Queen vs Twin XL Mattress: What's the Difference?

To learn more about the similarities and differences between these two mattress sizes, keep reading. Below, we discuss the pros and cons of each type of mattress, as well as some of the factors you should consider when shopping for a new mattress.

The main difference between queen and twin XL mattresses is their width. Queen mattresses measure nearly twice as wide as twin XL mattresses.

And if you want to compare other popular mattress sizes, check out our other size guides below:

•  Queen vs Twin-size Mattresses
• Double Beds vs Full Beds
• What Is An Eastern King Bed?

What's A Queen Mattress?

A queen mattress is a mattress that measures 60 x 80 inches. The queen is the most common mattress size in the US, with nearly half (47%) of American adults using a queen. One reason for its popularity is its perfect size for couples. Queen-size beds provide just enough room to fit two adult sleepers, with a few extra inches for personal space. 

The minimum bedroom size for a queen-size bed is at least 10 x 10 feet in size. Most master bedrooms in apartments measure approximately 10 x 12 feet or bigger, so you won't have much trouble fitting a queen in them. For reference, king-size beds need at least 12 x 12 feet of floor space. 

Queen beds can fit in most medium-sized bedrooms as well and are a popular choice for furnishing guest bedrooms too. 

Pros

• It's a great option for couples. Comparing queen vs. full beds, which are one size down, queen beds don't leave couples feeling cramped in bed. In a queen bed, you don't have to give your personal space up to sleep next to your partner.
• It fits most master and non-master bedrooms. Whether you've got an average-sized bedroom or an impressive suite, a queen-sized bed fits in most rooms. For larger rooms, queen-size beds can work as a centerpiece or the main focal point in your bedroom.
• It's readily available everywhere. As the most popular mattress size on the market, queen beds are easy to find. Queen-size bed sheets, mattress toppers, blankets, comforters, and the like are also readily available in most mattress and home decor stores.

Cons

• More expensive than a twin. If you dont need the extra space. A twin XL mattress will cost less.
• It may not be comfortable for co-sleeping. Queen-size beds are big enough to accommodate two average-sized adult sleepers. Throw in a toddler or a big dog and you'll find yourself feeling cramped and unable to move around much. 

What's A Twin XL Mattress?

A twin XL mattress is a mattress measuring 38 inches x 80 inches. While measuring the same as standard twin mattresses in terms of width, twin XLs are longer than twin mattresses by five inches. This makes the bed a popular choice among tall people. The extra space gives taller sleepers a little more leg room so that they don't have their legs dangling off the end of the bed. 

Twin XL beds and full beds are also popular among single adults and young adults living in college dorms. The narrow width of the twin XL makes it a space-saving option for those who sleep in smaller bedrooms or share their room with other people. 

Pros

• It fits tall sleepers. A twin XL mattress measures about 6.6 feet long. Compared to standard twin-size mattresses, which measure about 6.2 feet long, twin XL mattresses give taller sleepers more leg room.
• Uses less floor space. Twin XL mattresses are among the narrowest of all bed sizes. As such, they make for great bunk beds and trundle beds in small bedrooms. They are often used as a space-saving alternative in kids' and teens' bedrooms. 
• It can be combined with another twin XL bed to make a split king. A split king bed is a king-size bed made up of two twin XL mattresses attached via elastic or metal bar. If you already have two twin XLs on hand, you can combine the two to make a bigger bed without spending on another mattress.

Cons

• It can only fit single sleepers. Twin and twin XL beds are not recommended for couples. The narrow width of these two beds can only comfortably accommodate a single sleeper. If you try to fit two average-sized adults in a twin XL bed, neither will likely be able to lie flat or settle into whatever sleeping position is most comfortable for them.
• Less availability. Twin XL beds aren't quite as popular as twin or queen size beds. You may have trouble finding the mattress itself, as well as bed frames and beddings at most run-of-the-mill shops.

Difference Between Queen And Twin XL Mattresses

Twin XL mattresses are only suitable for single sleepers who are on the taller side. Many manufacturers recommend twin XL mattresses for tall kids and teens. For single adults, a full-size mattress might be more comfortable. 

