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Twin XL Mattress vs. Full/Double Mattress
Quick Overview
There are several factors to consider when deciding on the best mattress size, including bedroom size, shopping budget, and the number of people who plan to sleep on the bed. Most mattresses sold today are available in six standard sizes: Twin, Twin extra long (XL), Full/double, Queen, King, and California King. Additionally, select brands and models offer specialty and custom sizes.
This guide will compare the Twin XL and Full/Double sizes. To start, let’s look at the basic differences between these two sizes.
Key Differences and Similarities Between Twin XL and Full/Double Sizes
The table below highlights key aspects of Twin XL and Full/Double mattresses.
| Mattress Size | Twin XL | Full/Double |
| Standard width | 38 in. | 54 in. |
| Standard length | 80 in. | 74 to 75 in. |
| Ideal bedroom size | Minimum: 7.16 ft. wide x 10.66 ft. long | Minimum: 8.5 ft. wide x 10.25 ft. long |
| Average price | $500 to $750 | $550 to $800 |
| Ideal sleeping arrangement | Single sleepers who are too tall for a standard Full/Double, but do not require extra sleeping space in terms of mattress width. | Single sleeper who is average height and prefers some extra sleeping space. |
Pros and Cons of a Twin XL Size
A Twin extra long, or Twin XL, measures eighty inches (80″) long, which is five inches (5″) longer than a standard Twin and Full/Double; both a Twin and Twin XL measure roughly thirty-eight inches (38″) wide. The Twin XL is equivalent to one-half of a standard king-size mattress (76W” x 80L”), and is ideal for sleepers who are too tall for a standard Twin-size mattress. However, the Twin XL is usually too narrow to accommodate more than one person.
Benefits of a Twin XL mattress include the following:
- Less space required: Although a Twin XL is five inches longer than a Full/Double, they take up less overall space. A Twin XL measures a total of 3,120 square inches, while a Full/Double measures 4,050 square inches. This makes the Twin XL more suitable for narrower bedrooms.
- Lower price-point: A Twin XL mattress is normally priced $50 to $300 lower than a Full/Double version of the same model. In rare cases, the Twin XL and Full/Double sizes will share the same price-point.
- Long enough for most sleepers: A Twin XL will accommodate anyone who stands at 6’7″ or shorter; in contrast, the Full/Double will be too short for anyone who stands 6’3″ or taller.
Some drawbacks of a Twin XL mattress include the following:
- Less width for single sleepers: A Twin XL mattress is roughly sixteen inches (16″) narrower than a Full, and is not ideal for single sleepers that prefer extra space.
- Not couple-friendly: A Twin XL measures roughly thirty-eight inches (38″) wide, making it too cramped for most couples.
- Limited availability: Although Twin XL sizes are fairly common, this size is not as widely available as the Full/Double size.
Pros and Cons of a Full/Double Size
Also known as a Double, the Full-size mattress measures fifty-four inches (54″) wide by seventy-four to seventy-five inches (74-75″) long. The Full/Double is ideal for individual sleepers who require a wider sleeping space. For this reason, Full/Double beds are often used in hotels and motels, college dorms, healthcare facilities, and other commercial establishments. Like the Twin XL, Full/Double beds are typically not suitable for couples.
Benefits of a Full/Double mattress include the following:
- Extra space: A Full/Double mattress is five inches (5″) shorter than a standard Twin XL, but the size is roughly sixteen inches (16″) wider. For this reason, a Full/Double is suitable for single sleepers who feel too cramped on Twin XL sizes.
- Wide availability: Most mattresses sold today are available in a Full/Double size, including models that are not offered in a Twin XL.
Drawbacks of Full/Double mattresses include the following:
- Higher price-point: The average Full/Double mattress costs $50 to $300 more than a Twin XL version of the same model, though some brands assign the same price-point to Full/Double and Twin XL mattresses.
- Not long enough for exceptionally tall people: While a Twin XL is suitable for anyone who stands under 6’8″, a Full/Double is too short for anyone who stands at 6’3″ or taller.
- Not couple-friendly: Like the Twin XL, a Full/Double will be too narrow for most couples to sleep comfortably, and should be considered suitable for single sleepers only.
Is a Twin XL or Full/Double Size Right for You?
Do you sleep alone or with a partner?
When deciding between a Twin XL or Full/Double mattress, you should first decide who will be sleeping on it. If you’re a single sleeper, a Twin XL will be comfortable. If you sleep with a partner, the extra space on a Full/Double mattress will help both of you get into a more comfortable sleeping position. Twin XL mattresses are ideal for temporary sleeping arrangements, and for single teenagers who don’t share their bed with a partner. If you don’t have plans to sleep alone, consider moving up to a Full for comfort’s sake.
What is your body type?
A Twin XL mattress can sleep a single adult or generally most body types. From heavier sleepers to lightweight bodies, a Twin XL is ample enough for a regular sleeper who doesn’t need to stretch or move around the bed frequently while resting. If you have a large body type or require more legroom, a Full/Double mattress will feel much roomier than a Twin XL. The same goes for your height. The taller you are, the more a few extra inches at the feet become welcome.
Do children and/or pets frequently share your bed?
Pets are often welcome additions to the sleeping environment, so long as they fit. Sleeping with animals can disrupt your sleep, especially when they take over the bed. The same goes with children who curl up in their parent’s bed. A Twin XL is probably better suited for a single adult with a small pet or child. A Full/Double mattress can comfortably fit pets, small children, and up to two adults. If you enjoy snuggling up for family time on your bed, plan to size up so that everyone can get a good night’s rest.
How do you position your body when you sleep?
Sleeping on your side, back, or stomach means you’ll have different mattress needs. Depending on how you like to fall asleep, a larger mattress may or may not be something you need. Back sleepers usually stay in a more narrow position, although if you’re tall you might require more length. Stomach and side sleepers will have more room to sprawl out their hands and legs on a Full/Double mattress than they would on a Twin XL.
How much bedroom space do you have?
No matter which mattress you like best, it ultimately will have to fit your living space. Both Twin XL and Full/Double mattresses are suited for standard size bedrooms. Both of these mattress sizes are ideal for shared guestrooms and children’s rooms. If you live in a studio apartment, both the Twin XL and Full/Double options will leave you will enough room to add some more furnishings as well.
What is your mattress shopping budget?
Larger mattresses always cost more than their smaller models, so if budget is a concern you might choose to stick with the Twin XL instead of buying a more expensive Full/Fouble mattress. Keep in mind prices for mattresses vary significantly based on the mattress brand and special features. If you’re willing to choose a lower-cost model you can shave off some of the additional expense of upgrading sizes.
Once you’ve set your expense cap, you can begin shopping. Be sure to pay attention to specialty mattress sales and events to find the perfect mattress for your budget and needs.
Conclusion
The choice between Twin XL and Full/Double mattresses is essentially a trade-off. The Twin XL is a slightly longer option that is suitable for anyone who stands at 6’7″ or shorter, while the Full/Double offers a more expansive sleep surface that is sixteen inches (16″) wider.
Prices are usually negotiable between the two sizes, and neither one will usually cost more than $800. Neither the Twin XL nor the Full/Double are intended for use by more than one sleeper, though — in a pinch — both can accommodate two sleepers with very limited sleeping space.
It’s important to note that these findings are largely subjective. If you are unsure which size will work best for you, we recommend testing both the Twin XL and Full/Double sizes in brick-and-mortar mattress stores. In addition, mattress sleep trials allow you to sleep on both sizes in the comfort of your own home for prolonged periods of time. Simply return the size you are least satisfied with before that sleep trial ends.