It’s important to measure your mattress so that you can fit it in your bedroom, buy the right size sheets, and have room for other furniture. Also, measuring ensures that you and your sleeping partner have a big mattress.
According to the rule of two feet, there needs to be a clear area of at least two feet around your bed. It lets you move around your room without tripping in the middle of the night.
This article will show you how to measure a mattress in width and length. We’ll also tell you about the different sizes and types of mattresses to help you shop for one.
Measuring Your Mattress
- The first step in taking accurate measurements of your mattress is to take it off the bed without any sheets, blankets, or pillows. Bedding obstructs measurements and may increase length or width.
- You’ll need a reliable measuring tape or a ruler with a hook on one end to secure it to the side of the bed while you take the measurements.
- Use the measuring tape to find out how long your bed is. To achieve this, measure the length of your bed, starting at the head and ending at the foot. You may determine your bed’s length using this vertical height.
- First, measure the distance across your bed from the left to the mattress’s right side.
- Measure vertically along one side of the mattress to get an accurate read on the mattress’s height, thickness, or depth. The majority of mattresses are between 8 and 14 inches tall.
- Take the necessary measurements to buy sheets, a mattress, and a bed frame or foundation. All dimensions shown below are in inches, with the width coming first and the length coming second.
Standard Mattress Sizes and Dimensions
After taking your mattress’s length and breadth measurements, the dimensions will likely fall into the following categories of mattress sizes.
1. Crib
A typical crib mattress is about 28 5/8 inches long and 52 1/2 inches wide. The risk of SIDS can be reduced by using a crib mattress manufactured in line with safety regulations (SIDS).
We advise using spring-loaded firm crib mattresses to support a baby’s physique. Although there is a universally accepted size for a baby bed, not all manufacturers offer them.
2. Twin
The smallest mattress size is a twin-size bed. There are only 38 by 75-inch twin beds. They are ideal for smaller spaces, such as children’s and adolescent rooms, college dorms, and other places.
No matter the depth, the dimensions of a twin mattress are always 38 inches broad by 75 inches long.
3. Twin XL
Twin XL mattresses are 38 inches long and 80 inches wide. They are five inches longer than a twin mattress. Taller people who need a tiny bed to suit a small place can benefit from twin XL beds.
4. Full
Full mattresses are 75 inches long, the same as twins, but 54 inches wide, making them much more spacious and accommodating.
People call a full-size bed a “double bed” because they say it can fit two people. However, most people would find 27 inches of the mattress insufficient.
As a result, single sleepers who prefer a bed with more space than a twin bed should choose a full or double bed.
5. Queen
The most adjustable mattress among the several bed sizes is the queen. A queen-size bed has dimensions of 80 inches in length and 60 inches in width.
That indicates that it is sufficient for two people. It works well for guest rooms and is big enough for all master bedrooms except the biggest ones. And it’s small enough to fit in the rooms of kids and teens.
6. King
The largest bed available is an Eastern King, often called a Standard King. It has a width of 76 inches and a length of 80 inches. A king-size bed offers a sleeping space comparable to two standard twin XL beds placed side by side.
The king mattress is the most comfortable option for couples of medium heights.
7. California King
The longest standard bed size is a California king-size mattress. Because of its generous 72-inch width and 84-inch length, this bed is a good option for very tall individuals who may still feel uncomfortable on a queen- or king-sized bed.
It’s also the best option for master bedrooms that are longer and narrower.
8. Split King
A conventional king mattress fits well into the split king bed (76 by 80 inches). Instead of one, there are only two mattresses. The same king bed frame will accommodate two twin XL mattresses, each measuring 38 by 80 inches, to create a split king bed.
| Mattress | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (Cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | 28 5/8” W by 52½” L | 72.70 cm by 132.08 cm |
| Twin | 38″ W by 75″ L | 96.5 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Twin XL | 38″ W by 80″ L | 96.5 cm by 203.5 cm |
| Full | 54″ W by 75″ L | 134.5 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Queen | 60″ W by 80″ L | 152.5 cm by 203.5 cm |
| King | 76″ W by 80″ L | 193 cm by 203.5 cm |
| California King | 72″ W by 84″ L | 183 cm by 213.5 cm |
| Split King | 76″ W by 80″ L | 193 cm by 203.5 cm |
Non-Standard Mattress Sizes and Dimensions
There are a few variations on the basic mattress sizes, including the full XL, the California queen, the Olympic queen, and the enormous king.
