Twin Mattress Size: Chart + Dimensions Guide [2024]

Key Takeaways:

• The standard twin mattress size is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long.
• A single bed is an interchangeable term for a twin mattress. Their measurements are the same.
• Twin mattresses also come in twin XL, which is 38 inches wide and 80 inches long.
• Twin mattresses are best for children and petite adults or in small bedrooms.

Did you know the twin mattress is named after its intended use to be purchased in pairs? Even so, a twin mattress’s size best fits single sleepers, which is why some call twin mattresses single beds. So just how wide is a twin bed? A twin bed is 38 inches wide by 75 inches long and typically fits one child or small adult. 

Being comfortable in your mattress comes down to finding the right size bed. In this article, we’ll help you determine your ideal mattress size. Read along to learn more about the differences between twin mattress sizes and what scenarios are best suited to a twin mattress.

Enhance Your Sleep With Purple

Designed with your comfort in mind, Purple mattresses provide the support and relief you need to rest easy. 

Shop Mattresses

What Size Is a Twin Bed?

Twin mattress dimensions: 38-by-75 inches

A standard twin mattress size is 38 inches wide by 75 inches long and covers around 20 square feet. Twin beds provide plenty of room for children, teens, and petite adults. Their compact size allows them to fit well into smaller bedrooms or offer extra floor space in average-sized rooms. Due to their size, twin beds are typically affordable when furnishing children’s bedrooms, small rooms, or vacation and rental homes.

Types of Twin Mattresses

While there is only one standard twin mattress size, a few other smaller mattress types fall under the umbrella category of twin beds. This includes single, twin XLs, and small single mattresses. Let’s look at the different types of twin mattress dimensions. 

Twin vs. Single Bed

Single dimensions: 38-by-75 inches

Single and twin beds are the same product, both measuring 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. Though the terms are interchangeable, mattress manufacturers use “single bed” less in today’s market. “Single bed” comes from the idea that twin beds are meant to fit one individual sleeper.

Twin Mattress vs. Twin XL

Twin XL dimensions: 38-by-80 inches

Many wonder how wide a twin XL bed is compared to a standard twin. Compared to twin beds, twin XL mattresses offer an extra 5 inches in length but offer the same width. This makes twin XLs 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. This extra legroom makes twin XL beds ideal for fast-growing teens, college students, and young adults over 6 feet tall. 

Twin Mattress vs. Small Single

Small single dimensions: 30-by-75 inches

People often confuse small single beds with twin mattresses. However, they are not the same. Small singles — also accurately known as youth, small, or narrow twins — come 8 inches narrower than standard twins, measuring 30-by-75 inches.

It’s not easy to find small single mattresses, bedding, or bed frames. You’re more likely to locate a manufacturer that makes uncommon mattress sizes online or at a specialty retailer.

Twin Mattress Pros and Cons

As one of the smallest mattress sizes commonly available, twin mattresses boast several benefits and advantages. However, buyers should consider all factors that may impact their purchasing decisions. The table below highlights a few of the top benefits and considerations a twin mattress brings.

Who Is a Twin Bed Best For?

Your ideal mattress size varies depending on the sleeper, purpose, and bedroom size. However, there are some scenarios where purchasing a twin bed makes the most sense, like when furnishing a bedroom for a child or college student.

Children

Twin beds are one of the most commonly purchased mattress sizes for children. The smaller bed size accommodates children as they grow into their teen years.

Twin mattresses work well in children’s bedrooms that require more than one bed. This may include bedrooms shared by siblings or to designate a space for sleepover guests. Some parents may set up two twin beds each on their own frames or use a trundle or bunk bed to save on floor space.

Adults

Many adults shorter than 6 feet tall comfortably fit on a twin mattress. Taller adults should opt for a twin XL. Both twin mattress sizes make good options for single adult sleepers on a budget and in smaller city apartments or other small bedrooms.

That’s not to say couples have no use for twin mattresses beyond their children. Many adults purchase two twin XL mattresses to place next to one another horizontally, also considered a split king. By doing so, the dimensions match a standard king mattress, which traditionally measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.

Dorm Rooms

Most colleges and universities fill dorm rooms and residence halls with twin XL beds as opposed to standard twin or full size mattresses. Compared to twin mattresses, their extra length accommodates college students well while also being narrow enough to fit one to four beds (sometimes more) in a dorm. 

Vacation Homes

Opting for twin-size mattresses can be a budget-friendly way of maximizing guest occupancy when furnishing vacation homes and rentals. You can fill a room with several bunk beds or furnish living spaces with daybeds or sleeper sofas to accommodate more family members. So whether you wish to attract large bachelorette groups in Nashville or hold seaside family vacations, twin beds are an ideal way to accommodate even the biggest of groups. 

How To Choose Your Ideal Mattress Size

Settling on your ideal bed type is the first step in choosing a mattress. Yet, how do you choose what size bed to get? From determining your budget to measuring your room dimensions, here are some aspects to consider when choosing the right mattress size for you.

1. Account for the number of sleepers: It’s essential to account for the number of sleepers you plan to share a bed with. A twin bed will sleep one child or a petite adult comfortably, but typically won’t be large enough for more than one person.
2. Consider your body size: Twin beds typically have smaller weight and height limits than larger mattresses, so you’ll want to consider your height and body frame. A twin size bed has an average mattress weight limit of 250 pounds and can accommodate people up to 6 feet tall. 
3. Measure your room size: Before purchasing a mattress, be sure to measure your bedroom and factor in your other furniture. Twin beds are smaller, which allows them to fit in most room sizes, though 7-by-10 feet is ideal.
4. Choose your comfort preferences: The type of mattress you opt for will affect your comfort. Consider factors like pressure relief and durability to determine the right type of mattress for you. You may also want to keep in mind your preferred sleeping position. 
5. Determine your budget: Twin mattresses are less expensive than most other large mattress sizes and typically cost between $250 and $2,000. 

The mattress size chart below covers the mattress sizes most widely available today.

Is a Twin Bed Right for You?

Measuring 38 inches wide and 75 inches long, a twin mattress size fits one child or petite adult comfortably. Since twin size beds fit in most rooms, they make a great addition to vacation properties and shared bedrooms. 

Whether you choose a twin bed or require a bigger mattress size like a full or queen, opt for a Purple mattress to ensure nightly deep sleep. Purple’s mattresses are uniquely designed with the GelFlex® Grid that instantly adapts to your body’s every movement while cradling your pressure points for a sound night’s sleep.

Designed for Maximum Comfort

Purple mattresses feature our cooling and adaptive GelFlex® Grid to provide contoured support and pressure relief all night long.

Shop Twin Mattresses