Size of a Small Double Bed

Sleeping Space

• As the name implies, a double bed is usually shared by two persons. If two persons are sharing a double bed, the 54-inch-75-inch size provides approximately 27 inches of width and 75 inches of length per person. When it comes to a person's height, a double bed's 75 inches of length is equal to a 6 foot, 3 inch-tall person, although this does not take into consideration the person's position on the bed.

Size Comparison

• A double bed is the same length as a twin bed -- approximately 75 inches -- but 15 inches wider. If you upgrade to the next size up, which is the queen-sized bed, the width of the bed expands by 6 inches, for a total of 60 inches, as well as an additional 5 inches in length, or 80 inches. The next available size is king, which is the same length as the queen but 6 inches wider, or 66 inches. By upgrading from a double to a king, you gain 12 inches of width and 5 inches of length, overall. If you prefer a narrower bed than a king but with more leg room, a California king provides four inches less width but 4 inches more length, which translates to 9 more inches of leg room than a standard double.

Europe and New Zealand Standards

• In European countries outside the United Kingdom, a double bed is slightly larger at 55 inches-by-79-inches. This translates to 1 inch of additional width and 4 inches extra of length than a standard United Kingdom or American double bed. In New Zealand, standard U.S.- or U.K.-sized doubles are available, although the double beds are typically 53-inches-by-80-inches, which means that they are 1 inch shorter and 5 inches longer.

Extra-Long Doubles

• Like the extra-long twin, which provides an extra 5 inches of length but no change in width compared to a standard twin, an extra-long double is also available with a similar design. The extra-long double is 54-inches-by-80-inches, giving you an additional 5 inches of leg room than a standard double.