What Mattress Size Should I Get? How to Choose the Right Fit for You
If you’re asking “What mattress size should I get?”, you’re usually trying to match your bed to your room, your body, and your lifestyle. This guide walks through the most common questions so you can feel confident about the size you choose.
What Are the Standard Mattress Sizes?
Before deciding what mattress size you should get, it helps to know the typical options and who they suit best.
Common mattress sizes and approximate dimensions:
- Twin – 38" x 75"
- Twin XL – 38" x 80"
- Full (Double) – 54" x 75"
- Queen – 60" x 80"
- King – 76" x 80"
- California King – 72" x 84"
Dimensions can vary slightly by manufacturer, but these measurements are a useful guide.
How Do I Figure Out What Mattress Size I Should Get?
When deciding what mattress size you should get, think about four main questions:
- How many people (and pets) will sleep on it?
- How tall are you?
- How big is your bedroom?
- Do you move around a lot in your sleep?
1. Matching Mattress Size to Sleepers
For one person:
- Twin / Twin XL: Often used for children, teens, or smaller rooms. Twin XL adds extra length for taller sleepers.
- Full: A good choice if you want more width than a Twin but still need to save space.
- Queen: Popular for single adults who prefer extra room to spread out.
For two people:
- Full: Can work for smaller adults or couples who don’t mind being close, but may feel tight.
- Queen: Common choice for couples; balances sleeping space and room footprint.
- King / California King: Better for those who want maximum personal space or share the bed with children or pets.
2. Considering Your Height and Body Size
- Taller sleepers often prefer Twin XL, Queen, King, or California King for added length.
- Broader or larger-bodied sleepers usually feel more comfortable on Full, Queen, or larger, because of the extra width.
A simple guideline: you typically want a mattress that is at least a few inches longer than your height to reduce that cramped feeling at the head and foot of the bed.
How Does Room Size Affect What Mattress Size I Should Get?
Your bedroom size plays a big role in answering “What mattress size should I get?”. A mattress that dominates the room can make it harder to move around or place furniture comfortably.
A basic rule: leave enough walking space (usually at least 2 feet) on at least one or two sides of the bed.
Here is a simple overview:
| Room Size (approx.) | Commonly Comfortable Sizes* |
|---|---|
| Very small (≤ 8' x 10') | Twin, Twin XL, possibly Full |
| Small (≈ 10' x 10') | Full, Queen |
| Medium (≈ 10' x 12') | Queen, possibly King |
| Larger (≥ 12' x 12') | Queen, King, California King |
*These are general suggestions; exact layout and furniture matter.
What If I Toss and Turn or Share With Pets or Kids?
If you move around a lot in your sleep or share your bed, extra width often makes a difference.
- Active sleepers may feel more comfortable on at least a Full (for one person) or Queen (for couples).
- Couples with pets or young children often gravitate toward King or California King for personal space.
If one person moves more and the other is easily disturbed, a larger size can help each person have their own sleeping “zone.”
Are There Other Practical Things to Consider?
When choosing what mattress size you should get, it’s easy to overlook a few everyday factors:
- Bedding and accessories: Larger sizes need bigger (and sometimes more expensive) sheets, blankets, and frames.
- Weight and handling: Bigger mattresses can be heavier and harder to move up stairs or around tight corners.
- Future needs: Think about how long you hope to use the mattress—growing children, new partners, or room changes can affect what size makes sense long-term.
- Bed height: A thick mattress plus a high frame can be harder to get in and out of, especially in smaller rooms.
✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points to understand about “What Mattress Size Should I Get”
- Start with sleepers:
- One person: Twin/Twin XL, Full, or Queen
- Two people: Queen, King, or California King
- Match length to height: Taller sleepers usually prefer Twin XL, Queen, King, or California King.
- Check room size: Make sure there is walking space and room for essential furniture.
- Consider your sleep style: Restless sleepers, couples, and pet owners often benefit from wider sizes.
- Think ahead: Choose a size that fits both your current situation and likely changes over the next several years.
- Balance comfort and space: The “best” size is the one that fits your body, your room, and your daily routine—without crowding your living space.
By weighing who will use the bed, how you sleep, and how much space you have, you can answer “What mattress size should I get?” in a way that feels practical and comfortable for your everyday life.
