Buzz
When shopping for a new mattress this Presidents Day weekend (a time when mattress sales are at their peak), one of the first choices you’ll face is the mattress size. While most are familiar with the spaciousness of a king mattress, the distinction between full and queen sizes often sparks more questions. Is the difference mainly in width, or should depth and length also be considered? What is the ideal amount of space for each sleeper?
Luckily, mattress makers have simplified things by standardizing their dimensions, which are as follows:
Crib: 27 inches wide by 52 inches long
Twin: 38 inches wide by 75 inches long
Full: 53 inches wide by 75 inches long
Queen: 60 inches wide by 80 inches long
King: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long
Depth may differ depending on the mattress style. While there are some exceptions—such as the twin XL, which extends the length by 5 inches, or the California king, which narrows the width by 4 inches and adds that to the length—the four standard adult sizes mentioned above are the most frequently chosen, with the queen being the top pick. It’s 7 inches wider than a full (often referred to as a 'double') mattress and 5 inches longer.
In the 1940s, mattress options were limited. Most people opted for either a twin or full mattress. However, in the 1950s, thanks to a post-war economic surge and the rising average height of Americans, the demand for larger beds began to grow.
At first, larger mattresses were considered a novelty, and it took some time before they became widely popular. Today, bigger beds are often seen as the preferred choice. If you’re sharing your bed with a partner, a queen mattress is usually the go-to. A full mattress gives each person just 26.5 inches of width, which is actually narrower than a crib mattress meant for babies. A queen provides 30 inches, a bit more generous but still not as spacious as a twin or full for a single sleeper. For optimal comfort for couples, a king might be the best option, offering the space equivalent to two twin beds side by side.
Your decision may be influenced by your bedroom size—having a wider bed might make it difficult to fit a nightstand on each side—and whether you can maneuver a larger mattress through narrow stairways or tight corners. Your choice will also depend on other factors like material and firmness, but knowing the size you prefer is a great way to narrow your options.
One lingering question is why we associate mattress shopping with Presidents Day weekend. One possibility is timing: the three-day weekend is one of the first extended breaks since the holiday season, providing an opportunity to test out different mattresses and discuss options with a partner. Shopping on Saturday or Sunday allows shoppers to try them out before making a final decision.