On the other hand, queen-size mattresses are often touted as the ideal choice for couples. At a full 22 inches wider than twin and twin XL mattresses, queen-size beds are far more versatile and provide a comfortable sleeping experience for single people and couples alike. 

Variations In Twin XL And Queen-Size Mattresses

If you don't want a twin XL or queen-size mattress, there are other similar bed sizes you can consider:

Twin-Size Mattress

Measuring 38 x 75 inches, twin mattresses are just as wide as twin XL beds but five inches shorter. These beds are recommended for smaller adults, kids, and teenagers. 

Olympic Queen Mattress

Olympic queen mattresses measure 66 x 80 inches. These mattresses are six inches wider than standard queens, providing sleepers with a little more room to move or stretch out in without taking as much floor space as a massive king-size bed would.

The biggest downside to this bed size, however, is that it's quite an uncommon one. You'll be hard-pressed to find an Olympic queen in most mattress shops nowadays as the majority of people who use Olympic queens have them custom-made.

Short Queen Mattress 

Short queen mattresses, also known as RV queens, measure 60 x 75 inches. They're something of a cross between a standard twin and a queen-size mattress and can commonly be found in RVs and mobile homes.

Other Factors to Consider When Deciding Between A Twin XL Or Queen Mattress

Can't decide on a mattress size? Consider the following factors before hitting up the shops:

Room Size And Layout

Measure the size of your room before making any decisions. You need a minimum room size of about 10 x 10 feet to accommodate a queen-size bed and 8 x 10 feet for a twin XL bed. 

Another thing to consider when comparing mattress sizes is how much floor space you're willing to give up. If you have a smaller room, choosing a bigger mattress means sacrificing space for furniture like bedside tables, wardrobes, and dressing tables. 

Number Of Occupants

The bigger the bed, the more sleepers it can accommodate. 

Twin XL mattresses are quite narrow and can comfortably fit one small adult, child, or teenager. A larger mattress like a full-size bed can fit two adults, but may not allow them to get fully comfortable in their preferred sleeping positions. Queen-size beds are more forgiving, allowing average-sized couples ample room to stretch their arms and legs and enjoy a sizable chunk of the bed as "theirs". 

Sleeping Preferences

Sleeping preferences typically come down to a few key things. Mattress firmness level and motion isolation. Keep in mind what you prefer for firmness level and motion isolation.

If you have a partner sleeping on the mattress as well. Factor in theri firmness preferences. If you wake up and go to sleep at different times, consider a mattress with motion isolation. This will help prevent you waking eachother up. 

Check out our matress firmness scale to understand which firmness is ideal for you. 

Bed Frame Material And Design

When measuring where your mattress would go in your bedroom, make sure to leave some allowance for your bed frame. Some bed frames come with accessories like headboards, footboards, side rails, and pull-out drawers that make them bigger than their expected size. 

As a rule of thumb, most bed frames are about two to five inches bigger than their corresponding mattress.

Other Standard Mattress Sizes

Which Bed Size Is The Best For You?

The best bed size for you depends on a variety of factors, from your room size to your sleeping preferences to the number of people who will use the bed.

When deciding between a queen and twin XL mattress, here's what you should know:

A queen-size mattress is wider than a twin XL mattress. Twin XL mattresses are typically used in kids' bedrooms and college dorm rooms because they're narrower and can fit in tighter spaces. Queen-size mattresses are better for people who want more space to sleep on or who have a larger bedroom.

Searching for the perfect mattress? The Purple team is here to help! We offer a wide range of quality products that suit any need, including supportive medium-firmness beds and plush hybrid mattresses.

Check out our guide on understanding which bed size to get.

Queen vs Twin XL Mattress FAQs

How big is a twin XL vs a queen?

A twin XL mattress is significantly smaller than a queen mattress. A twin XL mattress is typically 80 inches long and 38 inches wide, while a queen mattress is typically 80 long and 60 wide. As a result, a queen mattress provides substantially more sleeping surface than a twin XL mattress.

Can a queen comforter fit a twin XL bed?

Yes, a queen comforter can technically fit a twin XL bed. However, as twin XL beds are narrower by 22 inches, a queen comforter would likely hang over the edges and potentially reach the floor.

How much wider is a queen vs twin XL?

A queen bed is 22 inches wider than a twin XL bed.