Published on December 4, 2023. Written by Bradley Roberts. Last updated on January 21, 2024
Are you embarking on a quest to find the perfect bed size in the USA? Navigating the world of bed dimensions can be a daunting task, but fear not! We’re here to unravel the mystery of bed sizes and help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
In the United States and Canada, mattress sizes are designated with non-numeric labels like “king” or “full” but are ultimately defined in inches. Historically, beds were commonly identified as “twins” or “doubles,” but in the mid-1940s, manufacturers introduced larger mattresses. These were subsequently standardized as “queen” and “king,” making a significant impact on the market in the 1950s and 60s.[1]
Typical US bed size
| US Bed Size | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (Imperial) | Dimensions (Metric) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin or Single | 38.5″ x 74.5″ | 3’21” x 6’21” | 98cm x 189cm |
| Twin XL | 38.5″ x 79.5″ | 3’21” x 6’63” | 98cm x 202cm |
| Full or Double | 53.5″ x 74.5″ | 4’46” x 6’21” | 136cm x 189cm |
| Queen | 60″ x 79.5″ | 5’0″ x 6’63” | 152cm x 202cm |
| King | 76″ x 79.5″ | 6’33” x 6’63” | 193cm x 202cm |
| California King | 72″ x 83.5″ | 6’0″ x 6’96” | 183cm x 212cm |
Less common US bed size
| US Bed Size | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (Imperial) | Dimensions (Metric) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crib | 27.5″ x 52″ | 2’29” x 4’33” | 70cm x 132cm |
| Junior | 27.5″ x 63″ | 2’29” x 5’25” | 70cm x 160cm |
| Cot or Small Single | 30″ x 75″ | 2’5″ x 6’25” | 76cm x 191cm |
| Antique Single | 36″ x 72″ | 3’0″ x 6’0″ | 91cm x 183cm |
| Twin XXL | 37.5″ x 83.5″ | 3’13” x 6’96” | 95cm x 212cm |
| Antique Double or Three-quarter | 48″ x 72″ | 4’0″ x 6’0″ | 122cm x 183cm |
| Full XL or Double XL | 53.5″ x 79.5″ | 4’46” x 6’63” | 136cm x 202cm |
| Super Queen, Olympic Queen, or Expanded Queen | 66″ x 80″ | 5’5″ x 6’67” | 168cm x 203cm |
| California Queen | 60″ x 83.5″ | 5’0″ x 6’96” | 152cm x 212cm |
| Super King, Grand King, Athletic King, or Texas King | 80″ x 98″ | 6’67” x 8’17” | 203cm x 249cm |
| Wyoming King | 84″ x 84″ | 7’0″ x 7’0″ | 213cm x 213cm |
| Alberta King or Alaskan Queen | 96″ x 96″ | 8’0″ x 8’0″ | 244cm x 244cm |
| Alaskan King | 108″ x 108″ | 9’0″ x 9’0″ | 274cm x 274cm |
Special US bed sizing
| US Bed Size | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (Imperial) | Dimensions (Metric) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Queen or Split Queen | 30″ × 79.5″ | 2’5″ x 6’63” | 76cm × 202cm |
| Half California King or Split California King | 36″ × 83.5″ | 3’0″ x 6’96″” | 91cm × 212cm |
| Short Queen or RV Queen | 60″ × 75″ | 5’0″ x 6’25” | 152cm × 191cm |
| Short King or RV King | 72″ × 75″ | 6’0″ x 6’25” | 183cm × 191cm |
| RV King | 72″ × 80″ | 6’0″ x 6’67” | 183cm × 203cm |
| Single Waterbed | 36″ × 82″ | 3’0″ x 6’83” | 91cm × 208cm |
| Super Single Waterbed | 47″ × 82″ | 3’92” x 6’83” | 119cm × 208cm |
| Queen Waterbed | 58″ × 82″ | 4’83” x 6’83” | 147cm × 208cm |
| King Waterbed | 70″ × 82″ | 5’83” x 6’83” | 178cm × 208cm |
| Truck Sleeper Cab common mattress sizes (without specific names) | 32″ × 79″ | 2’67” x 6’58” | 81cm × 201cm |
| 35″ × 79″ | 2’92” x 6’58” | 89cm × 201cm | |
| 36″ × 76″ | 3’0″ x 6’67” | 91cm × 193cm | |
| 38″ × 80″ | 3’17” x 6’67” | 97cm × 203cm | |
| 42″ x 80″ | 3’5″ x 6’67” | 107cm × 203cm |
What Are the Most Popular Bed Sizes in the USA?
In the vast landscape of bed sizes, certain dimensions have emerged as crowd favorites. The Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes dominate the market, each catering to specific preferences and space requirements, while the California King size bed is more of a specialized requirement. Understanding the popularity of these sizes provides a solid starting point for selecting the ideal bed.
What Size Bed Do Most Adults Sleep In?
When it comes to individual sleepers, the Full (also known as Double) and Queen sizes take center stage. These dimensions strike a balance between providing ample sleeping space for one person while accommodating various room sizes. Discover which size aligns perfectly with your personal space and sleep preferences.
What Size Bed Do Most Single Adults Have?
Single adults often opt for the Twin or Full bed sizes. The Twin offers a compact solution suitable for smaller rooms or individuals with space constraints. On the other hand, the Full provides a bit more room to stretch out, offering a comfortable sleep experience for solo sleepers.
What Size Bed Do Most Couples Sleep On?
For couples seeking shared slumber, the Queen and King bed sizes emerge as the go-to choices. The Queen offers a cozy space for couples, while the King provides ample room for those who crave extra space or share the bed with pets. Uncover the dimensions that promise restful nights and harmonious sleep for you and your partner.
Embarking on the journey to find the perfect bed size involves considering individual preferences, room dimensions, and lifestyle factors. With this guide, you’re equipped with insights into the most popular bed sizes in the USA, empowering you to make a well-informed decision that aligns with your unique sleep requirements. Sweet dreams await in the bed size that suits you best!