Written by Lianna Bass, Fortune Recommends Sleep Writer
We spend about one-third of our lives asleep. (1) That’s why it’s so crucial to pick a comfortable mattress that you can rely on. (2) But comfort isn’t the only thing to consider when buying a new bed. Size, for example, is another important feature.
The size of the mattress you need will probably depend on a few things: how tall you are, whether you’re sharing a bed with someone, and the amount of space you have in your room. Keep reading for a rundown of the best mattress sizes for single adults, couples, teenagers, kids, toddlers, and babies. We even have details on the best mattress sizes for RVs, campers, and air mattresses!
Meet the expert
Guiding this review is Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a highly esteemed quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine. His insights into sleep health and mattress quality are informed by his deep understanding of how sleep impacts overall well-being. Dr. Raj’s expertise ensures that the recommendations provided are both scientifically sound and practically beneficial.
Standard mattress size chart
| Size | Dimensions (width x length) | Dimensions |
| Crib/toddler | 28” x 52” | 71cm x 132cm |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | 96.5cm x 190.5cm |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” | 96.5cm x 203.5cm |
| Full/double | 54” x 75” | 137cm x 190.5cm |
| Full/double XL | 54” x 80” | 137cm x 203.5cm |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | 152.5cm x 203.5cm |
| Olympic queen | 66” x 80” | 167.5cm x 203.5cm |
| King | 76” x 80” | 193cm x 203.5cm |
| California king | 72” x 84” | 183cm x 213.5cm |
Related: The best mattress of 2024, according to sleep experts
Crib/toddler bed dimensions
- Dimensions: 28” x 52”
- Best bed size for: Infants and toddlers
Studies show that bed sharing may lead to risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so you should consider buying a separate mattress for your child. (3) The standard dimensions for a baby or toddler mattress are about 28 inches wide by 52 inches long. These mattresses are ideal for infants and toddlers who sleep in cribs.
This size also ensures that when your child transitions from a crib to a toddler bed, you can use the same mattress. Most children can sleep comfortably on this type of mattress until they’re 18 months old or 3 feet tall, whichever comes first.
Aside from choosing the right size mattress for your baby, make sure to note the mattress’ firmness. Babies and toddlers should sleep on a very firm surface. Studies show that firmer mattresses reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), while softer mattresses can increase the risk of suffocation. (4)
Twin bed dimensions
- Dimensions: 38” x 75” or 38” by 80”
- Best bed size for: Children, teens, or single adults
The standard size of a twin mattress is 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. Twin mattresses are best for children and teens, but adults may find these beds comfortable, too. They’re also good for toddlers who have transitioned into larger beds.
Adults might be more comfortable sleeping on a Twin XL mattress. They have the same width but give you five extra inches of length. That’s the size you can usually find in college dorms.
Full/double bed dimensions (54” x 75”)
- Dimensions: 54” x 75” or 54” by 80”
- Best bed size for: Children, single adults, couples, or people who share their bed with pets
Full mattresses are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. You can also get a full XL bed, which is 54 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Also known as double mattresses, full mattresses are designed to best accommodate children and single adults. However, they can also work for some couples or single folks who sleep with pets in the bed.
Queen bed dimensions
- Dimensions: 60” x 80” or 66” x 80”
- Best bed size for: Single adults, couples, or people who share their bed with pets
Queen-size mattresses are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Or you can opt for an Olympic queen, which is 66 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Queen mattresses are an excellent option for teens, single adults, or people who sleep with their pets. Couples who don’t want the space of a larger bed may also like queen mattresses.
Check out our roundup to find the best queen mattress for you.
King dimensions
- Dimensions: 76” x 80”
- Best bed size for: Couples, families, taller people, or larger people
Standard king-size mattresses are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. They work well for taller people or anyone who wants extra space to stretch out. They’re also ideal for couples who don’t want to disturb one another when they toss and turn. (5, 6)
See all of our top picks for the best king-size mattresses.
California king
- Dimensions: 72” x 84”
- Best bed size for: Couples, families, taller people, or larger people
California King mattresses have a reputation for being gigantic. But in reality, they’re four inches narrower than traditional king mattresses and only four inches longer. That said, they often serve the same purpose as regular kings. However, they might be ideal for tall sleepers or if you have pets who sleep at the foot of your bed.
RV camper mattresses
- Dimensions: 28” to 35” x 75” to 79”
- Best bed size for: RVs or campers
While you can probably get away with using a traditional mattress in an RV or camper, you might be better off getting a mattress designed for sleeping on the road.
RV mattresses range from 28 inches to 35 inches wide by 75 inches to 79 inches long. You can find more lightweight options than standard mattresses, making them easier to move.
RV mattress size chart
Here’s a helpful size chart to help you pick the right mattress dimensions for your RV or camper. (7)
| RV mattress size | Dimensions |
| RV king | 72” x 80” |
| RV queen | 60” x 80” |
| RV short queen | 60” x 75” |
| RV full/double | 53” x 75” |
| RV three quarter | 48” x 75” |
| RV bunk | 28 to 35” x 75” to 80” |
| RV truck | 35 to 42” x 79” to 80” |
| RV twin | 28” x 75” to 80” |
Air mattresses
- Dimensions: 38” to 76” x 75” to 84”
- Best bed size for: Children, single adults, or couples
Air mattresses are great if you have guests sleeping over or if you want a comfortable place to sleep when you’re camping. They’re also helpful if you need a mattress in the interim, either when moving or waiting to buy a traditional mattress.
Air mattresses come in a wide range of sizes. You can find them in the same dimensions as Twin, Twin XL, Full, Double, Queen, King, or California King mattresses.
