If you’re a solo sleeper, you might be wondering which mattress size is right for you. Should you go for a narrower bed—like a twin XL—to save space, or a wider one—like a queen—so you have plenty of room to spread out? Both queens and twin XLs have a lot of things going for them, but which one is your ideal match will depend on a variety of factors.
Is a queen-size mattress or a twin XL right for you? Our queen vs. twin XL guide will help you determine just that.
What’s the difference between queen and twin XL sizes?
From dimensions to minimum recommended bedroom size, here are the biggest differences between these two mattress sizes.
Queen vs. twin XL dimensions
A queen-size mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. A twin XL mattress measures 38 inches wide by 80 inches long. With a queen-size mattress, you get an additional 22 inches in width.
Queen vs. twin XL comparison chart
We’ve put together this handy comparison chart to help make your choice between a queen and twin XL easier.
Comparison Queen Twin XL Width 60″ 38″ Length 80″ 80″ Min. recommended room size 10′ x 10′ 7′ x 10′ Who it’s best for -Couples
-Solo sleepers who want ample space to move around-Tall children, teens, and adults
-Couples (when you pair two twin XLs to make a split king)Drawbacks -Too large for small bedrooms
-Not as much space for kids and pets to cuddle as a king-size mattress-More expensive than a standard twin
-Can be hard to find bedding
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a queen bed?
Before you decide whether a queen or twin XL is right for you, consider the pros and cons of a queen-size mattress.
Pros of a queen
- It’s versatile, making it an outstanding option for couples and solo sleepers alike. Each sleeper gets about 30 inches of space to themselves. This gives couples plenty of room to move around. “A queen-size mattress is ideal for many people because it offers generous sleeping room for a single sleeper, yet the size is still ample and comfortable for two people,” says Mary Brennan, interior designer and founder of House of Fine Design in New Jersey. If you’re a combination sleeper—someone who switches positions throughout the night—you should have enough room in a queen-size bed so you won’t disturb your partner.
- You’ll have enough room for kids and pets as well. Although a queen-size mattress isn’t quite as large as a king, you should still comfortably be able to snuggle with your family.
Cons of a queen
- Naturally, a queen-size bed doesn’t offer as much room for couples and/or families as a king-size bed. You’ll have 8 inches less width in a queen-size bed than you would in a king.
- If you have a very small bedroom, a queen-size bed is still sizable enough to cramp your space. You should only choose a queen-size mattress if your bedroom is at minimum, 10 feet by 10 feet.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a twin XL?
Just as a queen-size mattress has its pros and cons, so does the twin XL.
Pros of a twin XL
- Twin XL beds are great for teens. Teens often experience growth spurts, so the twin XL is often a better option than the standard twin since it’s 5 inches longer. If you’re a taller adult (over 6 feet tall) who has a smaller bedroom, you may also benefit from choosing a twin XL mattress since it’s approximately 6 feet 7 inches long.
- Twin XL dimensions make for a nice fit in dorm rooms—especially for tall college students. “Twin XLs are ideal for college students because they provide more length, which is great for kids who study in bed or want to hang out with friends on their bed,” says Prudence Bailey, founder and principal designer of Prudence Home + Design in Connecticut.
- If you and your partner have different sleep needs, you can put two twin XL mattresses together to make a split king. For example, if you like a firm mattress but your partner prefers a soft mattress, consider a split king so each of you has a separate sleep surface with your preferred firmness.
Cons of a twin XL
- It’s too small for two. Given that a twin XL mattress is only 38 inches in width total, it doesn’t afford much space for two people. A queen or king-size bed is a much better option for couples and families.
- It can be a challenge to find bedding that fits since a twin XL mattress is less common than a standard twin. That said, twin XL sheet sets do exist.
- You’ll pay more for a twin XL than you would a standard twin. “Twin XL beds are a bit more expensive than regular twins,” says Bailey. Plus, not all mattress retailers stock twin XLs regularly, she adds.
Things to consider before buying
Now that we’ve reviewed the pros and cons of queen and twin XL mattresses, here are a few final points to consider before making a decision.
- Room size. If your bedroom is on the small side, a twin XL may be the better option because it’s narrower—22 inches narrower, to be specific—than a queen.
- Budget. A twin XL is significantly cheaper than a queen-size mattress. If you’re buying a new mattress for a teen, the cheaper option probably makes more sense. But if you’re shopping for yourself—and you have the space for it—you may want to invest in a queen-size mattress.
- Number of sleepers. A single person can fit comfortably in a twin XL mattress, but if you sleep with a partner or have kids and/or pets who like to pile into your bed, then a queen is a better choice.
Choose the right queen or twin XL mattress for you 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.)
FAQs
Is a twin XL the same as a queen?
A twin XL isn’t the same thing as a queen. A twin XL measures 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, while a queen. measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
A twin XL is a better option for individuals with smaller bedrooms, while a queen is ideal for individuals with larger bedrooms and couples.
Do two twin XLs make a queen?
Two twin XLs don’t make a queen. Placed next to each other, two twin XLs measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. These are the dimensions of a standard king. A queen bed, on the other hand, measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Can a queen comforter fit a twin XL bed?
A queen
A lighter version of our comforter/duvet insert for cooler sleep
will be too large for a twin XL bed. When shopping for bedding, always select the size that matches your mattress.
In general, twin XL comforters will measure 68 inches wide by 90 inches long, while queen comforters will measure 88 inches wide by 92 inches long.
How big is a twin XL vs. a queen?
A twin XL measures 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, while a queen measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. That means a twin XL is 22 inches narrower than a queen, but they’re both the same length.
Find the best queen and twin XL mattresses at Saatva
Saatva offers a wide range of high-quality queen-size and twin XL mattresses so you can easily find your perfect match, whether you’re shopping for your child, yourself, or you and your partner.
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.
