What are the Dimensions of Mattresses?
Along with price, the size of a mattress is a determining factor for purchasing. We commonly talk about twin, queen and king-size beds, but most of the time don’t really know exactly how big or small they really are. The graph below will give standard sizes for the most common mattresses.
How Many People Will My Mattress Fit?
When thinking about a new mattress, knowing how many people will be sleeping on it is going to be the most important criteria. You certainly don’t want to buy a bed that's too small to sleep comfortably, nor do you want to buy one that is too large for your bedroom. In the following sections we’ll discuss the most popular mattress sizes.
Twin and Twin XL Mattresses
Twin beds are what most of us graduated to from our cribs. The bigger mattress size allows room for children to develop without outgrowing it in a brief time. Measuring approximately 38 inches wide by 75 inches long, twin mattresses are typically found in kid’s rooms, on bunk beds, as day beds and in small guest rooms. Twin XL mattresses are longer at 38 inches wide by 80 inches long and are usually found in dorm rooms. Twin size beds are designed to hold one person.
Full Mattresses
A full-size mattress typically fits one adult comfortably or two people if it's a short-term share. A full mattress measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long and is available in all of the major formats, including hybrid, memory foam and innerspring.
Queen Mattresses
The most popular bed size today is the queen bed. A queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long and is available in all of the major formats: foam, hybrid, innerspring and air. Queen size beds are best for singles who like extra room, couples, or a person that has pets that want to sleep in the bed with them.
King Mattresses
King mattresses and beds are the largest popular mattress size sold. They're available in foam, hybrid, innerspring and air models. With a 76-inch wide by 80-inch-long measurement, it has plenty of room for couples who like a little extra room, children who like to snuggle with their parents and room for larger pets. King beds will work best in a larger bedroom with room to move around the bed and it doesn't reduce the room's space.
California King Mattresses
While many people are familiar with king size mattresses, there's a lesser known but equally as large California king bed mattress. California kings are 4 inches less in width at 72 inches but 4 inches longer at 84 inches in length. California king mattresses are best for taller people or couples that have larger pets that will sleep at the foot of the bed. Like regular king beds, California kings do best in a large bedroom or space.
Aside from size, you'll need to think about comfort level. Select from medium, firm, plush, extra-firm or extra-plush mattresses.
Bedding and Mattress Accessories
Now that you have decided on a mattress, it’s time to get sheets and comforters to dress your bed. Bedding sets are an easy option as they can contain everything you need in an all-in-one pack, including sheets, comforter, and pillow shams. You can protect your mattress from perspiration, dead skin cells and accidental spills with a mattress cover. Covers also guard against dust, allergens and bed bugs. If you like a little extra padding on your mattress, consider a mattress topper. Placed on the top of the mattress, it adds pillow-like softness and can guard against wear and tear.
Let's Get Started
When you're selecting the right mattress for your primary bedroom, children's bedroom or guest room, there are several considerations to keep in mind: size, comfort and price.
Mattress Sizes
Twin Mattress: 38 inches x 75 inches
Twin XL Mattress: 38 inches x 80 inches
Full (Double) Mattress: 54 inches x 75 inches
Queen Mattress: 60 inches x 80 inches
King Mattress: 76 inches x 80 inches
California King Mattress: 72 inches x 84 inches
Comfort Level
- Medium
- Firm
- Plush
- Extra-Firm
- Extra-Plush
If you're ready to purchase your mattress, shop online and Lowe's can deliver it to your home. Don't forget to purchase sheets, pillows, a mattress cover and a comforter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattresses
Here are some commonly asked questions about mattress sizes.
Is a California king mattress bigger than a king?
Visually, a California king may seem larger than a king size mattress. That is due to the extra length that a California king has. But in reality, a King bed (76 inches W by 80 inches L) has 6,080 square inches of space. A California king (72 inches W by 84 inches L) has 6,048 square inches of space. What the king size mattress gives up in width, the California king add in length.
What's the ideal size mattress for a couple?
For an average size couple, a queen size bed may provide the sleeping space and comfort for a good night’s sleep. If more room is needed, or you need room for the kids to snuggle or a pet to nap, a king size mattress should be the choice.
What size bed should a 6-foot person get?
A person that's six feet tall should have at least a queen size mattress to rest on. A queen mattress is 80 inches in length, giving plenty of room so your feet don’t hang off the end of the bed. If taller than six feet, a California king, with 84 inches of length might be the choice for a restful sleep.