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How Big Is A Twin Size Bed?

Last updated on November 9, 2022

There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for a new mattress: what type of mattress do you prefer? Are you looking for a soft or firm feel? Would you prefer memory foam, an innerspring mattress, or even a hybrid mattress? How does a mattress design fit with your unique sleeping style?  But you can't answer any of those questions without first deciding the most basic question: what size mattress do you want?

Maybe you're hoping to save space with a twin-size mattress. Maybe you're moving up to a full-blown king-size mattress. But maybe you're not sure. That's what we're here for. In the article below, we're diving into the specifics of one of the most popular mattress sizes on the market: the twin mattress size.
Illustration of woman in Twin bed, measurements read 38" by 75"

What are the Twin-Size Mattress Dimensions?

A standard twin-size mattress measures 38 inches by 75 inches. Also known as a "single," these are typically the smallest bed size you will find other than a crib-size mattress. Twin mattress sizes are a popular way to save space, particularly in dorm rooms and studio apartments.

Parents also love twin-size mattresses as young sleepers transition from their crib mattresses. At Helix Sleep, we've even designed a twin-size mattress made just for growing sleepers called the Helix Kids Mattress. The weight of twin size mattress dimensions can vary depending on the design of the mattress and the materials used. Take four Helix mattresses for example:

Helix Kids mattress (Twin Size): 60 pounds
Helix Plus mattress (Twin size): 70 pounds
Helix Midnight mattress (Twin Size): 58 pounds
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress (Twin Size): 83 pounds
illustration of Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King

How Twin Mattresses Measure Up

Twin mattresses are made for single sleepers in smaller rooms. They are significantly smaller than king-size beds, queen-size beds and a bit smaller than full-size beds. When you look at the size chart, you'll see that Helix twins are 16" narrower than fulls and 22" narrower than queens. King-size beds are significantly larger at 76" wide and 80" long.

A common alternative to the twin is the twin XL mattress, which typically maintains the same width, but gives sleepers 5 extra inches of length. Twin XL mattresses have dimensions of 38" x 80". For couples who enjoy different firmness preferences or plan to operate an adjustable base that raises and lowers, twin XL mattresses can also be combined to provide a king-size setup with individual controls on each side of the bed. When combined side by side, two twin XL mattresses measure 76" x 80", the same dimensions as a standard king-size mattress.
Benefits of Twin beds
Though they are smaller, twin beds remain a popular mattress size for children's rooms, small bedrooms, dorm rooms and bunk beds. The smaller mattress dimensions and bed frame can really open up a room for single adults too. Let's check out some of the main benefits.

  • Compact construction - The smaller size when compared to other standard mattresses make twins the perfect choice for small bedrooms. Smaller room size is the main reason people go for twins as they can help free up space for other furniture or storage
  • Affordability - Twin-size mattresses are often significantly more affordable than kings, queens or even full-size beds. That's why many people choose them for single sleepers and children's rooms. Helix twin-size mattresses are a great way to enjoy long-lasting durability while still purchasing a mattress that won’t break the bank.
  • Versatility - The compact size allows them to fit into smaller sleeping areas like dorm rooms and bedrooms with limited space. They're also ideal for bunk beds if you're looking to save space in a shared room or add more sleeping spots to a vacation home. They easily give enough space for single adults in a pinch. At 5 inches shorter than most other mattresses, the twin size mattress is excellent for anyone who wants to prioritize space in their home.
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Alternatives to Twin Size Mattresses
The main alternative to a twin-size mattress is a double bed, or full-size mattress as they are also known. Full beds measure 54" by 75", so they provide enough space for two people to share comfortably. However, most couples opt for the extra room a queen-size mattress provides.

Twin-size mattresses are not small enough to replace a crib mattress, however. They are made to support a full-size adult, though adults who need more leg room may go with a twin XL size mattress, which provides 5 extra inches of length.

Twin vs Twin XL Mattress

Twin Mattress

Twin XL Mattress

Length
75 inches
80 inches
Width
38 inches
38 inches
Cost
$300-$1200
$350-$1500
Best For
Children and young sleepers
Adults concerned about space
Benefits
Maximizes the space in your room
5” extra length for taller individuals
Sizes available for the Helix Kids Mattress
The Helix Kids Mattress is designed specifically for growing kids who are transitioning from a crib mattress to their first bed. It includes a 2-sided construction with slightly firmer foam layers on one side of the mattress and slightly softer foam layers on the other. The interior of the mattress is supported by individually wrapped steel coils for superior edge support and durability.

