What Size Mattress Should I Get? A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Fit

If you’re asking “What Size Mattress Should I Get”, you’re usually trying to balance comfort, space, and budget. This guide walks through common questions about mattress sizes and helps you quickly narrow down the best option for your room, sleep style, and household.

What are the standard mattress sizes?

Before deciding what size mattress you should get, it helps to know the most common options and how much space they actually provide.

Typical mattress sizes (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"

These dimensions may vary slightly by manufacturer, but they are widely used as standard references.

How do I decide what size mattress I should get?

When you ask “What Size Mattress Should I Get”, you’re usually weighing several factors at once. The main ones are:

  • How many people will sleep on it?
  • How tall and how big are the sleepers?
  • How large is the bedroom?
  • Do you move a lot in your sleep or need extra space?
  • Do you share the bed with kids or pets?

A simple way to think about it:

  • Twin / Twin XL: Best for children, teens, or single adults in small rooms.
  • Full: Good for single adults who want more width than a twin.
  • Queen: Most common choice for couples or single adults who like extra room.
  • King / California King: Suited for couples who prefer maximum personal space, or those sharing with kids or pets.

Which mattress size is best for one person?

For solo sleepers, comfort and room size usually matter more than anything else.

  • Twin or Twin XL works well if:

    • You’re in a small bedroom, studio, dorm, or guest room.
    • You’re shorter or average height (Twin XL is better for taller sleepers).

  • Full works well if:

    • You’re a single adult who likes to spread out.
    • You have a moderate-sized room and want more width than a twin.

  • Queen may be ideal if:

    • You want future flexibility for a partner.
    • You like extra room but still want to keep space in your bedroom.

If you’re deciding what size mattress you should get as a single sleeper, consider whether you’re likely to share the bed in the next few years and how much floor space you want to keep clear.

Which mattress size is best for couples?

When two people share a bed, personal space becomes a top priority.

  • Queen: Often the baseline size for couples. It fits in most bedrooms and offers a reasonable amount of space.
  • King: Offers noticeably more width than a queen, giving each person more room to move.
  • California King: Slightly narrower than a standard king but longer, useful if one or both sleepers are taller.

For couples wondering “What Size Mattress Should I Get”, think about:

  • How much you toss and turn
  • Whether you co-sleep with children or pets
  • How much room you need to feel undisturbed

If you routinely feel crowded on a queen or share with pets, a king or California king may feel significantly more comfortable.

How does bedroom size affect what mattress size I should get?

Your room needs to fit the mattress and still allow you to move comfortably.

A simple guideline is to leave walking space around the bed:

  • Aim for about 2 feet (or more) on at least two sides of the bed if possible.
  • Make sure doors, closets, and drawers can open fully.
  • Consider any nightstands, dressers, or desks you need in the room.

If a larger mattress would force you to squeeze sideways to pass or block furniture and storage, it may be better to choose a slightly smaller size.

Does height or body type change what size mattress I should get?

Yes. Your height and build can influence which size feels comfortable:

  • Taller sleepers often prefer Twin XL, Queen, King, or California King for added length.
  • Broader or larger-bodied sleepers may feel better with Full, Queen, or larger, so they’re not close to the edges.
  • Some people like extra space between themselves and the mattress edge to avoid feeling like they might roll off.

When considering what size mattress you should get, imagine how you lie in bed: stretched out, curled up, or diagonally. Your usual sleep position can help guide the minimum size you’ll feel good on.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “What Size Mattress Should I Get”

  • Start with sleepers: Decide based on whether it’s for one person, a couple, or a family with kids/pets.
  • Match the room: Ensure the mattress fits your bedroom layout with enough space to walk and use furniture.
  • Think ahead: If you may share the bed in the future, a Queen or larger often provides better long-term flexibility.
  • Consider height and build: Taller or broader sleepers usually feel better on Twin XL, Full, Queen, or larger.
  • Balance comfort and space: A bigger mattress feels roomier but may crowd a small room; aim for a comfortable middle ground for both.
  • Standard choices:
    • Best for kids/teens: Twin or Twin XL
    • Best for most single adults: Full or Queen
    • Best for most couples: Queen, King, or California King

Choosing the right size is about fitting your body, your lifestyle, and your room, not just picking the biggest option. By thinking through who will use the bed, how you sleep, and how much floor space you want, you can confidently answer “What Size Mattress Should I Get” for your own situation.