The best mattress size for couples
Here’s a rundown of the best mattress sizes for couples.
Queen
Queen mattresses can accommodate most adult couples. However, they might not be big enough if you also share your bed with pets or children. (8)
King
King mattresses offer an ideal width x length ratio, making them a fabulous fit for couples. The downside is that they might be too large for certain spaces and are often more expensive than smaller options.
California king
California king mattresses are longer (but narrower) than regular king mattresses. This makes them ideal if you or your partner(s) are taller. But they might not be best if you want more width or if you share your bed with a partner and children.
See all of our picks for the best mattress for couples.
The best mattress size for single people
Single people can find comfort in a wide variety of mattress sizes. Plus, you don’t have to worry about buying a bed that suits a partner’s comfort needs.
Full
Full-size mattresses are a great option for children, teens, and adults alike. They’re more compact than queen beds, so they’re easier to fit in smaller spaces. But if you’re taller or have a larger body mass than average, they might not provide enough space for your comfort.
Queen
Queen mattresses offer the best of both worlds. They’re larger than full beds but take up a lot less room than kings. They also provide an excellent width x length ratio for single sleepers, so you have plenty of room to stretch out and roll around.
If you’re tall, you may prefer an Olympic queen, which is a bit longer.
King
King-size mattresses can accommodate almost anyone, regardless of body size or height. However, they take up a lot of room and might be too big for children who sleep alone.
The best mattress size for children
Kids deserve a great mattress, too. Here are the best-sized mattresses for children.
Full
A full mattress provides an adequate amount of length and width for most children. But they might be too small for taller teens. They’re also compact, so they should fit in smaller bedrooms.
Twin
Twin mattresses are ideal for kids who are going from toddler beds to larger beds. They’re narrow, making them a good fit for smaller rooms or bunk beds.
Twin XL
Twin XL mattresses are a good option for teens or kids who are still getting taller. But they might be a bit too big for young children just transitioning into larger beds.
How to choose a mattress size
Not sure what size bed you should get? Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
How many people (or pets) will be in bed?
Consider how many people (or pets) will be sleeping in the bed each night. If you and your partner like to spread out, you may want to opt for a queen. And if you have kids that like to crawl into bed, a king might be even better.
Are you an active sleeper?
If you toss and turn or roll around a lot, you may want a larger bed. This reduces the risk of falling off the bed in the middle of the night. Plus, if you share a bed with someone, you’ll be less likely to disturb their sleep if there’s extra room.
What is your body type?
You might be more comfortable in a larger mattress if you’re tall or if you have an above-average body mass.
What are the dimensions of your bedroom?
Be sure to measure the size of the bedroom before you buy a new bed. This will help you determine the ideal mattress for your space.
What is your budget?
You can find a high-quality mattress at almost any price point, including cheap mattresses that still offer good comfort and support. Generally, larger beds are more expensive than smaller beds. (9)
See budget-friendly mattress options on our page reviewing the best mattresses under $1,000.
FAQs
What sizes do mattresses come in?
Here’s an overview of the most common standard mattress sizes in the United States:
- Crib/toddler: 28” x 52”
- Twin: 38” x 75”
- Twin XL: 38” x 80”
- Full/double: 54” x 75”
- Full/double XL: 54” x 80”
- Queen: 60” x 80”
- Olympic queen: 66” x 80”
- King: 76” x 80”
- California king: 72” x 84”
You can also get an air mattress that ranges from 38” to 76” x 75” to 84”, or an RV/camper mattress, which ranges from 28” to 35” x 75” to 79”.
Is double the same size as full?
Yes, a double mattress is the same as a full mattress. These terms are used interchangeably to describe a mattress that measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. The name “double” can be misleading for shoppers as it implies that the mattress is twice the size of a twin, but while it offers more width, it’s not twice the size.
What is the most popular mattress size?
Queen mattresses—which are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long—are the most common mattress size. They’re arguably the most versatile mattress for adults and can be used for single sleepers, couples, and people who share their bed with pets or kids.
What size bed do most couples use?
Most couples prefer a queen-size mattress, which measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. This provides enough room for two people to get good sleep since poor sleep quality has significant adverse health outcomes but it isn’t too large that it doesn’t fit in most typical bedroom sizes like most king-size mattresses. (10)
What size bed do most single adults have?
The size of beds most single adults have can vary depending on their space and preferences. For example, if a single adult lives in a small space, like a studio, they’re most likely to purchase a twin XL or full-size bed to maximize their living space. A twin XL mattress measures 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, providing extra length compared to a standard twin bed, which is 75 inches long. A full-size mattress measures 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Some single adults may even have queen-sized beds, especially if they’re dating or have pets that sleep with them.
Our experts
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine. An active clinical researcher, Dr. Raj currently practices at the University of Southern California, where he’s been awarded the Excellence in Teaching award six years in a row. He’s also an associate professor of clinical medicine, assistant program director of the internal medicine residency program, and the associate program director of the sleep medicine fellowship at USC.
Dr. Swathi Varanasi
Dr. Swathi Varanasi, or Dr. Swathi for short, is a pharmacist passionate about the intersection of personalized medicine and innovation. Dr. Swathi received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the Medical University of South Carolina and Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Carleton College. She co-founded and was the first-ever healthcare professional in the US to complete postdoctoral residency training in integrative medicine and preventative health. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Medical Affairs in biotech and has training in nutrition from Cornell University.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Lianna Bass
Fortune Recommends Sleep Writer
About Author
Lianna Bass is a copywriter, editor, and journalist. She holds a BA in English from Monmouth University and an MA in Global Communications from the American University of Paris. When not working, Lianna enjoys traveling, making ravioli, and grunge music.