Key Takeaways
- Double Bed vs. Full Size Mattress Dimensions: A double bed and a full size mattress are terms often used interchangeably, and they share the same width of 54 inches and the same length of 75 inches.
- History of the Double Bed: The name “full” gained popularity in the 1870s when American furniture manufacturers standardized the size of double beds. Prior to that, double beds were commonly used by couples but provided limited space for each sleeper.
- Full Size Mattress Today: Full mattresses are suitable for smaller rooms, dorms, or studio apartments where space is limited. Double bed dimensions provide 54 inches wide and 75 inches of sleeping space, spacious for one sleeper but which may not be comfortable for two adults.
A double bed and a full size mattress have the same dimensions, 54 inches x 75 inches. In fact, the terms “double bed” and “full size mattress”, are often used interchangeably.
If you refer to mattress sizes, both “double” and “full” are the exact same bed size. While full beds are called doubles, they can’t comfortably accommodate two adult sleepers.
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The name “full” became popular in the 1870s when American furniture manufacturers standardized the size of double beds. Twin beds became the standard size for a single bed, while full mattresses became the standard size for a double bed size in the United States.
What is a Double Bed?
Double beds were popular among couples before the introduction of queen and king size beds. Sharing a double mattress provides only 27 inches by 75 inches of space for each sleeper, which is not usually enough space to achieve a good night’s sleep.
Back in the 1940s, Americans were mainly sleeping on standard twin and full size mattresses. But later, in the 1950s, king and queen beds were introduced and they started gaining popularity. In fact, the average height and weight of Americans were increasing around this time, spurring the demand for larger sized beds to sleep comfortably.
After World War II, America witnessed an economic boom. Wealthy citizens with big houses in the suburbs needed a larger mattress for their large rooms. With all these changing trends, the double size beds lost their acclaim to queen and king size beds.
What is a Full Size Mattress?
A full size mattress is the same as a double bed. Full beds are commonly used in college dorms. They are also a good fit in studio bedroom apartments or smaller rooms, where space is limited.
A full bed is best suited for a room 10 feet by 10 feet. While setting up your bed, take into account the space required for furniture and walking around. It’s best to leave at least 2 to 3 feet of space on all sides of the bed, except for the side against the wall.
Our Amerisleep Full Size Mattresses
Our Amerisleep Mattresses are available in five firmness levels to suit different body types and comfort preferences. You can find them in soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, or firm.
All our mattresses feature plant-based Bio-Pur®, making them cooler than traditional memory foam mattresses. Our mattress covers are made of a soft and absorbent material that wicks away moisture and enhances comfort.
The second layer is Affinity with HIVE® technology. This layer provides targeted pressure relief and reduces aches and pains. It does so by offering more support to your head, back, and legs while cushioning the shoulders and hips. At the base lies the Bio-Core® layer, providing strength and durability to our mattresses.
If you like your bed to feel bouncy, you can opt for our hybrid models. A layer of individually wrapped pocketed coils at the base promotes airflow while minimizing motion transfer. Our hybrids are available in three firmness levels: medium-firm, medium, and soft.
Cost of Amerisleep Full Size Mattresses
All our mattresses are manufactured in the United States and they come with a risk-free 100-night sleep trial. We back our mattresses with a 20-year warranty covering defects and sagging greater than an inch.
Mattress Price
AS1 $849
AS2 $1049
AS3 $1249
AS3 Hybrid $1449
AS4 $1249
AS5 $1849
AS5 Hybrid $2149
Amerisleep Organica $1249
Both double and full sizes are available as double XL or full XL size mattresses. Measuring 54 inches by 80 inches, these mattresses are 5 inches longer than a standard double or full size mattress. The extra inches come in handy to accommodate tall sleepers.
Variations of the Full Size Mattress
The dimensions of a full XL mattress are approximately 54 inches in width and 80 inches in length. This makes it slightly longer than a standard full mattress, providing additional legroom.
A full XL can a suitable option for individuals who may find the full size too short, such as taller individuals or those who prefer extra space at the foot of the bed. However, some may prefer a queen mattress to a full mattress, as it is also 80 inches long with 60 inches of width for more personal space.
Also worth considering is the size availability. The double XL or full XL sizes are not commonly available in mattress stores or online. If you are interested in a full XL mattress, we suggest researching brands that carry them before heading out to a retailer or online shopping. Since these sizes are rare, it may be difficult to find compatible bedding accessories.
Other Standard Sizes
| Mattress Size | Dimensions in Inches |
|---|---|
| Twin | 38 inches by 74 inches |
| Twin XL | 38 inches by 80 inches |
| Full | 54 inches by 75 inches |
| Queen | 60 inches by 80 inches |
| King | 76 inches by 80 inches |
| California King | 72 inches by 84 inches |
| Split King | Two mattresses, each 38 inches by 80 inches |
A double or full size bed is wider than a twin and twin XL, and narrower than a king, queen, and California king. If the double or full size mattress doesn’t suit your needs, consider the other standard mattress sizes available on the market.
Twin Size Mattress
A twin size mattress measures 38 inches by 75 inches. The twin bed is a compact size, making it a good option for children’s rooms.
