Twin vs. Full: What’s the Difference?

For solo sleepers looking for a new mattress, a twin or full size bed could be the perfect size for your living space. Both twin and full accommodates smaller bedrooms, including guest rooms.

In our article, we review the differences between a twin and a full, including price and recommended room space to help you find the best mattress.

What’s a Twin Size Mattress?

A twin size mattress measures 38 inches by 75 inches—the smallest standard size available on the market. Twin beds are the next mattress size children move to after “graduating” from a crib mattress. Twin size beds are compact, easy to move, and budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for children’s rooms and limited living space, like studio apartments.

Twin mattresses are compatible with bunk beds, the perfect option for families with more than one child. Bunk beds utilize living space to create more play room.

Pricing

The cost for a twin bed varies depending on special features and materials, but potential shoppers can expect to pay between $100 to $1500.

Recommended Room Space

Smaller bedrooms, at least 7 feet by 10 feet, are best for twin size mattresses, with space for additional furniture and walking room.

Pros

• Easy to move
• Perfect for kids
• Budget-friendly
• Fits smaller rooms

Cons

• Too small for couples
• Too short for tall sleepers

What’s a Full Size Mattress?

A full size mattress, or double bed, is 54 inches by 75 inches, providing more room to sprawl out. Full size beds used to be the standard size for couples until the queen size mattress was created in the 1940s. Today, full mattresses are considered too small for couples; however, if you need a comfortable mattress for a teenager, a full fits the bill.

Full XL beds are also available, though not as accessible as a standard full. Full XL mattresses are the same size as a full, except 5 inches longer for more legroom.

Pricing

Prices range between $500 to $3000 for a full bed, depending on included sleep technologies and the number of layers.

Recommended Room Space

The room size for a full size mattress should be at least 10 feet by 12 feet to fit the bed frame, furniture, and allow walking space.

Pros

• More sleeping space
• Perfect for teenagers and single adults
• Fits small bedrooms

Cons

• Too small for couples
• Higher cost than a twin

Other Mattress Dimensions

If a twin or full mattress feels too small for your needs, other mattress sizes, including twin XL, queen, king, and California king, might be better.

Twin XL Mattress

Twin XL size mattresses measure 38 inches by 80 inches—5 inches extra-long than a standard twin. Twin XL beds are common in college dorm rooms and best for tall sleepers.

Queen Mattress

Queen size mattresses are 60 inches by 80 inches, one of the most popular mattress sizes among single sleepers. Queen size beds provide extra space to stretch out and are a popular mattress for couples. Queen beds are also a great fit for guest bedrooms.

King Mattress

King size mattresses measure 76 inches by 80 inches—the largest standard mattress size. King size beds are best for couples, allowing 38 inches of personal space. Split king sizes (two twin XL beds placed side by side) are also available for customized comfort and support.

California King Mattress

California king size mattresses are 72 inches by 84 inches—the same area as a standard king, except longer and narrower, perfect for taller couples. Split California king options are also available, though not as accessible as a king bed.

Other Things to Consider

What is the difference between a single and a twin bed?

A single mattress is also referred to as a toddler bed. It’s slightly larger than a crib mattress, at 30 inches by 75 inches, and as its name suggests, built for toddlers. A twin bed is 38 inches by 75 inches—8 inches wider to fit larger children and teenagers.

Can a full bed fit two people?

Full beds were commonly used by couples up until the 1960s, but queen mattresses rose in popularity, making them a better fit for couples. Since then full size mattresses are considered better for single sleepers. Full size mattresses are also a good option for adults who like to co-sleep with their child or pet.

What is the difference between a twin and a twin XL?

Both a twin and a twin XL mattress have the same width (38 inches), but while a twin size is 75 inches long, a twin XL bed is 80 inches long—5 inches longer. Twin XL beds are excellent choices for taller sleepers who need more legroom to stretch out—they’re also commonly found in college dorm rooms to accommodate any body height.

What month should I buy a mattress?

May is often the best month for mattress shopping. New mattress models are usually released in June, so mattresses are discounted in May to clear out stock and make room for the new models. If it’s past May, you can still find good deals by shopping online or by waiting for the next big sales day.

Which mattress is best for back pain?

Size is usually not a factor when it comes to relieving back pain. The more important considerations are materials and the bed’s firmness. Studies suggest that the best choice is a medium-firmness mattress for back pain.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bed size is a significant factor in finding the best mattress. The right size accommodates couples and single sleepers while leaving open space for a pleasing aesthetic look for the bedroom. A twin or full mattress may be the best choice for a good night’s sleep.