Standard Mattress Measurements

Twin

• A twin-size bed is the smallest bed for adults and kids, besides a crib mattress used for infants and toddlers. A twin measures 39 inches wide by 75 inches long, allowing adequate space for a single adult or child. In colleges, dorms provide XL twin beds, which measure 39-by-80 inches to offer extra length.

Full

• A full- or double-sized bed measures 54-by-75 inches. While a full-sized bed can fit two individuals, it only offers 27 inches of space for each person, a significant decrease from the space offered by a twin. You may want to use a full-size bed for a teen, two small adults or a guest bedroom.

Queen

• A queen-size mattress measures 60-by-80 inches. While you may find that a full-size bed provides adequate width for a single person, the extra length may be worth purchasing a larger bed. A queen bed is frequently found in hotel rooms and offers each individual 30 inches of space--still less than a twin bed but ideal for many situations.

King

• The king-size bed is the largest, measuring 76-by-80 inches and offering 38 inches of space for each person. It's the closest bed equivalent to each person having a twin-size bed while sleeping together. You can also purchase a California king bed that takes the width down to 72 inches and adds it to the length, making it 84 inches long. Extra-tall individuals may opt for the extra length offered by a California king.