Twin vs. Twin XL: What’s the Difference?

Both twin and twin XL mattresses are small and compact, perfect for limited sleeping spaces. Twin and twin XL mattresses are excellent options for single adults living on their own in studio apartments. They’re also perfect for children who’ve grown out of their crib mattresses.

In our article, we review the similarities and differences between twin and twin XL mattresses. We also include differences in price and recommended room size for both twin and twin XLs to help you find the best mattress.

What’s a Twin Size Mattress?

A twin size mattress is 38 inches by 75 inches. Twin size beds are budget-friendly options and easy to move because of their compact size. Twin mattresses are best for children’s rooms and single adults with limited living space.

If you have more than one child, we suggest pairing twin beds with a bunk bed to save space. Bunk beds can accommodate twin, twin XL, or full mattresses (depending on the brand), allowing two sleepers to share a room without feeling cramped.

Pricing

The price for a standard twin mattress depends on included sleep technologies, like phase change material and zoned support systems, and materials, ranging between $100 to $1500. For example, a traditional memory foam mattress with two layers will cost less than a gel memory foam mattress with more layers.

Recommended Room Space

For the best fit, room size should be at least 7 feet by 10 feet—leaving space for furniture and room to walk for a better aesthetic feel.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Perfect for kids
• Bunk bed compatible
• Easy to move

Cons

• Too small for some sleepers
• Not for couples

What’s a Twin XL Size Mattress?

A twin XL size mattress has the same width as a standard twin but is five inches longer, enabling more legroom for tall sleepers. Twin XL beds are standard in college dorm rooms to accommodate different size sleepers.

Pricing

Twin XL mattresses cost between $100 to $2000, roughly the same price as a twin. Special features, like cooling gel and natural cotton mattress covers, and more than two mattress layers will affect the price.

Recommended Room Space

Bedrooms measuring 7 feet by 10 feet are best for twin XL size mattresses, leaving extra space for furniture and movement. A crowded bedroom may cause undue stress to a person, leading to disrupted sleep.

Pros

• Perfect for tall sleepers
• Similar price as a twin
• Extra legroom
• Easy to transport

Cons

• Too small for couples

Other Mattress Dimensions

For potential shoppers looking for a larger bed, other mattress sizes, like full, queen, king, and California king, might be better.

Full Mattress

Full size mattresses measure 54 inches by 75 inches—wider than a twin mattress with more room to stretch out, especially for combination sleepers who regularly toss and turn each night. Full beds are best for single sleepers, while couples will find the full size too small.

Queen Mattress

Queen size mattresses are 60 inches by 80 inches, the most popular mattress size among single sleepers because of the luxurious amount of space they provide. Queen beds allow solo sleepers more room to stretch and move without fear of falling off the bed.

King Mattress

King size mattresses are the largest standard size and commonly used in master bedrooms. King size beds are best for couples, allowing 38 inches of personal space.

King beds are also available as a split king option—two twin XL beds placed side by side make up a split king mattress. Split king beds provide customized comfort and support to each sleeper without having to compromise. Plus, they’re excellent mattresses for adjustable bed frames—split kings allow each sleeper to adjust their side of the base without disturbing their partner.

California King Mattress

California king size mattresses measure 72 inches by 84 inches— longer and narrower than a standard king size, with less personal space, but providing extra length to accommodate taller couples. Though not as widely available, split California king sizes are available, depending on the brand.

Other Things to Consider

Can twin sheets fit on a twin XL?

No, twin sheets won’t fit a twin XL mattress because a twin XL bed is 5 inches longer than a twin. Before purchasing, check the product’s description and ask the company if their twin sheet set fits a twin XL. Twin XL sheets are available online and in-store.

How long is a twin XL bed?

A twin XL bed is 80 inches long—5 inches longer than a regular twin mattress. Twin XL beds are best for tall sleepers, providing more legroom, and commonly found in college dorm rooms to accommodate sleepers of all heights.

Do two twin XL beds make a California king?

No, two twin XL beds form a standard king mattress. A twin XL mattress measures 38 inches by 80 inches—doubling the width equals 76 inches, the same width as a king mattress. A California king mattress is narrower and longer than a king at 72 inches by 84 inches.

Are bunk beds twin or twin XL?

You can find bunk beds with twin, twin XL, and even full size frames. Some frames have a full size on the bottom and a twin size on top. Single sleepers might enjoy the lofted variant, where you climb up a ladder to a bunk while the bottom half is a built-in desk or set of drawers for space efficiency.

How do you keep two twin XL mattresses together?

A split king bed frame or adjustable base should have a non-skid surface to prevent your mattresses from moving. If not, you can try using mattress grips and non-slip pads. You can also attach straps with fasteners to your mattresses’ undersides. Just connect one end to the edge of the mattress, then connect the other end to the opposite side.

Conclusion

Twin and twin XL mattresses are very similar in size—the only difference is a twin XL mattress is 5 extra inches long, providing more sleeping space for taller sleepers to ensure better comfort. We hope this guide steers you in the right direction in finding the best mattress for a good night’s sleep.