beds offer a variety of sizes for kids and adults alike. Their smaller size lets them fit into almost any room, and they are often cheaper than larger mattresses. Being a very popular mattress size—excluding the specialty youth twin size—finding accessories for a twin shouldn’t be a problem at all. They serve well as bunk beds and daybeds.

Drawbacks

Twin beds are not ideal for those who like to have room to spread out because they are quite narrow. These beds are too small for couples, and they may not offer enough legroom for taller individuals.

What is a Full Size Mattress?

Also known as a double bed, the full size mattress has the same length as a standard twin (75 inches) with an additional 16 inches in width. At 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, a full size mattress is able to accommodate kids and most single adults. Solo sleepers will find this mattress’s extra room to be plentiful without their bed taking up too much floor space. Even with its larger width, a full size bed can easily fit in most bedrooms.

Pros and Cons of Full Mattresses

Benefits

Full size mattresses are ideal for solo sleepers who want a little extra room to toss and turn. These beds are even studio apartment-friendly and can fit into almost any sleeping area with ease—full beds can fit in a bedroom size of 8.5 feet by 10.5 feet or larger. If you’re a solo sleeper stuck on deciding between a full or a queen size bed, a full mattress is a more cost-efficient choice that should still allow for plenty of extra sleeping space.

Drawbacks

For many couples, a full size mattress may not provide adequate space. The 54-inch width only gives each sleeper 27 inches of room to move around, making it cramped for couples, especially those who share a bed with a partner who often tosses and turns in their sleep. Similarly, this mattress may not be suitable for taller individuals because it is the same length as the standard twin.

What is a Queen Size Mattress?

A queen size mattress is larger than a full in every way. With mattress dimensions of 60 inches by 80 inches, queen beds provide significantly more room to stretch out. Queen beds are one of the most popular choices amongst single adults. In fact, statistics show that more queen mattresses are sold in the United States and Canada than any other mattress size. Many couples prefer the queen mattress, as well. With its bigger size, queens are recommended for rooms larger than 9 feet by 11 feet.

Pros and Cons of Queen Mattresses

Benefits

Queen beds are perfect for couples who don’t need abundant space, as well as single sleepers who want plenty of extra legroom. The queen’s longer and wider frame comfortably fits individuals of most heights.

Drawbacks

Queen beds are a bit more pricey than their smaller counterparts. Their size also makes them fairly heavy, which means moving them through stairs and hallways can be tricky. These beds also demand a larger sleeping area, so they’re a tough fit for smaller bedrooms.

What Mattress Size is Right for You?

Children and Teens

Growing children and teens will find a twin to be a great fit. For families with more than one child, twin beds are the go-to mattress size for bunk beds. However, if you have the extra room, a full size bed will serve as a long term investment for your child.

Solo Sleepers

Some adults will find that a twin provides a sufficient amount of space. Still, a full mattress will provide much more room to stretch out, and it takes up a relatively small area. Full size mattresses are great for most solo sleepers. But if you have a larger bedroom and want the extra inches, a queen size mattress is definitely the way to go.

Couples

Twin and full size mattresses simply do not provide adequate room for couples. The queen’s extra length and width fit most couples of varying heights and weights well. If you are a couple that enjoys a healthy amount of personal space, a king or California king size bed may be a better option.

Room Size

Twins will fit in almost any size room but may look awkward in larger rooms. Twin beds are best fit for small rooms or rooms with 2 to 3 separate sleepers. Twins are recommended for rooms of at least 7 feet by 10 feet. The full size is larger, but still apartment-friendly, and it fits small to medium size rooms well. Fulls best fit in a room of at least 8.5 feet by 10.5 feet. Queens are great for larger bedrooms and fit best in rooms measuring 9 feet by 11 feet or larger.

Budget

When it comes to buying a mattress, you shouldn’t go with the cheapest option available. Still, you should stick within a budget that makes sense for your financial situation. Twin size beds are an affordable choice for families with multiple children, as well as families with young children who have outgrown their cribs. Full size beds are a better long-term investment for growing children and solo sleepers. And if you are willing to spend more on space and comfort, queen sized beds are a great option.

• Twin: $100 to $1800.
• Full: $250 to $2500
• Queen: $600 to $3000

Conclusion

Mattresses are a long term investment, so it’s important not to cut corners when you’re searching for the best fit. If you are in the market for a new mattress, the biggest factor to consider is space. If you have a larger bedroom, consider a queen or even a king/California king bed. Contrarily, twin and full beds are perfect for those who are looking to conserve as much room space as possible.