Full Size Mattress Dimensions: How Big Is a Full Size Bed?

Full Size Mattress Dimensions

Key Takeaways

  • Dimensions and Comparison: Full size mattresses measure 54 inches by 75 inches, offering more width compared to a twin mattress. They are suitable for single sleepers, providing extra space for stretching out comfortably. While they are not as spacious as queen or king beds, full mattresses are ideal for smaller rooms and more affordable than larger options.
  • Types and Variations: Full XL mattresses are a variation, measuring the same width but offering an additional 5 inches in length, making them suitable for taller individuals. While less common, they can be beneficial for those needing more legroom. However, finding accessories such as bed frames and sheet sets for full XLs may be challenging due to their less common size.
  • Benefits and Considerations: Full size mattresses are versatile, budget-friendly, and easy to move, making them suitable for various situations such as children’s rooms, guest rooms, and for single sleepers. They are a practical option for those with limited space and can be a more cost-effective choice compared to larger mattress sizes.

Full size mattresses, also called double beds, are a suitable option for adults and children alike. On a full bed, solo sleepers will find the extra space they need to stretch out. These beds also don’t require as much space as a bulky queen or king size bed.

Full mattresses fit comfortably in a 10-foot by 12-foot bedroom, which is a fairly standard room size in the U.S. Plus, these beds cost less and are easier to move than larger size beds. Read on to discover the benefits and dimensions of a full size mattress.

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Dimensions of a Full Size Mattress

Full size mattresses measure 54 inches by 75 inches. These beds have the same length as a twin bed (75 inches), but they are 16 inches wider. If your child has outgrown their twin size bed, but they don’t have a bedroom large enough to accommodate a queen mattress, a full size is an excellent choice. Also, single adults who are looking to improve the quality of their sleep may also want to consider upgrading to a full size mattress. Studies show that changing your mattress can dramatically improve the quality of your sleep and reduce stress.

For couples, full size mattresses offer 27 inches of space per person. With this size, two sleepers often feel cramped. However, a full bed may be a suitable choice if your bedroom is too small for a queen. Many couples may start with a full size and upgrade to a queen or king size bed once they have more space.

Other Full Size Mattresses

As you shop for a full size bed, you may come across one slight variation. Mattresses labeled “full XL” measure 54 inches wide by 80 inches long. Standard full and full XL beds have the same width, but a full XL is 5 inches longer. This additional length makes them a great option for taller individuals. A full XL affords tall sleepers more legroom, so they don’t have to worry about their feet dangling off the end of the bed.

Although full XL mattresses are not very common, some online retailers do offer them. However, keep in mind that bed frames and sheet sets for a full XL may be difficult to find. Since this size is not as common, manufactures may not offer accessories to accommodate the extra length. Since full XLs measure 5 inches longer than a standard full, full sheet sets cannot be used on a full XL. These mattresses require a longer fitted sheet for a proper fit.

How Full Size Beds Compare to Other Standard Size Mattresses

In addition to full size beds, there are five other standard mattress sizes in the United States—twin, twin XL, queen, king, and California king. Let’s take a look at how a full size bed compares to these other sizes.

Twin and full size mattresses have the same length, but a full has more width. Both twin and full size beds can fit in a 10-foot by 12-foot bedroom. These sizes will leave plenty of room for bedroom furniture and open living space.

Twin XL mattresses are narrower than a full, but they are 5 inches longer than a regular twin—making twin XL beds the same length as a queen size mattress (80 inches). With this extra length, Twin XLs are often used in dorm rooms to accommodate taller college students. However, if you prefer more room to spread out, a full size may be a better option.

Couples sleep most comfortably on a larger bed, such as a queen, king, or California king mattress. A queen bed has 30 inches per side, while a king has 38 inches per side. Families who prefer to co-sleep may be most comfortable on a king size mattress. A California king bed is 4 inches narrower than a standard king but is 4 inches longer—making them the perfect bed for taller couples. These larger mattresses are also most suitable for a master bedroom, since a full size bed will not completely fill out a large room.