We've designed this mattress with support and safety features for kids as young as 3 years old and we offer two kid-friendly sizes that are perfect for a child’s bedroom.

The Helix Kids Mattress is available as a twin-size mattress and full-size mattress. The twin mattress dimensions are 38” x 75” and the full mattress dimensions are 54” x 75.” The Helix Kids Mattress is 8” tall. The decision of a twin vs a full will depend mostly on the size of your child’s room.
Helix Twin Bed Pricing

Helix mattresses are available at a wide range of prices, from the most affordable models in the Helix collection to the premier designs offered in our Luxe lineup. Prices for each mattress vary depending on the size you purchase, with mattress dimensions ranging from a twin-size mattress to a California king mattress. Let's take a look at how the prices of some Helix twin mattresses compare:


Please note, the prices below are listed before any discounts. Click here to learn more about our current promotions and any discounts you might be eligible for.


Helix Kids mattress (Twin Size): $759

Helix Plus mattress (Twin size): $811

Helix Sunset mattress (Twin Size): $936

Helix Sunset Luxe mattress (Twin Size): $1,374

Paying for Your New Mattress

As you can see, mattresses can range in price quite a bit, depending on the style and the mattress dimensions. But no matter which mattress model you choose, it's a big investment. That's why Helix and many industry competitors offer multiple financing options that allow you to pay for your mattress over time.


At Helix, we've teamed up with Affirm and Katapult to provide shoppers with two great options for financing their new mattress.


Pay over time with Affirm

As low as 0% APR financing.

Shipping a Twin mattress
You've probably noticed that mattress shopping isn't the same today as it was just 10 years ago. Back then, even a twin-size mattress was difficult to haul into your home, let alone a California king mattress. But Helix and other industry competitors have forever changed the way you shop, select, and receive your new mattress. Today, your brand new mattress can be shipped directly to your home with just a few clicks of the mouse.

So, how does that happen? At Helix, we've cut out the middle man to offer more convenience than ever before. Once your new mattress is ordered, our team of skilled manufacturers gets to work constructing it just for you. Once it's complete, we ship it straight to your door. The final step of the manufacturing process for every Helix mattress is undergoing what we call a "roll packing process." We compress the mattress under more than 10,000 pounds of weight, wrap it in airtight plastic and roll it into a tube for shipping.

From there, it's shipped directly to your door in a sturdy, compact box. Once you bring your new mattress to your room and open it up, it takes just 2 hours to fully regain its shape so you can enjoy it on night 1! Let's take a look at the twin mattress shipping dimensions to get a better idea: Helix Mattresses, in all mattress dimensions, ship in a box that measures 47" x 16" x 16". Shipping weights vary, depending on the model you choose. Below are the shipping weights for a twin-size mattress in each of our designs:

Helix Kids mattress (Twin Size): 60 pounds
Helix Plus mattress (Twin size): 70 pounds
Helix Midnight mattress (Twin Size): 58 pounds
Helix Midnight Luxe mattress (Twin Size): 83 pounds
Twin-Size Sleep Accessories
So you've picked out a great new mattress and you're excited for the best sleep of your life. But don't forget: great sleep depends on so much more than just a great mattress. At Helix, we're proud to offer a wide lineup of sleep accessories, each of them available in a twin size for your new setup. To ensure you or your child are ready for the best sleep ever, it's important to consider every element of your sleep system:

Twin size bed sheets: Helix Sheets are designed with a TENCEL fabric that provides the best blend of soft comfort and optimal breathability. Our sheets are available in every size from twin through CA King.

Waterproof protection: It's so important to keep your mattress clean and free from bacteria buildups. That's why we've developed the GlacioTex Waterproof Mattress Protector, which fits snugly over the surface of your mattress. Plus, it's made with our cutting-edge GlacioTex cooling technology which is made with high thermal conductivity to allow heat to be quickly and effectively pulled away from your body while you sleep.

Enhanced comfort: Every Helix mattress, regardless of the mattress dimensions, is designed to fit your unique sleep preferences. But sometimes you just want an extra layer of comfort on your mattress. Check out the Plush Mattress Topper for an additional 1 inch of pressure-relieving comfort on your mattress. This product is designed with ultra-soft fibers that are both breathable and durable for long-lasting comfort.