The California queen and full XL sizes are made for taller people. However, those who are too tall for a full-size bed may find it more convenient to go for the queen, which is the most widely available mattress size.
In the same way, taller people who want a 7-foot-long mattress may choose a California king over a California queen. But if their bedroom is smaller and won’t fit a king mattress, they might need a California queen bed.
Not even the largest master suites can accommodate the Wyoming, Texas, or Alaskan king, which is much larger than a conventional king.
Some of the top RV mattresses are also available in sizes that are smaller and thinner than standard mattress sizes. This makes the mattress easier to move around and reduces the amount of drag on the car.
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (Cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Single | 30″ W by 75″ L | 76.2 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Full XL | 54″ W by 80″ L | 137.16 cm by 203.2 cm |
| California Queen | 60″ W by 84″ L | 152.4 cm by 213.36 cm |
| Olympic Queen | 66″ W by 80″ L | 167.64 cm by 203.2 cm |
| Wyoming King | 84″ W by 84″ L | 213.36 cm by 213.36 cm |
| Texas King | 80″ W by 98″ L | 203.2 cm by 248.92 cm |
| Alaskan King | 108” W by 108” L | 274.32 cm by 274.32 cm |
Other Measurements to Consider
If you want to buy a better mattress and have already measured your old one, check the width and height of your entrances and hallways to ensure the new bed will fit. A mattress is useless if it doesn’t fit in your room.
However, mattresses in a box, which can be easily transferred into any room and are tucked into portable boxes, have made this less of a problem than it formerly was.
It’s also important to know what size mattress base you have. If unsure, you can determine the size using the same method you would use to measure a mattress. Similarly, mattress sizes are standard, but many accessories that go with them are not.
For example, mattresses, blankets, comforters, and duvets can have very different measurements for the same size. To allow some of the bedding to hang over the side, they should all be a fair bit larger than the mattress, though the exact size will vary depending on the maker.
FAQs
How should a mattress be measured for a fitted sheet?
When your mattress is entirely free of all bedding, measure from the mattress’s widest point on each side using a flexible ruler or tape measure. In addition to the standard length and width, you’ll also need the depth of the mattress to determine the depth of the pocket in the fitted sheets.
Is there a bed smaller than a twin-size bed?
There are mattresses available that are smaller than a typical twin size. The mattress from a crib is the most common, as many parents use it in a toddler bed until their child is old enough for a full-size bed. A crib mattress’s typical width and length are 51 to 52 inches and 27 to 28 inches, respectively.
Additionally, some bunk or twin mattresses for RVs are smaller than twin beds. This small design helps travelers stay under the vehicle’s weight limit while still getting a good night’s sleep.
In addition, a small single size is only 75 inches long and 30 inches wide.
Are a double bed and a queen bed the same?
A double bed is just another name for a full-size mattress, which is narrower and shorter by 5 and 6 inches, respectively, than a queen-size bed. But when it comes to sheets, blankets, and comforters, many brands make them fit a full or queen-size bed.
Single people can usually sleep just as well on a full or queen-size mattress. Couples, however, will need the space that a queen mattress or even a bigger king-size mattress provides.
Do twin or two single beds create a king?
No, two twin beds don’t make a king bed or any other standard-sized bed. However, two twin XL beds can be combined to form a larger split king. When used with an adjustable bed, a split king mattress offers more customization options than a normal king bed.
Does a California King-size mattress fit one person comfortably?
A single adult might be able to sleep on a California king mattress. Your budget and room size will play a major role in selecting whether a California king bed is the appropriate choice for you.
Most of the time, a mattress is more expensive than a bigger it is. This king-sized bed is ideal for single occupancy if your bedroom is at least 12 by 12 feet.
What size bed is best for two people?
The best mattress for two people is a queen size bed. Depending on your preferences for space and size, what mattress size is appropriate for you and your partner? A king or California king mattress can be more suitable for some couples because of its extra room.
Conclusion
Knowing how to measure a mattress is important so you can plan your bedroom and shop for bedding accessories. Measure your mattress’ width and length using a tape measure.
Measuring your bedroom before buying a mattress is also helpful. Maintain a distance of two feet or more around the perimeter of your bed.
Use the guide to sizes and dimensions to help you choose a mattress that fits your space. When choosing a mattress, think about how much you can spend and how much support each sleeper needs.
