It’s easy to spot the significant size difference between a Twin XL and a Queen bed—about 22 inches in width. The Twin XL is ideal for individuals and is commonly found in children's rooms or college dormitories. On the other hand, the Queen bed requires more space but works perfectly for couples and those who need additional room. Keep reading for a comprehensive comparison of these two mattress types.
Twin XL vs. Queen Mattress Comparison
Here’s a quick summary of the differences between a Twin XL and a Queen bed in the chart below.
| Criteria | Twin XL Mattress | Queen Mattress |
| Size | 38″ x 80″ | 60″ x 80″ |
| Best for | Kids, college students, budget shoppers | Individuals who want a lot of space, couples |
| Price | $400 – $700 | $800 – $1,700 |
| Ideal room | Children’s bedrooms, smaller bedrooms, college dorms | Master bedrooms, guest rooms |
| Pros | Cheaper than a Queen-size bed, easy to find accessories, fits taller individuals and children | Comfortably fits couples, easy to find accessories for |
| Cons | Too small for couples, smaller than a Queen-size mattress | More expensive, more difficult to move |
Twin XL Mattress
The Twin XL is the same width as a Standard Twin, but it’s approximately 5” longer, matching the length of a Queen or King bed. It’s a great choice for college dorms or taller children who may have smaller rooms but have outgrown their crib.
- Width: 38″
- Length: 80″
Pros
- More affordable than many other mattress sizes
- Great for growing children
- A popular option for college dormitories
- Fits in small spaces
- Easy to find accessories
- Comfortable for taller individuals
Cons
- Doesn’t fit two people
- Smaller than most other mattress sizes
Additional Twin Mattress Sizes
Twin
A Standard Twin is also known as a Single bed and is often the next step for children outgrowing their cribs. It’s also perfect for small bedrooms and makes a great guest room mattress. Bunk beds traditionally use the Twin size.
- Width: 38″
- Length: 75″
Queen-Size Mattress
A Queen bed is 5” longer and 6” wider than a Full-size mattress. It's suited for both couples and individuals, as each person gets about 30” of personal space. The Queen is the most popular mattress size today, offering a good fit for master and guest bedrooms.
- Width: 60″
- Length: 80″
- Width Per Person: 30″
Pros
- Comfortably fits two individuals
- Provides more space than many other mattress options
- Easy to find accessories
- Fits both large and small master bedrooms
Cons
- More expensive
- More difficult to move
Additional Queen Mattress Sizes
Olympic Queen (or Expanded Queen)
The Olympic Queen is 6” wider than a Standard Queen but has the same length (80”). It’s a great fit for couples who need extra space.
- Width: 66″
- Length: 80″
California Queen
California Queens are rare waterbed mattresses and are difficult to find these days.
- Width: 60″
- Length: 84″
Split Queen
The Split Queen is essentially a Queen bed divided in half, allowing each partner to select their preferred firmness level.
- Width: 30″ (each half)
- Length: 80″
Which Size Is the Best?
Twin XL Beds Might Be A Good Fit For…
- Smaller individuals or children: Although both the Twin XL and Queen have the same length (80”), the Twin XL is only 38” wide, which makes it ideal for smaller adults or children who have outgrown their crib.
- Tight bedroom spaces: The Twin XL is popular in college dorms, where space is limited, and it works well for taller students. It can also be stacked as bunk beds in children’s rooms.
- Budget-conscious shoppers: Choosing a Twin XL (or even a Twin) over a Full/Double or Queen mattress is a more affordable option. Many mattress brands offer sales on Twin XL beds, especially around Back-To-School and Labor Day.
Queen Beds Might Be A Good Fit For…
- Couples: In a Queen-size bed, each person has around 30” of space, making it more comfortable than a Full/Double for couples. Trying to share a Twin would give each person just 19” of space.
- Master bedrooms: Queen beds are the perfect fit for larger master bedrooms and tend to suit both large and small rooms, making them very popular.
- Those with a bigger budget: A Queen bed will cost more than a Twin XL, especially with the mattress, sheets, mattress protector, and accessories included. Make sure your budget accounts for everything needed to complete the bed setup.
Other Things To Consider
Whether you’re considering a Queen-size bed or opting for the more compact Twin XL, doing thorough research in advance—measuring and planning your space—will help you choose the right option.
- Measure the bedroom space and leave room for movement: Before upgrading from a Twin XL to a Queen, make sure it will fit in your room. Designers recommend leaving 30” of space around the bed for easy movement.
- Ensure it’s easy to move the bed: Moving a Twin XL mattress is easier than moving a Queen mattress. If you're unsure, it’s a good idea to ask for help when moving furniture, especially if the mattress is heavy.
- Shop around during sales: Look out for mattress sales, especially during Labor Day and Back-To-School times. If you're on a budget, waiting for these sales may help you snag a good deal.
Overall
Choosing between a Twin XL and a Queen depends on your available space and budget. Queens work best for decent-sized master bedrooms but come at a higher cost. Meanwhile, the Twin XL is perfect for smaller rooms like dorms or children's rooms and is significantly more affordable.
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