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Mattress Sizes & Dimensions and Bed Size Guide | Gotta Sleep

Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

Looking for mattress sizes?  This article will help you find the right dimensions for your mattress.  Beds come in many sizes, from the small single Twin to the massive California King.  Unfortunately, manufacturing procedures, padding and types of support can all alter the size.

IMPORTANT: This guide offers the most common sizes.  It is important to know that there is no legal standard mattress dimensions.  As a result, if you are looking for a specific bed size in Canada or the USA, be sure to ask your vendor for exact measurements if you are unclear.   

In Canada and the USA, we use terms like Queen, King, Double and so on to define mattress sizes. 

The commonly manufactured sizes in Canada and the USA are:

• Twin bed,
• Twin XL bed,
• Super Single bed,
• Double bed,
• Double XL bed,
• Queen bed,
• Queen RV bed,
• King bed, and
• California King bed.

Bed sizes in Canada are typically the same as US bed sizes.

Standard Mattress Sizes Differ Based on Type

For each mattress and box spring, there are actually TWO acceptable sizes:

• Foam Mattress Size and Dimensions
• Coil Inner-Spring Mattress Size and Dimensions

When the coils in spring or coil mattresses are manufactured, the count and thickness of the wire varies. This can greatly affect the width and length of coil mattresses. Because of this in Canada and the USA, manufacturers must produce inner-spring or coil mattresses within 1” of what they have indicated in their marketing.

Foam mattresses are cut from slabs of foam, so their sizes don't vary as much.  As a result, you don’t have to worry about size variations with foam mattresses. They are the exact size they state on the label and description.  

When buying mattresses online, like bed in a box, they’re usually foam mattresses. Some of them also contain coil inner-springs, so it’s good to check.

Foam Mattresses

At Gotta Sleep we offer the 7 most popular sizes of foam mattresses. Less popular sizes need to be custom modified, which makes them more expensive.  Our mattresses are all shortened by 1/2" to provide the best fit for sheets and to fit into tight bed frames.

Coil Inner-Spring Mattresses / Spring Mattresses

Mattress Sizes Explained

Twin or Single - 38" x 74½"

Despite ‘Twin’ being in the name, twin sized mattresses are mostly used for single sleepers. The average length of single bed is 74 1/2.  The average width of single bed is 38".  Their small size means they’ll fit well in most spaces. It’s a great size for growing kids to give them enough space to sleep and grow without taking up so much space. It’s also the most common size found in dorms due to their compact but comfortable size.

Depth dimensions vary.

Twin XL - 38" x 79½"

Twin XL bed dimensions measure 38" x 79½".  The average length of Twin XL bed is 79 1/2".  The average width of Twin XL bed is 38".  

Like a twin, this mattress is the same width, but is 5 inches longer to accommodate taller sleepers. This size is commonly used for growing teenagers who are close to 6’0” and in dorm rooms.

It’s a longer economy size that’ll fit well in the spare room.

Super Single - 47" x 74½"

Super Single bed dimensions measure 47" x 74½".  The average width of a single bed is typically 47".  The average length of a single bed is 74 1/2".  

Super Single beds are a throwback to the 1920s.  Designed for one sleeper but often accommodating two, these beds are very rare on the market today. For the most part, only antique bed frames and military living quarters will require this size so Gotta Sleep doesn’t carry it.

Double / Full - 53" x 74½" to  75"

Double or full bed dimensions typically measure 53" x 74½".  The average length of a double bed can extend to 75" which is why the 53 x 75 size is also quite common.  The average width of a double bed is almost always 53".

The double, or the full, used to be the industry standard for a bed meant for two people. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the Queen sized mattress overtook the market, as people were getting taller and rooms were getting larger.  Couples appreciated the extra space offered in a Queen.

It’s a popular choice nowadays for spare bedrooms, luxurious singles, growing children, or spaces that aren’t quite large enough for a queen. 

Full mattresses work great for children as they are cost-effective and are long enough to last until the child has grown into an adult.

Double XL or Full XL - 54" x 79½"

The Double XL or Full XL comes in at 54" x 79 1/2".  The average length of Double XL bed is 79 1/2".  The average width of Double XL bed is 54".

The full extra long can be found as a 53 x 80 mattress.  Just like the Twin XL, the Double or Full XL is made longer and a little bit wider. It’s meant to accommodate the taller sleepers or those who want something just a bit bigger than a double, but don’t have excess of space. Unfortunately, this less popular option is not carried at Gotta Sleep.

Queen - 60" x 79½"

Queen-sized mattresses range between 55 and 100 pounds and the average dimensions of a queen size bed typically are 60" x 79½".  The average length of Queen bed is 79 1/2".  The average width of Queen bed is 60".

Queen sized mattresses have become the preferred and most popular size on the market. It’s considered the ideal size for two people to share, and fits comfortably into most modern bedrooms.

They provide plenty of space for sleeping, even for those who move a lot in their sleep. Gotta Sleep offers high-quality Queen-sized memory foam mattressesthat greatly reduces motion transfer. This makes it even more desirable for couples, as getting up or rolling over won’t disrupt the other person’s sleep.

Because Queen mattresses have more room, restless sleepers can sleep the night without being woken by the people next to them as they turn in their sleep.

It’s considered the most cost effective mattress, meaning it’s the most mattress for the least expense. There’s benefits to buying the most popular mattress out there.

