When you begin the search for the perfect mattress, you’ll probably decide what size you want before considering anything else. While searching between the different bed sizes, you may notice that some brands sell a double bed and some sell a full bed. What is the difference between a double bed and a full size bed?
There is actually no difference between a double bed and a full size bed! They are simply named differently depending on the manufacturer but have the exact same dimensions. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this type of bed, as well as some other popular bed sizes.
What is a Double Bed
A double bed is a mattress that is bigger than a twin size but smaller than a queen size. Because of the word “double,” you may automatically assume that this mattress is double the size of a twin, but it isn’t. A double bed is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, which makes it only 16 inches wider than a twin bed.
A double bed can be a good option for single adults who normally sleep alone. There’s enough room for single sleepers to spread out without paying for the larger queen size. A double bed can fit two average weight adults, but keep in mind this may be a tight fit if you both like to stretch out. Not only is it more budget-friendly than a queen, but this size is also great for anyone with a smaller room and who wants to save space.
What is a Full Size Bed
A full size bed has exactly the same dimensions as a double bed — it is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Depending on the company, this size may be called a double bed or full size bed. It’s easy to get confused between the two and mistake the full for being a completely different size. However, these beds are the same in both their size and function.
Pros & Cons of Full Size Mattresses
Like any bed, there are going to be qualities you love and qualities you may not like as much. In this section, I’ll go over three pros and three cons that you may discover with this size.
Pros of Full Size Mattresses
- Affordable: If you’re looking for a bed with more room than a twin but don’t want to spend money on a queen, the full bed is a great in-between option. You’ll get the extra inches you want but not have to spend as much money as for a queen.
- Easy to find accessories and bedding: The full bed is a standard size with most mattress companies, so it’s easy to shop for. You’ll not only be able to find this size in almost any brand and model you desire, but you’ll also be able to easily find accessories and bedding without getting anything custom-made.
- Great for kids or college rooms: This size is a great option for children’s rooms or for teens who want more room than a twin but don’t need quite as much sleeping space as a queen. It lets them spread out a bit more and also has enough space for an extra person during sleepovers.
Cons of Full Size Mattresses
- Too small for some couples: A full size mattress should be able to fit two average-weight adults, but it can be too small for some couples. If you or your partner like to really spread out during the night, you may find that this bed is too cramped as well.
- Can’t fit kids and pets: If you and your partner want to let your children and/or pets sleep in your bed at night, you likely won’t be able to do it with this size. The full size isn’t meant to accommodate more than two people.
- Not ideal for tall folks: Tall sleepers may find this bed is simply too small for them. We’d recommend sizing up to the queen, which will give you an additional five inches of legroom.
Best Full Size Mattresses
If you’re interested in buying a full size mattress, you may be wondering how to start your search. In our best full size mattress guide, we cover all of our favorite picks and who they might be best for. Here are three of our favorites:
Saatva Classic Mattress: This mattress is made with coil-on-coil construction and has a classic innerspring feel. It’s extremely responsive, which is great for combination sleepers who want to easily switch positions throughout the night. This mattress also comes in three different firmness levels, so you can pick the feel that works best for you and your sleeping position. You can learn more about this mattress in our full Saatva mattress review.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress: This mattress is great for anyone who struggles with back pain. The top layers of memory foam provide plenty of pressure relief as you sink into its pocketed coil system. This mattress has the perfect balance of comfort and support that ensures proper spinal alignment. Learn more about this mattress in our full Bear Star Hybrid mattress review.
Helix Midnight Mattress: This mattress is especially good for side sleepers. Side sleepers will be able sleep without shoulder and hip pain due to the medium-soft feel and support of this bed. The motion isolation features also make this a good choice for couples who don’t want to be disturbed by their partner’s movement at night. Head over to our Helix Midnight mattress review for more information on this mattress.
Variations of the Full Size Mattress
Like the twin, queen, and king sizes, the full size mattress comes in a couple of different variations.
Double XL/Full XL: The double XL (also known as the full XL mattress) is 54 inches wide and 80 inches long. This means it’s the same width as the full size but is five inches longer. This option could be good for single people who are on the tall side. They have extra space to spread out without hanging off the edge of the mattress. It’s important to note this mattress is not very common, and it’s likely that finding compatible bedding will be difficult.
Small double: The small double mattress is sometimes called the three-quarter bed. This size is between a twin size and full size and is 48 inches wide and 75 inches long. This means it is the same length as the full mattress but loses width by six inches. This bed could be a good choice for someone who needs just a bit more width space but doesn’t need as much room as a full. This bed is also more rare and may not be made by your favorite retailer.
Other Standard Mattress Sizes
Twin
The twin size mattress is the smallest standard size. This single bed is often used as a child’s first “big kid bed” after they’ve outgrown their crib mattress. Check out our best twin mattress guide for more.
Dimensions: 38 inches wide, 75 inches long
Who it’s best for: Toddlers, children, single adults, small bedrooms
Twin XL
The twin xl size mattress is often the standard for college dorm rooms. It’s the same width as the standard twin but is five inches longer. Head to our best twin XL mattress to see some good options or learn more.
Dimensions: 38 inches wide, 80 inches long
Who it’s best for: Children, single adults, college students
Queen
The queen size bed is currently the most popular mattress size in the United States. See our best queen size mattress guide for more information.
Dimensions: 60 inches wide, 80 inches long
Who it’s best for: Single adults, couples, single adults with children and/or pets
King
The king size bed is the next size up from a queen mattress. It can fit in rooms that are 12 feet by 12 feet minimum, so it’s a good option for master bedrooms. Check out our best king size mattress guide.
Dimensions: 76 inches wide, 80 inches long
Who it’s best for: Couples, couples with children and/or pets
California King
The California king bed is a great option for anyone desiring a little extra length on their mattress, like taller people who need more leg room. It’s not quite as wide as the king but is four inches longer. Compare the two in our California king vs king guide or head straight to our best California king size mattress guide.
Dimensions: 72 inches wide, 84 inches long
Who it’s best for: Tall couples, couples with children and/or pets.
Split King
A split king mattress has two identical-sized mattresses that equal a standard king’s size. These mattress measurements are the same as the twin XL beds. See our best split king guide for more information.
Dimensions: 38 inches wide, 80 inches long
Who it’s best for: Couples with different mattress preferences, sleepers who want to use an adjustable bed frame
For more information about the different mattress sizes, check out our mattress size guide.
FAQs
Is a double bed the same as a full?
Yes. These two beds have the same mattress dimensions, just different names.
What is bigger: a full or a double bed?
The bed dimensions are the same. They are both 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.
Can two adults sleep on a full size bed?
Yes. The full size bed can accommodate two average weight adults, but it may be a tight fit if both sleepers like to spread out or if either sleeper is tall or heavy.
Is a double bed big enough for two?
The double bed size can fit two average weight adults but cannot accommodate for extra sleepers, like kids or adults.
Can you easily find mattress accessories for a full size bed?
Yes. The full size bed is a standard size, so most companies should have mattress accessories that match.
Conclusion
The double bed and full size bed are named differently, but they are the same thing. This mattress size isn’t too big or too small, so it may just be the perfect one for you.
