Twin beds are (surprisingly) one of the most versatile mattresses around. They’re ideal for kids, guest rooms, and even single adults living in smaller rooms. Meanwhile, their sibling, the twin XL mattress, is a longer variation that makes a great pick for teens, college students, and taller individuals.
But how big, exactly, are twin-size bed dimensions, and will this mattress work in your bedroom?
Here, we’ve put together everything you need to know about twin beds, including the pros and cons of choosing this mattress size and how to tell if it’s right for you.
Twin bed dimensions
A twin mattress (also known as a single bed) measures 38 x 75 inches. Besides a crib-size mattress, a twin-size bed is the smallest standard mattress size on the market.
You’ve likely heard the term twin XL size, but you may not be familiar with what it is. A twin XL mattress is a variation on the twin-size bed. Twin XL dimensions are 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, making it 5 inches longer than a standard twin.
Below, you’ll find a comparison table for twin-size beds and a few other common mattress sizes in the industry.
Comparing twin-size mattress measurements
Let’s take a look at the benefits of a twin-size mattress and compare it to some of the other popular mattress sizes on the market. Here is a size chart to give you a better understanding of the mattress types available for purchase.
Type of Mattress Dimensions Recommended Bedroom Size Individual Benefits Standard Twin-Size Bed 38 x 75 in Smaller bedrooms for children or teenagers – Small and a great space saver- Great for growing children Twin XL Size Bed 38 x 80 in Small sleeping spaces for single adults or taller teenagers – 5 inches of extra legroom compared to the standard twin Junior Size Bed 27.5 x 63 in Small bedrooms for toddlers and younger kids – Great option for a first “big kid” bed- Can fit in virtually any small sleeping space Full-Size Bed 54 x 75 in Small sleeping spaces for adults – Great space saver for tight sleeping spaces- Can fit a couple if needed Queen-Size Bed 60 x 80 in Mid-sized bedrooms-large bedrooms – Perfect for couples or single adults who want more sleeping space King-Size Bed 76 x 80 in Large-sized bedrooms – Perfect for couples who want a little extra space
Deciding if a twin-size mattress is right for you
If you’re thinking through twin bed dimensions to determine whether this size is a viable option in your space and your life, it’s important to weigh some key considerations.
In order to make the best decision and decide which mattress size will work best for your lifestyle, there are a few factors that you need to keep in mind.
- Who will sleep in the bed?
- Desired comfort level
- Your room size
- Your body size
- Your budget
- Temperature
- Motion isolation
Who will sleep in the bed?
Since a twin-size mattress only measures 38 inches wide, keep in mind that it’s best suited for individuals, such as children or adults of short or average height. And because a standard twin-size mattress only measures 75 inches long, it might not be the right choice for taller people or growing children.
A twin XL mattress measures 80 inches, giving an extra 5 inches of extra length and legroom. This could make it a great option for adults with small sleeping spaces or even just a taller teenager.
If you’re looking to squeeze more than one person into bed at night, though, a king-size mattress or queen-size mattress might be the better choice—especially in a primary bedroom.
Desired comfort level
A twin-size mattress purchase also comes down to comfort level. Note that if you’re buying a twin mattress for a child, toddlers, and young children need a medium-firm mattress to adequately support their growing bodies. For guest room beds, a medium-firm is also a good option because it suits a wide variety of sleepers.
If you’re in the market for a twin mattress for yourself, consider your preferred sleeping position. While a softer mattress is perfect for side sleepers, a medium-firm mattress is ideal for back sleepers. A firmer mattress, meanwhile, is best for stomach sleepers.
Your room size
Naturally, since twin-size mattresses are on the small side, they work best in rooms with limited space, such as studio apartments, kids’ bedrooms, college dorm rooms, and guest bedrooms. When planning your layout, keep in mind that the minimum recommended room size for a twin-size bed is 7 x 10 feet.
With a bedroom bigger than 7 x 10 feet, it would be best to consider a double mattress or something even larger. With more floor space, you can easily fit a larger bed if you need more room.
Your body size
Another consideration when deciding to purchase a twin mattress is this: twin mattresses typically don’t give larger individuals enough room to move around comfortably. They tend to be a better option for people with smaller body sizes. (Learn about the
The first luxury hybrid innerspring for bigger bodies
)
Your budget
A twin mattress is hands down the cheapest mattress size. A twin-size
America’s best-selling online luxury innerspring
will be the most affordable option of all since innerspring mattresses usually run less than other mattress types. If you’re thinking about a twin
Our dual-sided nontoxic crib mattress for little ones
, it will usually cost you a few hundred dollars.
Temperature
Whether you’re buying a twin mattress or another size, if you sleep hot, you may want to skip memory foam since it tends to trap heat. Innerspring and
Our dual-sided organic natural latex mattress for buoyant, pressure-relieving comfort
sleep the coolest, resulting in improved sleep.
