Twin Mattress Size Guide [2024]: Is a Twin Right For You?

Twin mattress size is traditionally 38 inches wide by 75 inches long as a single bed. However, some manufacturers also make extra long and narrow versions. Twin XLs offer an extra 5 inches in length, and small twins come 8 inches narrower. 

Did you know the twin mattress is named after its intended use to be purchased in pairs? However, a twin mattress’s size best fits single sleepers, which is why some call twin mattresses single beds. 

The key to sleeping better comes down to being comfortable in your mattress. That includes sleeping on a mattress sized appropriately for your needs. In this article, we’ll help you determine your ideal mattress size.

Read along to learn more about the differences between twin mattress sizes and what scenarios are best suited to a twin mattress.

Key Takeaways:

• The standard twin mattress size is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long.
• A single bed is an interchangeable term for a twin mattress. Their measurements are the same.
• Twin mattresses also come in twin XL, which is 38 inches wide and 80 inches long.
• Twin mattresses are best for children and petite adults or in small bedrooms.

What Size Is a Twin Mattress?

A standard twin mattress size is 38 inches wide by 75 inches long and covers around 20 square feet. Twin beds provide plenty of room for children, teens, and petite adults. Their compact size allows them to fit well into smaller bedrooms or offer extra floor space in average-sized rooms. Due to their size, twin beds are typically affordable when furnishing children’s bedrooms, small rooms, or vacation and rental homes.

Types of Twin Mattresses

While there is only one standard twin mattress size, a few other smaller mattresses fall under the umbrella category of twin beds. This includes single, twin XLs, and small single mattresses.

Twin vs. Single Bed

Single and twin beds are the same product, both measuring 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. Though the terms are interchangeable, mattress manufacturers use “single bed” less in today’s market. “Single bed” comes from the idea that twin beds are meant to fit one individual sleeper.

Twin Mattress vs. Twin XL

Compared to twin beds, twin XL mattresses offer an extra 5 inches in length. This makes twin XLs 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. This extra legroom makes twin XL beds ideal for fast-growing teens and young adults over 6 feet tall. 

Twin Mattress vs. Small Single

People often confuse small single beds with twin mattresses. However, they are not the same. Small singles — also accurately known as youth, small, or narrow twins — come 8 inches narrower than standard twins, measuring 30 inches by 75 inches.

It’s not easy to find small single mattresses, bedding, or bed frames. You’re more likely to locate a manufacturer that makes uncommon mattress sizes online or at a specialty retailer.

Twin Mattress Pros and Cons

As one of the smallest mattress sizes commonly available, twin mattresses boast several benefits and advantages. However, buyers should consider all factors that may impact their purchasing decisions. The table below highlights a few of the top benefits and considerations a twin mattress brings.

Who Is a Twin Bed Best For?

Your ideal mattress size varies depending on the sleeper, purpose, and bedroom size. However, there are some scenarios where purchasing a twin bed makes the most sense, like when furnishing a bedroom for a child or college student.

Children

Twin beds are one of the most commonly purchased mattress sizes for children. The smaller bed size accommodates children as they grow into their teen years.

Twin mattresses work well in children’s bedrooms that require more than one bed. This may include bedrooms shared by siblings or to designate a space for sleepover guests. Some parents may set up two twin beds each on their own frames or use a trundle or bunk bed to save on floor space.

Adults

Many adults shorter than 6 feet tall comfortably fit on a twin mattress. Taller adults should opt for a twin XL. Both twin mattress sizes make good options for single adult sleepers on a budget and in smaller city apartments or other small bedrooms.

However, that’s not to say couples have no use for twin mattresses beyond their children. Many adults purchase two twin XL mattresses to place next to one another horizontally. By doing so, the dimensions match a standard king mattress, which traditionally measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.

Dorm Rooms

Most colleges and universities fill dorm rooms and residence halls with twin XL beds. Compared to twin mattresses, their extra length accommodates college students well while also being narrow enough to fit one to four beds (sometimes more) in a dorm. 

Vacation Homes

Opting for twin-size mattresses can be a budget-friendly way of maximizing guest occupancy when furnishing vacation homes and rentals. You can fill a room with several bunk beds or furnish living spaces with daybeds or sleeper sofas to accommodate more family members. So whether you wish to attract large bachelorette groups in Nashville or hold seaside family vacations, twin beds are an ideal way to accommodate even the biggest of groups. 

Twin Mattress FAQ

What Is the Length and Width of a Twin Size Mattress in Feet?

Twin size mattresses measure 3.17 feet wide and 6.25 feet long.

Are All Twin Mattresses the Same Size?

Standard twin mattresses are all the same size. However, some manufacturers make a longer twin (twin XL) and narrower twin (small single). Twin XL mattresses have an extra 5 inches at the foot of the bed, and small singles are 8 inches narrower than twins.

Is a Twin Bed Smaller Than a Double?

Twin beds measure smaller than a double mattress — also known as a full mattress. Compared to the twin, full mattresses have the same length but are nearly 50% wider. The double bed measures 54 inches by 75 inches.

Can a Twin Mattress Fit Two Adults?

Most adults wouldn’t be comfortable sharing a twin bed. It might be manageable for individuals with smaller frames, but you’ll likely wake up with aches and pains from sleeping in cramped positions.

Although a single twin mattress makes for tight sleeping quarters for two adults, two twin XL mattresses can be pushed together to form a standard king-size bed.

How To Find Your Mattress Size

Settling on your ideal bed size is the first step in choosing a mattress. But how do you choose? Here are the steps for finding the right mattress size for you.

1. Account for the number of sleepers you plan to share a bed with.
2. Consider your height and body frame.
3. Measure your bedroom and factor in your other furniture.
4. Determine your budget.
5. Look at bedding and other accessories.
6. Plan for your future needs.

The mattress size chart below covers the mattress sizes most widely available today.

Whether a twin mattress size fits your needs or you require a bigger bed, opt for a Purple mattress to ensure nightly deep sleep. Purple’s mattresses are uniquely designed with the GelFlex® Grid that instantly adapts to your body’s every movement while cradling your pressure points for a sound night’s sleep.