Sometimes big things come in small packages. A twin size is the smallest adult-size mattress you can buy, however, that doesn’t mean this bed is only meant for smaller humans like your kids. It also doesn’t mean that you will lose luxurious features common in bigger mattresses like cooling and support technology.
Twin size mattresses can be great options to help save you money and fit in many tight spaces. Mattresses are big investments, so it’s understandable you want to do your research before buying something that will be a part of your home and space for many years to come. You want to get the best bang for your buck; I get it. Let’s see if I can help you decide whether a twin size mattress is right for you and your living situation.
Dimensions of a Twin Size Bed
The standard dimensions for a twin size bed are typically 38 inches wide and 75 inches long, but it’s important to note that sometimes there are small differences between different models and different brands. A twin size mattress is the smallest adult-size mattress you can buy and is specifically designed for toddlers, children, teens, single adults and anyone under six feet.
Of all the standard mattress sizes, a twin is the smallest and has less surface area than twin XL, full, and queen size beds.
If you’ve heard enough already and your heart set on buying a twin size mattress, check out our picks for the best twin size mattresses available now. Otherwise, keep reading for more mattress size nuance.
Comparing Twin Size Beds To Other Mattress Sizes
If you’re shopping for a twin, you may have also encountered the twin XL option, which is essentially the longer version of the standard twin. A twin XL mattress has the same width as a twin mattress, the only difference is that a twin XL is 5 inches longer, measuring 38 inches wide and 80 inches long.
Interested in learning more about the difference between these two? Check out our full guide comparing twin and twin XL mattresses.
If you’re interested in a twin, you might also want to check out full and queen size mattresses. These both have more surface area than a standard twin. Queens are longer and wider, while full beds are the same length as a twin, but around 22 inches wider. See the chart below for specific measurements.
Who Needs A Twin Size Mattress?
Many people benefit from a twin size mattress including budget-friendly shoppers, college students moving into a dorm room, kids, and shoppers furnishing small rooms like guest bedrooms and studio apartments. Twin mattresses are also the perfect way to have a mattress that comes with luxury features — without that luxurious price tag.
Twin size beds are usually going to be the cheapest option that most mattress companies sell. Brands often have sales off and on throughout the year, so you can score your dream twin bed for a great price.
How To Choose The Right Mattress Size
There’s many factors that you need to consider in determining which mattress size is best for you and your living situation. Lifestyle changes can make a huge impact on which mattress size will work best for you. Keep in mind that mattresses are made to last up to a decade, so you really want to ensure your looking for a mattress that is not only durable and comfortable, but long lasting.
Let’s jump into some of the considerations you need to make before landing on your ideal mattress size.
Consider Your Bedroom Dimensions
Most importantly, you need to know how big your bedroom is before even considering which mattress to buy. There’s no point in considering buying a large mattress if it won’t even fit in your space.
I recommend measuring the size of your room and determining how much furniture you plan to have in it, excluding your mattress. From there, decide which furniture pieces are vital and what you can live without. That should give you a good idea of how much space you want to devote strictly to your mattress and how much space you need for other furniture and bedroom essentials.
Luckily, a twin size mattress is compact enough to fit in most spaces pretty easily.
Consult Your Sleeping Partner
If you are sharing your bedroom with a partner, you should always discuss the mattress-buying process with them before making your decision, especially if you don’t want a sleep divorce from your significant other.
It’s best to be able to brainstorm together your dream bedroom aesthetic, and then go from there. Discuss together what is absolutely necessary to have in your space and what both of you can live without. That should be your first step in determining which mattress size is right for the both of you.
It’s important to note that a twin mattress is not likely suitable for couples. So if you’re planning on sharing a bed, you’re very likely going to need to size up to at least a full bed, but preferably a queen or king.
Determine Your Budget
Twin size mattresses are great options for budget-friendly shoppers as they usually are the most inexpensive option when buying a brand new mattress, simply because they are the smallest.
Twin size mattresses can range anywhere from $500 to $1,500 at full retail price. Brands offer sales throughout the year, oftentimes around major retail holidays, so you can always shop those sales to save big bucks on a brand new mattress.
You can also find some exclusive mattress coupons here to help save you some money as well.
Think About Your Future Sleep Needs
Do you plan on expanding your family? Do you hope to settle down with your significant other and move in with one another? Do you plan on getting any pets?
Ask yourself: How do you envision your family growing in the future?
Mattresses are meant to last you up to a decade, and buying a high-quality mattress can dramatically improve your health and well-being. You want to consider how your sleep situation may change over the next few years so you can get the most value out of your bed.
Twin Size Mattress FAQs
Do all Twin size mattresses have the same dimensions?
Twin mattresses are typically 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. Twin XL mattresses measure 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. Twin mattresses are the smallest standard mattress size.
How much bigger is a Twin size mattress than a Full size mattress?
A full mattress measures at 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. So while they are the same length as a twin mattress, they are 16 inches wider.
What is the most popular bed size?
A queen size mattress is the most popular mattress size in the United States right now. A queen size is typically 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, the same length as a twin XL mattress. Queen mattresses are so popular because they are roomy enough for single people, couples, and those who may share the bed with children or pets.
Where should I shop for a Twin size mattress?
Luckily for you, twin size mattresses are incredibly common so you can find them available at most online mattress stores as well as most in-person furniture stores.
