When it comes to choosing a new mattress, there’s really no “one size fits all,” and it’s entirely up to your individual needs and preferences. Obviously you wouldn’t choose a smaller Twin bed for two people, but the question is: Should you choose a Queen, a Standard King, or California King bed?

Choosing the right mattress

The first step in the process of choosing the right mattress is to become familiar with some of the standard sizes of mattresses on the market. The following chart will help you decide:

Mattress Size Width Length Width (cm) Length (cm)
Twin or Single 38 in 75 in 96.5 cm 190.5 cm
Twin XL or Extra Long Single 38 in 80 in 96.5 cm 203.2 cm
Full or Double 54 in 75 in 137.2 cm 190.5 cm
Full XL or Extra Long Double 54 in 80 in 137.2 cm 203.2 cm
Queen 60 in 80 in 152.4 cm 203.2 cm
Standard or Eastern King 76 in 80 in 193 cm 203.2 cm
California King 72 in 80 in 182.9 cm 213.4 cm

The Twin (or Single) mattress can accommodate either one child or one adult sleeper. This mattress also works great for smaller spaces, bunkbeds, and daybeds. Twin size beds are commonly used for small children. Being the smallest of all the standard bed sizes, the Twin bed costs the least.
If you’re taller, you may want to consider a Twin-XL (or Extra Long Single) mattress, which gives you a little more length. This mattress is 5 inches longer than the standard Twin mentioned above, but it’s also the same length as a King or Queen bed. When you put two Twin-XL beds side-by-side, they’re the same width as a King or Queen.

The Full (or Double bed) was commonly used for two adults 30 to 40 years ago when bedrooms were much smaller. Today, single people purchase Full size beds for their apartments or condos. A Full bed also works well in your guest room.
Since it works great for two adults who share the same bed, The Queen is the most popular mattress size sold. It also works great for single people who like to stretch out.

The King (also known as the Eastern King) is the same length as a Queen, but much wider (16 inches). If you have the space, a King-size offers the most room for couples. It also works great if you have kids who like to share your bed. You can also special order a California-King which is a 72 inches by 84 inches.

Since the right size bed or mattress is an important piece of furniture for your home, you need to think of it as a long-term investment.

When it comes to buying a new bed, the following are a few questions to consider:

  • How many people are going to sleep on the mattress at the same time?
  • How big is the room where you want to place it?
  • Who is this mattress for? Is it for a guest room?
  • How much money do you want to spend?

Once you find the answers to these questions and more, you’ll be in a much better position to buy a mattress. Just be sure to make an informed decision before making a major purchase; you’ll be glad you did.