Full Size Bed Dimensions

If you’re looking for a bigger mattress, but don’t want to deal with the bulkiness of a queen or king size, a full bed could be what you need. Full size mattresses, or double beds as they’re also known by, are larger than twin beds, but cost less than a queen mattress.

Plus, they can fit inside most bedrooms without taking up too much space. Read how a full size stacks up against other mattress sizes to determine if a full bed is the best fit.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Kids

Dimensions of a Full Size Bed

A full size mattress measures 54 inches by 75 inches. It’s the same length as a twin, but 16 inches wider. A full size bed is an excellent choice for growing children, especially if they’re growing too big for that twin size mattress. Full mattresses are also great for single adults, but they may feel too short if you’re taller than the average height (about six feet tall).

Full Size Beds Compared to Other Standard Mattress Sizes

A full size bed is a good middle size—larger than a twin, but smaller than a queen size mattress. Full beds fit nicely inside smaller bedrooms and guest rooms that are at least 10 feet by 12 feet. These room sizes have enough space for nightstands and lamps in addition to a full size bed frame.

Full mattresses cost more than twin or twin XL mattresses, but less than a queen size. You can expect to pay between $500 to $3,000 for a high-quality, full size bed. If you’re single and on your own, a full could be the best mattress size, since it gives you more sleeping space than a twin without breaking the bank.

Full beds are too small for couples since they only give you and your partner 27 inches of personal space—that’s about the same width as toddler beds. If you have a partner, then queen, king, or California king-sized mattresses might be better options, giving each of you more room to stretch out without bumping into each other.

These larger beds may also be more accommodating mattresses for taller sleepers, providing more legroom than a full size.

Why Choose a Full Size Bed?

The full or double mattress was the mattress of choice for couples in the 1950s before the queen size bed became popular. As couples turned to queen mattresses, full beds became more popular for children and single adults.

Full size beds are perfect for growing children. As kids grow, a double bed won’t feel too small, unlike a twin size bed. They also have room for a parent to co-sleep with their child.

Full size mattresses don’t take up much more space than a twin. Parents with more than one child may appreciate bunk beds that include a full size bed frame, utilizing more sleeping room with limited space.

If you’re single, a full size mattress could be a good affordable option. Full beds cost less than queen beds and are less bulky and easier to move. They also fit well inside small spaces, like a studio or one-bedroom apartments.

Full mattresses can also be a highly affordable mattress for a guest room that still provides more sprawling space than a twin bed.

Full XL Variation

If you’re taller than 6 feet and want a mattress with more legroom, a full XL bed is an excellent choice. Full XL mattresses are the same as a full standard size, except they’re 5 inches longer, giving you more sleeping space. You don’t have to worry about your legs and feet dangling off the edge of the bed.

Other Mattress Sizes

FAQs

How big is a full bed compared to a queen size?

A full bed is 54 inches by 75 inches, while a queen mattress is 60 inches by 80 inches. Queen beds are bigger and give you more room, but they also cost more and may be difficult to transport. Full size mattresses, however, cost less and are easier to move.

Full beds are also more versatile—if you have limited living space, a queen size mattress may not fit, but a full bed will. There isn’t too drastic of a size difference between a full bed and a queen size, but you may want to consider the size of your room before buying a new mattress.

Can two adults sleep comfortably on a full size bed?

Full size beds are only 54 inches wide. Divide that in half, and you only get 27 inches of personal space—that’s less than a standard twin size. Full mattresses may be too small for you and your sleep partner, but larger sizes, including a queen, king, and California king mattresses are better options.

• Queen Size

Queen mattresses are 60 inches by 80 inches. They’re one of the most popular bed sizes for both single adults and couples. Queen size beds fit perfectly in master bedrooms and provide 30 inches of personal space for couples. Single adults can enjoy the full 60 inches of luxurious sleeping space.

• King Size

King size mattresses are the best fit for couples. At 76 inches by 80 inches, king beds give you and your sleep partner 38 inches of personal space, the same room as a twin bed. For added comfort, consider a split king. Split king beds are slight variations to king mattresses. They’re a standard king size split in half, allowing you and your sleeping partner to have your own mattress personalized to your specific needs without compromising.

• California King Size

California king beds measure 72 inches by 84 inches—longer and narrower than king size beds. While they aren’t as wide as a standard king, California king mattresses are longer, something you may appreciate if you or your sleeping partner are taller than average. California king size beds fit comfortably inside large rooms that measure at least 13 feet by 13 feet.

What is a full XL bed?

A full XL bed is similar to a standard full, except it has 5 inches of extra length. Full XL mattresses are an excellent choice if you’re taller and looking for a new mattress to add to your new apartment, but don’t have much space. Full XL size beds easily fit inside a studio or one-bedroom apartment, so you can enjoy sleeping space without feeling cramped.

Can queen sheets fit on a full bed?

Queen size sheets will be too big for a full bed. Queen sheets are meant to fit a 60-inch by 80-inch queen mattress, not a 54-inch by 75-inch full mattress. Instead, choose bed sheets designed for a full size bed. Too-big sheets won’t fit right, especially the flat sheet—it might end up dragging on the floor.

What size bed do most couples have?

Most couples have a queen or king size bed. Queen size mattresses are good budget options for couples. Queen beds aren’t as big as king or California king mattresses so that they won’t be as expensive, but they still provide a good amount of personal space and fit well in master bedrooms.

King size beds are the most popular mattresses for couples. It gives the same amount of space as a standard twin mattress. They also provide an excellent focal point to large master bedrooms, at least 13 feet by 13 feet. Keep in mind that king beds are the most expensive because of the number of materials they contain.

Conclusion

Full size mattresses are the perfect size for children and single sleepers. They offer more room for sleepers to stretch out than a twin size mattress. Though they’re smaller than queens, full size beds are less expensive and fit bedrooms at least 10 feet by 12 feet.

If you’re single and on your own or a parent looking for a mattress your child can grow into, a full bed may be the right size.