Twin vs Twin XL mattress: what’s the difference?
Hi, we’re John and Mimi. “Is a twin the same as a Twin XL?” is one of the most common questions we get from parents shopping for a dorm, a kid’s room or a growing teen. They look almost identical, but one is 5 inches longer, and that changes which sheets, frames and adjustable bases fit. Here’s the plain answer, plus our mattresses in both sizes at today’s prices: same factory models, lower price than other online retailers.
The short answer
- Twin is 38" × 75". Great for kids, bunk beds, trundles, daybeds and small guest rooms.
- Twin XL is 38" × 80". Same width, 5" longer. It’s the standard size in college dorms and the usual pick for teens and adults.
- Pick twin for a child, a bunk bed or daybed made for a twin, or a sleeper under about 5'8".
- Pick Twin XL for a dorm, a teen who is still growing, an adult, or if you want an adjustable base.
Twin vs Twin XL dimensions
| Size | Inches (W × L) | Feet | Two side by side | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" × 75" | 3'2" × 6'3" | 76" × 75", shorter than a king | Kids, bunk beds, trundles, daybeds |
| Twin XL | 38" × 80" | 3'2" × 6'8" | 76" × 80", the size of a king | Dorms, teens, adults, adjustable bases |
Full size chart for twin through California king: mattress sizes and dimensions.
Who should get a Twin XL?
Length is the whole difference. A twin is 75" long, the same as a full, so anyone around 5'10" or taller will feel their feet near the edge once a pillow takes up the top few inches. A Twin XL is 80" long, the same as a queen or king, so it fits almost any adult. That’s why nearly every college dorm uses Twin XL beds. Check the housing website before you buy, but if it just says “twin” for a dorm, it’s almost always a Twin XL. More dorm tips in our Twin XL dorm and small room guide.
Who should stick with a twin?
A regular twin still makes sense for younger kids, and for any frame built for a twin: most bunk beds, trundles and daybeds take a 75" mattress, and a Twin XL won’t fit them. It also saves 5" of floor length in a very small room. If the frame is already there, measure it and match it.
Sheets, frames and adjustable bases
- Sheets: Twin XL sheets are longer. Regular twin fitted sheets will pop off a Twin XL; Twin XL sheets will bunch up on a twin.
- Frames: a Twin XL hangs 5" past the end of a twin frame, so buy the frame for your exact size.
- Adjustable bases: our standalone adjustable bases (SBKDH, e3, e4, Glide and the rest) come in Twin XL, not regular twin, so pair them with a Twin XL mattress.
- Turning two into a king: two Twin XLs side by side are 76" × 80", the same as a king. That’s how a split king works, with each person controlling their own side. Two regular twins are 5" too short for a king frame. See our split king guide.
Twin vs Twin XL mattress prices today
Our mattresses in both sizes, at today’s prices. A dash means that model only comes in Twin XL.
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Twin | Twin XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8" Gel Comfort Reactive | Budget pick for kids, bunk beds and guest rooms | 8ESSCA-T |
$292 | $298 |
| 8" Daisy Firm | Firm, lower profile for bunks and trundles | 8BNV-T |
$309 | $309 |
| 10" Rose Medium | Best-value everyday bed for most sleepers | 10BNV-T |
$329 | $339 |
| 10" Gel Comfort Reactive | Medium feel for back and side sleepers | 10ESSCA-T |
$329 | $329 |
| 10" EcoCore Hybrid Premium | Pocket-coil bounce for teens and adults | 10HSOY-TL |
— | $409 |
| 12" Copper Gel | Our most popular copper memory foam | 12BNCOPPER-TL |
— | $409 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
Twin XL adjustable bases
Sit up to study, read or watch TV without a pile of pillows. Today’s Twin XL prices:
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Twin XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBKDH | Simple and affordable: head and foot lift | SBKDH-TL |
$429 |
| e3 (SBKD3) | Most popular: zero gravity, wireless remote, memory presets | SBKD3-TXL |
$469 |
| e4 Premium | Adds massage, USB ports and under-bed light | SBKDP2-TL |
$609 |
| Glide | Glides toward the wall so a nightstand stays in reach | SBKDG2-TL |
$729 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
10" Rose - Medium Firmness - 10BNV
Not sure which size yet? The 10" Rose comes in both twin and Twin XL with the same medium feel, so you can match the frame you have.
- Medium feel that suits most sleepers
- Bends well on an adjustable base
- Twin, Twin XL and every other size at today’s prices
From $329 (Twin) · Queen $429 · See sizes & details
e3 Adjustable Bed Base with Wireless Remote, Memory Positions & Zero Clearance
Heading to a dorm or setting up a teen’s room? A Twin XL e3 base lets them sit up in bed, and later pairs with a second one to make a split king.
- Head and foot lift with zero gravity
- Wireless remote with memory positions
- Twin XL at today’s price
From $469 (Twin XL) · Queen $519 · See sizes & details
Shop this guide
Twin for kids, bunks and daybeds; Twin XL for dorms, teens and adults.
- 10" Rose - Medium Firmness - 10BNV, from $329. Best-value everyday mattress in twin or Twin XL.
- 8" Gel Infused Comfort Reactive Memory Foam Mattress - Firm, Back & Stomach Sleepers, from $292. Budget pick for kids’ rooms and bunk beds.
- e3 Adjustable Bed Base with Wireless Remote, Memory Positions & Zero Clearance, from $469. Twin XL adjustable base with zero gravity.
Questions we hear a lot
What is the difference between a twin and a Twin XL?
Both are 38 inches wide. A twin is 75 inches long and a Twin XL is 80 inches long, so a Twin XL is 5 inches longer.
Do college dorms use twin or Twin XL beds?
Nearly every college dorm uses Twin XL beds. Check your school housing website to be sure before you buy.
Will Twin XL sheets fit a twin mattress?
They will fit loosely and bunch at the ends, and twin sheets are too short to stay on a Twin XL. Buy sheets made for your exact size.
How tall is too tall for a twin mattress?
A twin is 75 inches long, so people around 5 foot 10 or taller often feel their feet near the edge once a pillow is on the bed. A Twin XL, queen and king are all 80 inches long.
Do two Twin XL mattresses make a king?
Yes. Two Twin XLs side by side are 76 by 80 inches, the same as a king, which is how a split king adjustable bed works. Two regular twins are 5 inches too short. Questions? Text John at 805-617-6878.
Still deciding? Just ask us
Tell John who the bed is for, how tall they are, and what frame or dorm it’s going on, and he’ll tell you honestly whether a twin or a Twin XL makes more sense. Text or call 805-617-6878, 6 AM to 9 PM Pacific, take the 60-second mattress quiz, or check the full size chart. See our Purchase Policy & Warranty for the details.
Written by John & Mimi Venti, MimiJohn. Standard US mattress dimensions; prices update automatically.