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Choosing a mattress size is an important aspect of your next bed purchase. There are six standard mattress sizes, as well as a handful of less common sizes. If you’re a single adult, or if you’re purchasing a bed for a child, the best options will likely be twin, twin XL, or full.
The two more spacious options include twin XL and full, both of which offer unique advantages and disadvantages. If you’re trying to decide between twin XL vs full, this guide will cover everything you need to know.
| Twin XL | Full (AKA Double) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 38” wide, 80” long | 54” wide, 75” long |
| Surface Area | 3,040 square inches | 4,050 square inches |
| Best For | Single sleepers over 6’ tall; growing children and teens | Single sleepers under 6’ tall; couples on a tight budget |
| Benefits |
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| Drawbacks |
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The twin XL mattress dimensions (38 inches wide, 80 inches long) are best suited for single sleepers who are over 6 feet tall, or growing children and teens who may exceed 6 feet eventually. A twin XL is insufficient for couples and parents with small children sharing the bed.
The full mattress dimensions (54 inches wide, 75 inches long) are more versatile. A full, or double, mattress is a good choice for a single adult under 6 feet tall who wants a more spacious feel. Fulls can also be used for couples, although some may find them a bit cramped. For perspective, a full mattress is 6 inches less wide and 5 inches shorter than a queen, the most popular size choice for couples.
The table above provides a quick summary, but there are many factors you should consider before making your selection.
Before choosing between twin XL vs full, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Cost & Availability – Do you have a budget in mind for your mattress purchase? In general, you can expect to spend significantly more for a full than a twin XL. For budget models, expect to pay $200-$300+ more for a full, while luxury fulls may carry a price premium of $500 or more over the cost of a comparable twin XL. On the other hand, twin XL beds and accessories are less popular, and therefore have less availability and selection overall.
Sleeping Partners – Do you share your bed with a partner, child, or pet? If so, a twin XL will likely be too small. Even a full will feel cramped for some couples, but provides a good solution for single parents with small children or pets. If you’re a single sleeper with a small pet sharing the foot of the bed, a twin XL may actually be a better option, because of its additional leg room.
Height & Sleep Position – How tall are you? If you or your partner are taller than 6 feet, you will likely find that a full feels cramped in terms of leg room. For single sleepers, a twin XL may be a better option. For taller couples, upgrading to a queen may be necessary.
Bedroom Dimensions – What are the dimensions of the room you plan to use the new bed in? Both sizes should fit well in most spaces, but the twin XL size is more conducive to narrow rooms. We recommend measuring the space you plan to place the bed in, and ideally allowing for around 24 inches of extra space between the bed and each surrounding wall or piece of furniture.
