Twin and Twin XL next to the other sizes
Both Twin sizes are 38 in wide. The Twin XL adds 5 in of length, which takes it to the same 80 in as a Queen or a King. A Full is 16 in wider than a Twin for the same 75 in of length.
| Size | Inches (W × L) | Centimeters | Surface | Min. room* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 × 75 in | 97 × 191 cm | 19.8 sq ft (1.84 m²) | 8.2 × 8.8 ft |
| Twin XL | 38 × 80 in | 97 × 203 cm | 21.1 sq ft (1.96 m²) | 8.2 × 9.2 ft |
| Full (Double) | 54 × 75 in | 137 × 191 cm | 28.1 sq ft (2.61 m²) | 9.5 × 8.8 ft |
| Queen | 60 × 80 in | 152 × 203 cm | 33.3 sq ft (3.1 m²) | 10 × 9.2 ft |
*Minimum room = bed plus 30 in (76 cm) of walking space on both sides and at the foot. Our calculation, not a manufacturer figure.
Twin or Twin XL?
The only difference is length: 75 in (6 ft 3 in) for a Twin, 80 in (6 ft 8 in) for a Twin XL. One mattress maker describes the Twin XL as the size for taller sleepers, dorms
. If the bed is for a teenager who is still growing, the extra 5 in is the reason to choose it; for a young child, a Twin is enough.
What size room does a twin bed need?
With 30 in of walking space on both sides and at the foot, a Twin needs a room of at least 8.2 × 8.8 ft, and a Twin XL 8.2 × 9.2 ft (our calculation). Pushed against a wall, the bed needs 30 in less width: about 5.7 ft for either size. Check your own room with the bedroom size calculator.
How big is a Twin bed frame?
The published drawings of three Twin beds from a US furniture wholesaler give their outside dimensions, headboard included:
| Twin bed | Outside width | Outside length | Headboard height |
|---|---|---|---|
| White, upholstered headboard with LED lights | 41.22 in | 79.8 in | 53.74 in |
| Brown wood, printed upholstered headboard | 41 in | 80 in | 59 in |
| Gray and black, bookcase headboard | 41 in | 86 in | 54 in |
That is 3 to 3.22 in wider and 4.8 to 5 in longer than the 38 × 75 in mattress, and 11 in longer with the bookcase headboard (our calculation; the last two rows are rounded to the inch on the maker's sheets). Plan the room around the outside size of the bed you choose, not the mattress.
Two twin beds side by side
- Two Twin XL mattresses make 76 × 80 in: exactly the footprint of a King. Sold that way, it is called a Split King.
- Two Twin mattresses make 76 × 75 in: as wide as a King, but 5 in shorter, so King sheets and frames won't fit them properly.
Sheets and frames
Twin sheets are cut for 75 in: on a Twin XL, the fitted sheet is 5 in too short. Twin XL sheets on a Twin mattress hang loose at the foot. Frames follow the same rule: buy the exact size, since the width is the same and only the length gives it away. Every other bed size, up to the 9 ft Alaskan King, is on our bed size chart.