If you’re looking for a mattress that’s larger than a twin bed but not quite as big as a queen, then look no further. The double bed, also commonly referred to as the full bed, is the perfect in-between size. Because these names are used interchangeably, mattress shoppers often get confused and wonder if there is a difference between the two.
Double Bed vs Full Size Mattress
The only difference between a double bed and a full-size bed is the name — they have the same dimensions. Depending on the company, it may be labeled differently. So what exactly is a double bed? In this guide, I’ll cover double bed dimensions, typical pricing, and who it may be best suited for.
What Is a Double Bed?
A double bed is a size in between twin and queen. Before the creation of the queen and king bed, there were only two types of beds — the single mattress, a.k.a the twin, and the double bed. The double bed got its name not because it’s double the size of a twin bed, but because it can sleep up to two people.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that mattress companies began to expand their sizing to accommodate people in need of bigger beds, such as taller people and couples who want to spread out. But, most mattress companies still sell the double bed. See our best full-size mattress guide for some of our favorites.
Double Bed Dimensions
As we already know, the double bed is smaller than a queen but larger than a twin. However, the name “double” can be slightly misleading. You may assume the double mattress is double the width of the twin mattress, but it actually isn’t. A twin mattress is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long, while a full mattress is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. While it’s the same length as the twin, it’s only 16 inches wider.
Who Should Buy a Double Bed?
The standard double bed is a great option for a variety of sleepers. While the actual mattress you buy may vary depending on your personal preferences, knowing which size is best for you is usually the first step in buying a new mattress. Be sure to check out our best full-size mattress roundup for some potential options!
Children/Teens: The double bed is often the go-to choice for children or teens who need more room than a twin but don’t need quite as much space as a queen. It lets them spread out a bit more and also accommodates an extra person during sleepovers.
Single adults: This size is a nice option for adults who normally sleep alone. There’s enough room for single sleepers to spread out without paying for the few extra inches a queen has. A double bed can fit two average-weight adults, but it may be a tighter fit than they’d prefer, especially if they both like to stretch out.
Budget shoppers: As we mentioned before, this size is smaller than a queen, but it can still fit two people in many cases if needed. For those who want to save some money, the double bed might be an option. It will typically be a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than a queen size, so it’s good if you’re okay with losing some extra space in exchange for a more affordable choice. See our full vs queen mattress guide to learn more about these two sizes.
Anyone trying to save space: The double bed is a good choice for people with smaller rooms. Whether it be a college dorm/apartment, a guest room, or just a room with limited space, the double bed can likely fit. This size can typically fit in a room that is 10 feet by 10 feet minimum.
Average Price of Double Bed
Typically, a high-quality double bed will cost at least $800. Keep in mind that different brands and different models will vary in price depending on the quality of their materials. Most of our favorite mattresses in our best full-size mattress guide cost between $1,049 and $1,699 before discounts or coupons. However, Sleepoplis has an abundance of mattress coupons to help out, and we also have a whole guide dedicated to the best cheap mattresses.
Often, the materials used in a mattress will determine its price. For example, memory foam is typically an inexpensive material, so a memory foam mattress shouldn’t be super pricey — though there is price variation with different qualities of foam. Innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses, beds made with latex, and smart beds tend to lean more expensive. Warranties, trial periods, and other company policies can also determine the price of the mattress.
Other Standard Mattress Sizes
While the twin bed and double bed used to be the only options on the market, the mattress world has since expanded to include beds of almost every size imaginable. Here are some of the most popular sizes, the mattress dimensions, and who they may be best for:
Twin
The twin-size mattress is the smallest standard size. This single bed is often used as a child’s first “big bed” after they’ve outgrown their crib. 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
Twin XL
This size is often the standard for college dorms. It’s the same in width as the standard twin but is five inches longer. Head to our best twin XL mattress guide 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. 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 size 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 mattress guide.
Dimensions: 72 inches wide, 84 inches long
Who it’s best for: 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. See our best-split king mattress guide for more information.
Dimensions: 38 inches wide, 80 inches long (each mattress)
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
Can a double bed accommodate two people?
Yes. The double bed can fit two average-weight adults. However, it may be a tighter fit than a queen and would not be able to comfortably fit any extra sleepers, such as children or pets.
What is a full double bed size?
A double bed, also called a full bed, is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.
What size mattress is best for couples?
We typically recommend at least the queen size for couples. Any size larger than that will provide additional sleeping space. A full bed can be good for a couple but may not provide enough space to completely spread out.
Is a double bed the same as a full?
Yes. These terms are interchangeable.
Is a double bed the same as a queen?
No. A double bed is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, and a queen bed is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long.
Conclusion
The double bed is a size that has been a favorite since the early days of mattresses. Today, the mattress market has a variety of different sizes to choose from, but don’t be so quick to overlook this classic. It’s a great budget buy, can add more living space to a bedroom, and may be the perfect bed for you.