Queen RV - 60" x 74½"

A Queen RV bed dimensions measure 60" x 74 ½".  The average length of Queen RV bed is 74 1/2".  The average width of Queen RV bed is 60".

Essentially a Queen mattress but 5 inches shorter, the Queen RV is exactly what it sounds like. They’re made for Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailers, and Motor homes, where every bit of space matters.

It’s rarely found outside of these contexts, as the name would imply it was a size invented with nothing but RVs in mind. As a result, Gotta Sleep does not carry this size. If you find yourself in need, give us a shout.  We would be more than happy to help you.

King - 76" x 79½"

King bed dimensions measure 76" x 79½".  The average length of King bed is 79 1/2".  The average width of King bed is 76". 

At double the width of a twin, the King sized mattress offers 16 inches more wiggle room than the Queen. Even the most restless sleepers won’t disturb their partners on this massive surface. Not recommended for smaller rooms unless taking up the entire floor-space with a mattress is your idea of a perfect bedroom.

For those who often have children or pets joining them to sleep, the King sized mattress is large enough to accommodate everyone without feeling cramped. It’s highly recommended for families who have the space. We often hear couples say that once they got a King sized mattress, they couldn’t comfortably go back to a smaller size. 

If you are interested king bed dimensions Canada, you don't have to worry they are the same as the US.

If you have a small bedroom, we would not recommend this large-sized mattress, but for medium to larger rooms, this is often the most comfortable choice for couples who like to spread out in their sleep.

California King - 72" x 83½"

California King bed dimensions measure 72" x 83½".  The average length of the California King bed is 83 1/2".  The average width of the California King bed is 72", 4 inches less than a King bed.

If you are looking for a mattress that can truly accommodate taller people, those who like to stretch out in their sleep or share their sleeping spaces with pets or children, nothing will beat a California King mattress.  

A little bit narrower and a hand longer, California Kings are the kings of comfort. It’s ideal for taller people who like the extra foot room, as well as those who have pets that like to sleep on the end of the bed. The extra length lowers the risk of getting kicked off in the middle of the night.

The California King’s luxurious size means you might not have the space for end tables or dressers in some bedrooms. For those with the space, the sprawling space may be worth it.

Other Considerations

When deciding on which size mattress is right for you it is important to consider a variety of influential factors. Each of these factors play a significant role in sleep quality, comfort and can help to select the perfect mattress. By carefully selecting the bed dimensions or size of mattress you are one step closer to ensuring you can receive a proper night's sleep.

Country of Origin

Mattress sizes vary from country to country. Standard sizes in Canada and the USA are mostly the same, but there are some slight variations. Common bed sizes for the U.K. and E.U. are listed below, they don't all quite match up the same way.

Popular U.K. Bed Sizes

Popular European Bed Sizes:

If you’re not sure about the right mattress type your bed frame, and our sizing charts are a touch too confusing, you can reach out to us for clarification. Things like manufacturing procedures, padding, and types of support can all alter both the length and width of a bed. These things can vary country to country, so it’s good to check.

Height

Your height can play a large role in determining the perfect mattress size, especially if you are taller than average. XL or California King mattresses can be ideal as since they provide more length to accommodate longer legs.

When you are unable to comfortably fit your entire body on your mattress, you are potentially compromising your quality of sleep. With the wide variety of dimensions available, no one should have to sacrifice comfort as a result of their above average height.

Room Size

The size of the bedroom or space where you would like to place the mattress is another factor to consider when choosing the perfect mattress. A mattress too small or too large can offset the feel of the bedroom and leave it feeling either empty or overloaded. If space is limited a smaller mattress is always recommended. Before making a purchase, it’s important to measure the room to figure out how much space you have to work with. You want to make sure the room has enough space to safely navigate through, and enough space for other furniture like an end table and/or dresser. Of course, if the room can accommodate a larger mattress, having more space can result in a more comfortable sleep.

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Measure the Space

Before your purchase a mattress, take the time to measure the space or the bedroom that the bed will go into. This will give you an accurate idea of the size of mattress you should buy. The last thing you want is to have a mattress delivered to your house that does not fit the bedroom.

Number of Sleepers

For individual sleepers a Twin or Double size mattress will provide good amount of room to ensure a quality sleep. If you share a mattress the bigger you can afford the better. For two people a Queen or King-sized mattresses are ideal. If you’re lacking space, a double-sized mattress is the next best option.

When sharing a mattress with two adults and children or pets a King or California King sized mattress is best. These large mattresses will provide space for two or more individuals to sleep comfortably, but putting one in a too-small bedroom can be a safety hazard and make the room feel cramped and uncomfortable.

It’s important to be thorough when deciding which mattress is right for you. By choosing carefully you’re guaranteed a good quality and restful sleep. Remember that standard mattresses sizes Canada and standard mattress sizes USA, do not include bed linens.

Custom Sizes

There are some bed frames and furniture that require non-standard sized mattresses, such as the 3/4 size and other antique sizes. If you need a mattress with custom dimensions, Gotta Sleep has options outside of the standard sizes we sell to solve any and all of your sleeping needs. Whether you are looking for a specific rv mattress size for your Recreational Vehicle (RV), truck, unusual room, or boat, we can custom order mattresses in specific sizes to meet your needs.

If you have any questions on mattresses dimensions or anything else, contact us!