Full vs. Full XL: Size Comparison Guide + Chart

Key Takeaways

• A full size mattress is 54 by 75 inches.
• A full XL mattress is 54 by 80 inches.
• Full and full XL mattresses have the same width. The only difference is the length.
• A full XL is five inches longer than a full mattress, making it a good option for tall, solo sleepers.

Choosing a mattress is tough when you’re weighing two similar-sized beds, like a full vs. a full XL. Generally, a standard full bed is a great choice for a single sleeper who wants to upgrade from a twin but doesn’t have the floor space for a queen. A full XL, on the other hand, provides a bit more legroom.

Despite only a five-inch difference, both types of full beds have pros and cons to keep in mind. Read along to learn whether a full or full XL mattress is better for you based on room size, sleeping arrangements, height, and more.

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Full vs. Full XL Dimensions Comparison

There’s only a five-inch difference between a full and full XL mattress. Here’s a quick visual comparing full vs full XL dimensions.

What Is a Full Bed?

Dimensions: 54-by-75 inches

Full mattresses measure 54 wide by 75 inches long, providing 4,050 square inches of sleeping area. 

The terms “full bed” and “double bed” are synonymous, referring to the same bed size. A full size bed is an upgrade from a twin bed but more compact than a queen. In contrast with a twin or twin XL, a full bed is wider, but still narrow enough to be a popular choice for smaller spaces such as guest rooms, apartments, and dorms. 

A full mattress is best for:

• A single teenager or young adult
• Two people who don’t mind sleeping very close together
• Single guests in small guest rooms

A full bed is less expensive than a queen or king, and plenty of full size bedding options are readily available. 

Technically, a couple could sleep on a full bed, but it will most likely feel cramped. If you anticipate sharing the bed with a future partner or pet, consider sizing up to a queen.

When shopping for a full mattress, opt for one with top-tier pressure relief and cooling properties that adapt seamlessly to your sleep position. Purple full size mattresses are thoughtfully engineered with all the benefits of our GelFlex® Grid, adapting as you move, dissipating body heat, and gently cradling your body’s pressure points while supporting everywhere else for proper alignment. 

What Is a Full XL Bed?

Dimensions: 54-by-80 inches

Full XL mattresses measure 54 by 80 inches, providing 4,320 square inches of sleeping area. They have the same width as full beds with the only difference being an extra five inches of length. Full XLs are specialty beds with the width of a full bed but the length of a queen.

A full XL is best for:

• Single sleepers who want more legroom but don’t have the floor space for a queen bed
• Tall young adults or teenagers (over 6 ft tall)
• Young couples who want more legroom (and don’t mind sleeping close together)
• A room that’s too narrow for a queen or king bed

Like full beds, full XLs work well in small guest rooms, apartments, and dorm rooms. They’re also great for narrow rooms because of their narrow width. 

While full XLs provide a slightly longer alternative to a full, they are a little rarer because they are specialty beds. This makes full XL bedding and accessories typically tougher to find than those for a full bed. 

Key Differences Between a Full vs. Full XL

What is the difference between a full bed and a full XL? As we’ve discussed, they are almost exactly the same, but a full XL is five inches longer than a full.  

Here’s an overview of the key differences for your reference and which one to get based on your room size, comfort, availability, and sleeping arrangements. 

Room Size

Full and full XL beds are great options for rooms that can’t quite accommodate a queen bed. But how large exactly should the space be to upgrade from a twin to one of these two full sized beds?

We recommend a minimum room size of 9 x 9.5 feet for a full bed and 9 x 10 feet for a full XL bed.

Make sure not to overcrowd a tiny room with too large of a bed — you’ll still need space for other furniture, like nightstands and a dresser. You’ll also need enough clearance to comfortably navigate around the bed. If you have a more spacious room, consider a queen instead of a full. A large room can look awkwardly unfilled with a too small bed. 

Comfort

Taller people may find that full XLs provide a more comfortable amount of legroom. 

But, since the widths of the two mattress sizes are the same, they provide the same amount of space to spread out your arms. 

Sleeping Arrangements

Full and full XL beds are most comfortable for people sleeping solo. Though they aren’t ideal for couples, some may make do. If a young couple doesn’t mind sleeping very close together, they can make it work on a full or full XL. A queen bed is the best bed size for couples, offering more long-term comfort. 

Similarly, if you have a dog or cat that curls up in bed with you, you might find a full bed too small. Opt for a full XL or, better yet, a queen or king. 

Mattress weight limits are also something to consider if you have a sleep partner. Standard queen and king size beds support at least 500 pounds, while most twin and full size beds support at least 250 pounds. Purple mattresses are tested to support 700 pounds of total weight.

Availability

When buying a mattress online, you’ll realize that full XLs are not a standard bed size and can be more challenging to find. A full XL is a rarer specialty size. Some shops sell them, but not all. This can also make finding full XL accessories, like sheets and bed frames, more difficult. 

In contrast, full beds are widely sold because they are a standard mattress size. This also means that their accessories are easy to find in most stores and online shops. To get the most options among colors, design, and material variety for bedding, we’d recommend opting for a full. 

Find Your Best Fit Mattress With Purple

Purple offers mattresses in all standard mattress sizes: twin, full, queen, and different king sizes like kings, California kings, and split kings. 

If you’re looking to upgrade from a twin, a full or queen mattress is the next best size up. Try the Purple Mattress® and experience our innovative, adaptive GelFlex® Grid, designed to keep you cool, cradle pressure points, and provide soothing support all night long.

Get Your Best Night’s Sleep With Purple

With our adaptive GelFlex® Grid, Purple queen size mattresses keep couples cool and isolate motion so you and your partner can sleep well.

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