Full vs Double Bed: What’s the Difference?
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Updated
December 20, 2022
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When we talk about mattress sizes guide, two sizes, double bed and full size mattress are often used synonymously. However, if you ask if a double bed is the same as a full, the answer is yes. They both have the same dimension, each 75 inches long. However, a double bed size mattress is a foot wider than a single mattress size.
Double mattresses are touted as one of the first standardized mattresses. In the US, manufacturers call it a full size mattress, while it is referred to as a double mattress in the rest of the world. As manufacturers started crafting more standard mattresses, single and double beds were named twin and full beds.
In this article, we have shared our lowdown on the size of double beds and full beds. So, if you want to know more, give it a read!
What's the Difference Between a Double Bed and a Full-Size Mattress?
There is no difference between a double bed and a full size mattress. They are the same mattresses with the exact bed dimensions measuring 54 x 75 inches.
What Is A Double Bed Mattress?
In the early 1900s, the mattress manufacturers curated standardized mattress sizes, and so there were only two sizes available- single and double. Single mattresses were specifically designed for couples.
After World War II, the boom in the American economy led to the unfolding of queen and king size beds. With more spacious rooms, the need for larger mattress sizes was felt. Soon double size beds lost their name to queen and king size beds as they offered extra length.
Today, double mattresses are hardly manufactured, especially in the United States. However, countries in Europe still make double bed dimensions of 54 by 75 inches.
What is a Full Mattress?
Full size bed mattress measures 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. If you ask how big a full-size mattress is, then know it is the same as a double bed. It easily fits two adults.
A full size mattress best accommodates in a room 10 feet by 10 feet easily while leaving space for bed frame and furniture. They make the perfect fit for studio apartments or where the space is restricted.
Pros
- Fits in easily in a compact room
- Accessories and headboards are easily available in the market due to their mass popularity
- Ideal for single sleepers and college students
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Tossing and turning can be hard
- Not suitable for taller people (6″ ft above)
Variations in Full-Size Mattress
If you need a smaller mattress size than a queen but bigger than a full, the best go-to option is a full XL mattress. A full XL measures 54 by 80 inches.
Other Standard Mattress Sizes
Twin Size Mattress
This twin size mattress measures 38 inches by 75 inches. As the size goes compact, it is the best fit for children and teenagers. An adult can also sleep on this mattress, but there won’t be much space to stretch position.
Best suited: Children and teenagers
Twin XL Size Mattress
The twin XL size mattress measures 38 inches by 80 inches. As the name suggests, twin XL is longer than twin size mattresses by 5 inches. The extra length provides space for growing teenagers. Usually, it is ideal for children’s rooms, but adults can also use this mattress. If we compare twin XL and full size beds, the difference goes by 5 inches and 16 inches in length and width.
Best suited: Children, growing teenagers, and adults.
Queen Size Bed
A queen bed size mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. It is bigger than a full-size mattress by 6 inches and 5 inches in width and length. The extra length and width make the difference between a double bed and a queen bed.
Best suited: Ideal for couples or two adults.
King Size Bed
The spacious of all the mattress sizes is the King size bed. It is 66 inches wide and 80 inches long, making ample space for two or more people. A king bed is 12 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full-size or double mattress. It can easily accommodate a room measuring 13 feet by 13 feet.
Best suited: Ideal for couples and children or a pet.
California king size
The largest in the standard mattress sizes is a California king mattress. Cal king measures – 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. As it makes the longest bed size of all, it is best suited for master bedrooms.
Cal King mattress is 9 inches larger and 18 inches wider than the full mattresses. However, it is heavier in weight, so make sure you have enough space left in the room to move the bed around.
Best suited: Ideal for tall people and couples.
Mattress Sizes Chart
If you want to buy a new mattress and don’t know where to get started, here is our guide on mattress sizes. Learning about the mattress size guide will help you make the right decision about the mattress based on your requirements.
| Mattress | Size Dimension (in inches) | Dimension (in cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | 27.25 X 51 in | 69.2 cm X 129.5 cm |
| Twin | 38 X 75 in | 96.5 cm X 190.5 cm |
| Twin XL | 38 X 80 in | 96.5 cm X 203.5 cm |
| Full | 54 X 75 in | 134.5 cm X 190.5 cm |
| Full XL | 54 X 80 in | 137 cm X 203.5 cm |
| Queen | 60 X 80 in | 152.5 cm X 203.5 cm |
| King | 76 X 80 in | 193 cm X 203.5 cm |
| California King | 72 X 84 in | 183 cm X 213.5 cm |
Conclusion
We hope this guide has brought some clarifications on the double bed vs full bed dimensions. There is only so much difference between full and double bed sizes. If you want to explore more about full-size mattresses, check out Nectar’s Gel Foam Mattress collection.
FAQs
No. A queen-size bed is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. It is 21 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a double bed. A double bed is best suited for single adults and there is less space for easy positioning.
No. A full mattress fits the needs of a single adult only. For couples or two adults, the best suited is a queen or king-size bed.
A queen-size bed is longer and wider than a full-size bed and is ideal for couples. It is the most popular mattress size today as it easily works for two adults.
Queen mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches and is the most popular among all mattresses. This has its own features, it’s easy to find bed frames, sheets, and mattress protectors that fit a queen mattress.
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