Proper support: Supporting your mattress is essential. Helix mattresses are made with layers of foam that can dip or sag without the proper support beneath the mattress. We offer a sturdy slatted Foundation that ensures your mattress is supported night after night while also offering compatibility with traditional bed frames and providing a sleek, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Woman laying on her side on Standard Mattress, with a bedsheet over her. Mattress is set up on natural wood frame.
Testing Out Your New Mattress
So you've done all of your research, you've made your selection, and now you've finally received your new mattress! So what can you expect from the first few nights? We recommend giving it a bit of time. Transitioning to a new sleep system can be a bit jarring for your body regardless of the mattress dimensions. You've spent so many years sleeping on that old mattress that your back and joints and pressure points just kind of got used to it. That's why we recommend giving your mattress at least 30 days before you decide whether it's the right fit. Over the course of those 30 days, you can gauge how your body reacts to your new mattress and how you feel as you go about your day to day business. Because every Helix mattress is designed to meet the needs of your unique sleep preferences, we're confident you'll enjoy deeper, more restful sleep in no time.
FAQs About Twin Beds
Is a twin bed the same as a single?
The terms "twin" and "single" are used interchangeably in the mattress world, and there's no difference in size between the two. These words can be considered synonyms when talking about mattress dimensions.
 
Do twin beds come in different sizes?
There are two sizes of twin-size mattresses: the standard twin and the twin XL. A twin XL mattress can also be referred to as a split king. The twin and twin XL have the same width, but the twin XL is slightly longer. Here's a breakdown of the two sizes:

Twin: 38" x 75"
Twin XL: 38" x 80"

 
What is the difference between twin and twin XL beds?
The only difference is that twin XL mattresses give sleepers 5 inches of extra length for their sleeping space. Twin XL size mattresses measure 38 or 39 inches by 80 inches. When you stack them side-by-side you won't notice a huge difference, but for taller sleepers that extra length really comes in handy.

Twin XL mattresses are often used as half of a king-size setup for couples who have different sleep preferences or want the flexibility to use an adjustable base to operate two halves of the bed independently.
 
Is there a mattress dimension that is smaller than a twin-size mattress?
Typically, mattress manufacturers do not offer mattress dimensions below the twin-size mattress. Exceptions can be found in a crib mattress, a custom-made mattress, or a specialty mattress like an RV mattress.
 
Where should I buy a twin mattress?
Any major mattress retailer will offer a twin-size mattress, but that doesn't mean you should just go with any retailer. We like to think that the Helix Sleep twin-size mattress is the best mattress available. If you're looking for specific insights on your mattress choice, we recommend checking out the Sleep Quiz. You'll be able to nail down your preferences, body type and sleeping position to find the best pick for you.

And don't forget: once you select your Helix mattress, we'll ship it directly to your door with a risk-free 100 night sleep trial.
 
How do I know when my child is ready to transition from a crib mattress to a twin mattress?
When it comes to your child's sleep, safety should be the number 1 priority. Crib mattresses provide safety and security to ensure your child does not roll off the bed or hurt themselves while they sleep.

To determine when your child is ready to graduate from their crib mattress to a twin-size mattress or full-size mattress, we recommend consulting with your child's doctor or pediatrician.

The Helix Kids Mattress is designed with features suitable for children as young as 3 years old but every child grows and develops differently so we recommend assessing your child's sleep needs with a medical professional.

How do I move my twin-size mattress?
Like we covered earlier, the mattress industry has been turned on its head. But just because many mattresses today are compressed and rolled to be shipped directly to your door doesn't mean you have to change anything about how you handle it.

Once your mattress is open and fully expanded, you should treat it just like any mattress you've ever owned. Rotate it as necessary and remember to always grab a friend or family member to help you carry your mattress anytime you need to move it.
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Other Mattress Dimensions Explained
When it comes to deciding which mattress dimensions are right for you, it's important to weigh your options carefully. A good mattress could provide restorative sleep for 10 years or more so you want to be sure you're making the best decision for your home and your unique space.
 
To guide you through that decision-making process, we have compiled a few additional guides on various mattress sizes, helping you understand the pros and cons of every mattress model. Check out a few of our mattress guides below!