A full mattress will cost more than a twin or a twin XL, but less than a queen or a king size bed. A high-quality full size bed will cost between $500 to $2500, depending on the mattress type and materials used. When upgrading to a larger bed, a full size is a more cost-effective option, especially for single adults. A supportive queen or king size bed can cost between $1500 and $3000. Plus, queen and king size bedding accessories can be costly.

Standard Mattress Sizes

Mattress SizeMattress Dimensions
Twin38 inches by 75 inches
Twin XL38 inches by 80 inches
Full 54 inches by 75 inches
Full XL54 inches by 80 inches
Queen60 inches by 80 inches
King76 inches by 80 inches
California King72 inches by 84 inches

Why Choose a Full Size Mattress?

Full size beds became popular in the late 1950s when Americans started demanding larger, more spacious furnishings. Before this, most married couples slept on individual twin size beds. Today, queens are the most popular bed size for couples and full beds tend to serve different needs. Below, we outline the benefits of a full size mattress.

  • Limited Space: When purchasing a new mattress, you should first consider the size of your room. If you live in an apartment or an older home with small bedrooms, a queen or king may not be the best option for you. The great thing about a full size bed is that it fits well in most rooms, without making the space feel overcrowded. This size allows you to get a more comfortable sleep space, without giving up too much floor space.
  • Versatile: Full mattresses are suitable for older children, growing teenagers, and single adults. They take up less space, are easy to find when online shopping, and come with a wide selection of accessories. Foundations, mattress protectors, sheets, comforters, and duvets are readily available for full size beds.
  • Budget-Friendly: If you are shopping for a child’s room, guest room, or you’re a solo sleeper looking for more room to spread out, a full size bed is a cost-effective solution. Full size accessories will also be less expensive than those for a larger mattress.
  • Easy to Move: If you frequently move house, a full size bed may be the best fit for you. These beds are lightweight and can easily fit into a truck or van.

Frequently Asked Questions

How wide is a full size bed frame?

A bed frame should be at least 54 inches wide to accommodate a full size mattress. Bed frames often measure 1 to 2 inches wider and longer than the mattress itself. This additional space allows for bedding to hang off the mattress. Full size bed frames will likely measure 55 to 56 inches wide and between 76 to 78 inches long.

Are full mattresses the same size as double beds?

Full size mattresses are often referred to as "double mattresses." As you shop, you may come across those labeled as "double" instead of "full." These beds will still measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.

Is a full bed big enough for two people?

Full size beds offer 27 inches of personal space per side, so couples tend to feel cramped on these mattresses. Queen and king beds are more suited for two sleepers. However, larger beds require more living space. If you live in a small city apartment and have very little available space, a full size bed may be the best option. Full size mattresses can accommodate most couples until they have enough space to upgrade to a queen or king size bed.

What's the difference between a full XL and a queen bed?

Full XL mattresses measure 54 inches wide by 80 inches long. These beds have the same length as a queen bed—80 inches. However, queen beds are 6 inches wider than a full XL. Queens measure 60 inches wide while full XLs measure 54 inches wide.

Can queen sheets fit a full bed?

Since queens are longer and broader than full size beds, full and queen size sheet sets are not interchangeable. Queen size sheets will not fit tightly to a full size mattress, resulting in extra fabric along the sides. Loose material can bunch and move during the night, causing discomfort and sleep disruptions.

Did We Help?

A full size mattress is a good choice for single sleepers of all ages. If you are limited on space but still want to create a luxurious sleep space, a full may be the right bed size for you. Whether you are a single sleeper looking to upgrade to a more comfortable bed, or a parent shopping for a growing child, a full size bed is the best choice.

This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Andrew Russell, Wellness Writer Andrew Russell

Andrew Russell is a part-time writer and full-time sleep enthusiast. At Zoma, Andrew lends his sleep expertise and writes many of our “better sleep” guides. Outside of Zoma, Andrew puts his advice to the test, always trying new ways to get deeper, more restorative sleep. We appreciate Andrew because he doesn’t give advice that he doesn’t follow himself, so you can feel confident his solutions for better sleep really do the trick. Andrew's work has been featured on Ladders, Bright Side, and several other publications.

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  1. This helped tremendously….I live in a smaller space now & want to go from a Queen to a Full/double. Even though it’s only 6″ difference in the width, that just might be enough to make a difference.

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