Twin vs. Full: What’s the Difference?

Choosing between a twin and full-size mattress depends on your needs. A twin bed is ideal for growing children and fits nicely in small spaces, while a full bed is better for solo sleepers and offers more room. Consider the dimensions, recommended room size, and price before making a decision.

Is your child ready for their first “big-kid bed?” Twin and full-size mattresses are both ideal choices for growing children. Beyond kids, they can also both be good picks for solo sleepers who want to save on space.

How are you supposed to choose between the two, though? While twin and full mattresses have a lot in common, they have a few key differences you’ll want to consider before making your decision.

Is a twin bed or a full-size mattress right for you? Our twin vs. full-size bed guide will help you determine just that.

What’s the difference between twin and full-size beds?

From dimensions to minimum recommended bedroom size, here are the biggest differences between these two mattress sizes.

Twin vs. full dimensions

A twin-size mattress measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. A full-size mattress measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. With a full-size mattress, you get an additional 16 inches in width.

Twin vs. full comparison chart

We’ve put together this handy comparison chart to help make your choice between a twin and full easier.

ComparisonTwinFull
Width38″54″
Length75″75″
Min. recommended room size7′ x 10′10′ x 10′
Who it’s best forYoung children

Solo sleepers with very small bedrooms
Children and teens

Solo sleepers who want a little more room to move around
DrawbacksNot enough room for couples

Not long enough for anyone over 6 feet tall
Not very roomy for couples

Not long enough for anyone over 6 feet tall

More expensive than a twin

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a twin bed?

Before you decide whether a twin or full-size bed is right for you, consider the pros and cons of a twin mattress.

Pros of a twin

  • A twin mattress is great for growing children. It’s an ideal size between toddler beds and the full-size mattress they may use as teenagers. It also fits nicely into kids’ rooms. “Twin beds are so fantastic for kids’ rooms because you don’t need much space for them,” says Prudence Bailey, founder and principal designer of Prudence Home + Design in Connecticut. “They can function as a bed or even a day bed.”
  • Bailey adds that having two twin mattresses in a room is perfect for kids who love throwing sleepovers—or siblings who share a bedroom.
  • A twin mattress size is versatile—it can be used in bunk beds, daybeds, and for solo sleepers in studio apartments. (Keep in mind, your bedroom should be 7 feet by 10 feet at minimum to fit a twin-size mattress.)
  • Since a twin mattress is the smallest mattress size, it naturally comes with the smallest price tag, and it’s a piece of cake to move.

[SHOP TWIN-SIZE MATTRESSES]

Cons of a twin

  • It’s too small for two. Given that a twin mattress is only 38 inches in width total, it doesn’t afford much space for two people. A queen-size bed, which measures 60 x 80 inches, is the ideal mattress size for couples because each sleeper gets about 30 inches of space to themselves.
  • Because it’s only 75 inches long (which translates to 6 feet 2 inches), a twin-size mattress may not be long enough for taller teens or adults. If your teen is tall, consider a twin XL mattress, which is the same width as a standard twin but 5 inches longer.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a full bed?

Just as a twin-size mattress has its pros and cons, so does the full bed.

Pros of a full

  • Full-size beds offer an ideal situation for solo sleepers. If you live by yourself, a full-size bed will provide ample room.
  • This mattress size is a natural fit in downsized spaces. Those who live in apartments or who have small bedrooms will find that a full-size bed is a good option. A full-size bed can fit comfortably into a bedroom that’s at minimum, 10 feet by 10 feet.
  • Full-size beds are a great option for children. They’re the same length as standard twins but roomier.
  • They’re also usually less expensive than their larger counterparts and easier to transport than bigger mattresses.

[SHOP FULL-SIZE MATTRESSES]

Cons of a full

  • They don’t provide adequate space for most couples. In a full-size bed, each person will only have 27 inches of space for themselves. Queen and king-size beds are much roomier, offering 30 inches and 38 inches per person, respectively.
  • Since they’re not especially long, full-size beds aren’t a great option for tall folks. A full-size bed is just barely over 6 feet in length, so you’re looking at feet hanging over the edge of the bed if you’re a few inches over 6 feet tall. Taller teens will be better suited to a twin XL mattress—and taller adults who have the space should opt for a queen-size bed. Both of those mattress sizes are 5 inches longer than a full.
  • Full-size mattresses are more expensive than standard twins. If you’re buying your child their first bed, you’ll have to spend a little more to get a full-size mattress over a standard twin.

Choose from a selection of twin- and full-size mattresses 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.

Loom and Leaf Memory Foam Mattress

Premium memory foam, handcrafted in the U.S. with eco-friendly materials. Breathable organic cotton, cooling spinal gel, and layers of high-density support foam assure a cool, comfortable night's sleep.

Zenhaven Latex Mattress

Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It's naturally hypoallergenic too.)

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.

FAQs

How much bigger is a full than a twin?

A full bed is 16 inches wider than a twin. A full bed measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, while a twin measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. A full offers more space for sleepers to comfortably move around in bed.

Is a full or twin better?

Neither mattress size is inherently better than the other—which one is right for you really depends on your sleeping arrangements.

Full-size beds are typically more comfortable for adults who sleep by themselves. They’re also a good option for growing kids and teens. Twin-size beds, on the other hand, are ideal for small children.

Is the twin the same as a full?

Twin and full beds aren’t the same. A twin-size mattress measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long, while a full-size mattress measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.

Is a full equal to two twins?

A full bed doesn’t equal two twins. If you put two twin beds together, you’d get a bed that measured 76 inches wide by 75 inches long. A full bed, on the other hand, measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.

Find the best twin and full mattresses from Saatva

Saatva offers a wide range of high-quality twin and full mattresses so you can easily find your perfect match. Whether you’re looking to buy a

bed for your child
saatva youth mattress
Youth Mattress

Our dual-sided nontoxic crib mattress for little ones

or you live in a small apartment, we’ve got you covered.

All of our mattresses are handcrafted with premium materials to help you experience your most comfortable sleep. Plus, our mattresses come with a 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty.

Take our mattress quiz to find out which Saatva mattress is right for you.

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