Motion isolation
For twin mattresses and beyond, a
Our ultra-premium 5-lb memory foam mattress for a body-hugging feel
is the best at reducing motion isolation, while on an innerspring mattress, you’ll feel yourself moving around, which can disturb sleep.
Twin-size mattresses vs. other mattress sizes
Since there are a variety of mattress sizes to choose from, it can be helpful to compare and contrast those dimensions as you decide if a twin mattress is for you.
Twin vs. twin XL
As an extra-long version of a traditional twin mattress, a twin XL mattress is better for taller sleepers, while a twin mattress is geared toward sleepers of short or average stature.
Also, twin bedding is a breeze to find, but twin XL bedding can present a challenge since it’s not as common or readily available. A twin XL mattress also costs more money than its twin counterpart. (Learn more about the differences between a twin vs. twin XL.)
Twin vs. full
At 54 x 75 inches, a full mattress is wider than a twin mattress, providing bonus room to solo sleepers. If you have a space on the medium side, a full bed will fill out the room better than a twin. But, be forewarned that full mattresses are more expensive than twin beds.
Twin XL vs. full
A twin XL is a longer mattress option for tall sleepers, while a full mattress is the same length as a twin but provides more space at a greater width. While a twin XL has been a tried-and-true option in many dorm rooms, a full mattress is a great pick for little ones who can grow into their mattress into their teen years.
Twin XL vs. queen
Twin XL and queen beds are very different from one another. A twin XL measures 38 x 80 inches and a queen comes in at 60 x 80 inches, making it the much wider option between the two. A twin XL won’t work well for couples, but a queen is just right for two sleepers. But a twin XL will fit better in a small room—a queen bed might overwhelm the space.
Twin vs. standard king
A standard king-size mattress measures 76 x 80 inches. It’s much larger than a standard twin-size mattress in both width and length, making it a great option for couples or people looking for extra sleeping space.
A standard twin or twin XL would be best for single sleepers or young children, on the other hand.
Twin vs. split king
Split king-size mattresses are the same size as a standard king—they’re just split in two. Each mattress measures the same size as a twin XL. These work great for couples with different sleeping preferences. However, a twin-size mattress will work just fine for those looking for a single mattress on the smaller side.
Twin-size mattress FAQs
To break everything down, we’re answering the most common questions about twin bed dimensions to help you in the mattress-shopping process.
What size room works best for a twin-size bed?
It’s generally believed that the minimum room size to comfortably fit a twin is 7 x 10 feet. It works well in studio apartments, guest rooms, children’s rooms, and bedrooms on the small side.
Are a twin bed and a single bed the same thing?
A twin-size mattress and a single bed are the same. Both measure 38 x 75 inches.
Are twin and double beds the same?
Twin and double beds are not the same. A twin bed is 38 x 75 inches, while a double bed, also known as a full bed, is 54 x 75 inches. Double beds are another good option for solo sleepers, especially ones with slightly larger bedrooms to accommodate the larger mattress size. They’re also good if you’d like a little extra room to sleep.
Can two people sleep in a twin bed?
Not comfortably. A twin bed is better for solo sleepers since it only comes in at 38 inches wide. A queen mattress, which clocks in at 60 inches wide, is a much better choice for couples.
Is a twin-size mattress the best choice for children?
A twin-size mattress is ideal for young children since it’ll provide enough space for their growing bodies and fit comfortably into a small kids’ bedroom. Keep in mind that taller teens may not fit comfortably on a twin-size mattress. In this case, a twin XL, which is 38 x 80 inches, could be a better option.
Can you fit twin sheets on a twin XL bed?
You can’t fit twin sheets on a twin XL bed since a twin XL is 5 inches longer. You must use sheets made specifically to fit a twin XL bed.
Do two twin XL beds make a king?
Two twin XL beds make something called a split king mattress, clocking in at a sizable 76 x 80 inches. A split king is a good option for couples with different sleep preferences since each of you will be able to pick your desired firmness.
Find the best twin-size mattresses for adults and children at Saatva
Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
Youth Mattress
This dual-sided innerspring mattress provides optimal support and comfort to children of all ages. Simply flip it over from the 3+ side to the 8+ side when your child is ready.
Where to buy comfortable twin-size beds
Once you’ve decided that a twin-size bed is right for you, it’s time to figure out where to get one.
If you’re looking for a high-quality and comfortable twin-size bed from a trustworthy mattress seller, Saatva could be the right company for you. We sell everything you need for the perfect sleep setup, including mattresses, bed frames, and accessories.
Saatva has a large selection of mattresses in many different sizes, ranging from the luxurious California king all the way down to the standard twin-size bed. Try a new twin-size Saatva mattress for 365 nights to see if it’s right for you.
Explore other mattress sizes
Decided a twin-size mattress isn’t right for you? Learn more about other common mattress sizes on the market to find your perfect fit.
- Mattress dimensions guide
- Crib bed dimensions
- Full bed dimensions
- Queen bed dimensions
- King bed dimensions