Sometimes, single adults may sleep on a twin mattress, but it doesn’t have much space to stretch and relax your muscles. We cannot recommend twin beds for two adults, at least single twin beds. Twin beds are also great for bunk beds, so you can maximize a small space.
See also Twin vs. Full: What’s the Difference?
Twin XL Size Mattress
Twin XL size mattresses are 5 inches longer than twin sizes. The extra length is beneficial for accommodating growing teenagers. Measuring 38 inches by 80 inches, the twin XL size mattress is commonly used in children’s rooms, and sometimes in shared adult bedrooms. The twin XL mattress is 5 inches longer and 16 inches narrower than the full size.
Two twin XL mattresses pushed together make a split king size mattress.
See also Twin XL vs. Full: What’s the Difference?
Queen Size Mattress
A queen size mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches. Queen mattresses are 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than full size beds. Queen size mattresses are the most popular among all mattress sizes because they can be used both by single sleepers as well as couples.
You can keep a queen size bed either in your guest room or master bedroom. The extra space of a queen bed makes a big difference, especially for restless sleepers.
See also Twin vs Full vs Queen: Which Mattress Size is Right For You
King Size Mattress
A king size mattress is the widest of all standard size mattresses. A king bed measures 76 inches by 80 inches, making one a good choice for couples who need more sleeping space.
The king size is spacious enough to accommodate children if they want to sleep with their parents on some nights. King beds are 22 inches wider and 5 inches longer than full size beds.
See also King vs. Full: What’s the Difference?
California King Size Mattress
California king size mattresses are the longest of all standard size mattresses, providing those over 6 feet with extra sleeping space. A California king bed measures 72 inches by 84 inches, perfect for tall sleepers.
Like king beds, the Cal king beds are also suitable for big master bedrooms and are good mattresses for tall people. California king mattresses are 18 inches wider and 9 inches longer than full size beds.
See also California King vs. Full: What’s the Difference?
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (IN) | Dimensions (CM) |
|---|---|---|
| California King | 72 inches by 84 inches | 183 cm by 213.5 cm |
| King | 76 inches by 80 inches | 193 cm by 203.5 cm |
| Olympic Queen | 66 inches by 80 inches | 167.5 cm by 203.5 cm |
| Queen | 60 inches by 80 inches | 152.5 cm by 203.5 cm |
| Full XL | 54 inches by 80 inches | 137 cm by 203.5 cm |
| Full | 54 inches by 75 inches | 134.5 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Twin XL | 38 inches by 80 inches | 96.5 cm by 203.5 cm |
| Twin | 38 inches by 75 inches | 96.5 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Small Single | 38 inches by 75 inches | 76.2 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Crib | 27.25 inches by 51 inches | 69.2 cm by 129.5 cm |
FAQs
Can a double bed accommodate two people?
A double bed can comfortably accommodate one adult co-sleeping with a child or pet, but they cannot usually fit two adult sleepers. Double mattresses allow only 27 inches by 75 inches for each sleeper, which is about the size of a crib mattress. This may not be enough for two adult sleepers to comfortably stretch out and sleep.
Instead, we would recommend a queen mattress, measuring 60 inches wide and 80 inches long.
What size mattresses are most comfortable for couples?
Couples can share either a queen or king size bed, but the king size is most comfortable for two adult sleepers. The king size bed provides 38 inches by 80 inches (size of a twin XL) of space for each sleeper, as opposed to 30 inches by 80 inches in a queen. But if your small room size is not the best fit for a king size bed, then a queen size mattress is a good option.
Can you easily find bedding accessories for full size mattresses?
Yes, full or double size are standard mattress sizes, so bed frames and bedding accessories for full size beds are easily available in mattress stores or online. It’s a little more difficult to find bed frames and bedding accessories for the variant sizes such as full XL.
Is a double bed the same as a queen?
No, a queen size bed is 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a double bed. A double (or full) bed used to be the gold standard for couples until the queen size mattress came along. Now, double beds are mostly used by single people.
Can twin XL sheets fit a double bed?
While the width of twin XL sheets may fit a standard double bed, the length is likely to be inadequate for a double mattress. Double beds are generally shorter than twin XL beds, so using twin XL sheets on a double bed might result in the sheets being too long and potentially causing discomfort. We suggest using sheets specifically designed for double beds to ensure a proper fit and optimal comfort.
Conclusion
There’s no difference in dimensions between a double or full size mattress, as both are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, or 137 by 190.5 centimeters. And while technically two adults can fit on a full mattress, it’s not the most comfortable setup and we don’t recommend it if you can avoid it.
Unsure of the right size and whether or not you need more space? You’re not alone. All the different bed sizes can be confusing when you’re searching for a new mattress or bed frame, especially if you are not familiar with the sizing terms.
Knowing the mattress dimensions of a standard size bed can help you make the best choice depending on your personal preference, whether it’s a full double bed size or another mattress size and whether it’s a bed for yourself, for children’s rooms or for guest rooms.
About the author
Geoff McKinnen is a writer focusing mainly on the healthcare industry and has written articles on everything from foods to help you lose weight to the connection between Alzheimer’s and sleep. Geoff’s passionate about helping readers improve their well-being to lead happier lives. Outside of work, Geoff enjoys cycling and hiking and believes that by leading a healthy lifestyle, he can help others do the same.
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