Twin XL vs Queen Mattress: What’s the difference?

Buying a new mattress is a major step in any home, but not knowing which mattress suits your needs best will make your shopping experience worse. The twin xl vs queen mattresses are both popular options but are significantly different in size. Even though both mattresses are 80 inches long, the queen size mattress is 21 inches wider than a twin XL. This detailed twin xl vs queen comparison will help you decide on your mattress.

A mattress is a lifetime commitment and there are many factors to consider when buying one like size, cost, who is sleeping on it, and even room size.

What is a Twin XL Mattress?

A twin xl mattress is 38 inches wide and 80 inches long, it is similar to a twin mattress but with 5 inches of extra length for more legroom. It is a suitable mattress for a child, teenager, or single adult and is rather popular in college dorms as it fits comfortably in tight bedroom spaces. The twin xl bed size only accommodates one person and cannot be used for a couple.

It is easily movable because of its size and will ideally fit in a studio apartment, guest bedroom, or small master bedroom. The only difference between a twin xl and a twin size is the length. If you're average in height and don't need the additional length, then a twin size mattress can be a great fit. Twin size mattresses are also common for bunk beds and children’s rooms.

What is a Queen Mattress?

The queen mattress is the most popular size on the market and is popular with couples. It is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, making it significantly wider than the twin xl size. For single sleepers looking for extra sleeping space, a queen size mattress is a great option but you’ll need to ensure that you have the room size for it as it’ll limit your movement if it’s a small bedroom. That being said, it's also important to factor in room size - most experts recommend accounting for two feet around your bed and other furniture when planning your bedroom for optimal air circulation.

For an upgrade, king or California king size mattresses are spacious options that are ideal for large master bedrooms. Sharing a mattress in a smaller bedroom? The full size mattress is a better option for couples with space restrictions.

Deciding Between a Twin XL vs Queen Size Mattress

Buying a mattress isn’t just finding something comfortable to sleep on. When comparing twin xl vs queen mattresses, it’s also important to factor in your room size, partners, cost, and mattress dimensions.

Twin XL vs Queen: Bed Size

The bed frame size must be exactly the same size as the mattress. For example, if a twin xl mattress is 38 X 80 inches then your bed frame’s dimensions should also be 38 X 80 inches. The mattress needs to fit the bed frame comfortably. It shouldn’t be bigger and hang from the sides nor should it be smaller and create a gap between the mattress and the bed frame. Be sure to take note of your bed’s dimensions before shopping for a new mattress. If the mattress doesn’t fit properly, it’ll get damaged over time.

Recommended Room Size

Before buying a mattress, you need to take the bedroom measurements and have an idea of where the bed is going to be. It is recommended to leave 25 to 30 inches on each of the sides to allow easy movement and in case you want to add more furniture pieces. Be considerate with your room space and don’t clutter it with big furniture pieces. A cluttered room will make it hard to relax and can disturb your sleep, so focus on creating a comfortable sleep environment.

A queen size bed will fit comfortably in a medium-sized or large master bedroom but will be too big for a small space. The minimum room size for a queen bed is around 10 by 10 feet. As for a twin xl bed, it is easily movable and will fit in a room sized 7 by 10 feet. You also need to ensure there’s enough space to maneuver the mattress, especially a large one. If it’s a mattress in a box, it will easily mount onto your bed frame and won’t be a hassle.

Twin XL vs Queen: Mattress Cost

The cost of a mattress depends on the mattress quality, your needs, and your budget. A queen size mattress is more expensive than a twin xl size mattress because it is bigger. If you’re a single sleeper on a tight budget then the twin xl or the twin will be better alternatives than a queen bed.

However, for a couple or two adults, you’ll need a larger bed. A full bed or double bed is a smaller size than the queen bed but can accommodate two adults as well and is cheaper than a queen size. When mattress shopping, it’s best to shop online because there are always better prices and discounts. Keep an eye out for back-to-school offers and holidays for the best sales and deals on a new mattress.

	Twin XL	Queen
Puffy Original	$1,499	$1,799
Puffy Lux	$1,799	$2,249
Puffy Royal	$2,199	$3,149

Twin XL vs Queen: Mattress Size

Choosing the mattress size will depend on the number of sleepers sharing the bed, budget, and room size. Twin XL mattresses work best for smaller spaces and older children who might want to take their mattress with them to college. Queen mattresses are a better choice for couples or single adults who prefer extra space in their sleep.

	Twin XL Mattress	Queen Mattress
Mattress Dimensions	38" X 80"	60" X 80"
Best for	Child, teenager, college student, single adult	Couples, single adults, three children together
Room Size	Children’s room, guest room, college dorm, studio apartment	Master bedroom and guest room

Puffy Twin XL & Queen Mattresses

 

Puffy has been voted as America’s number one mattress for its unmatched comfort and quality. Featuring both memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses, there’s something for everyone! All of Puffy’s mattresses include a 101-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty. Each option is available in both twin xl and queen sizes. Here’s a quick overview of the different mattresses:

 

• Puffy Mattress: Known for its cloud-like comfort, the original Puffy Mattress is designed for all sleeping styles. It is a memory foam mattress featuring Puffy's Firm Core Support Foam to contour the body and provide full support.
• Puffy Lux Hybrid: Our most popular mattress is a hybrid memory foam mattress combined with a contour-adapt coil technology that adapts to the body and offers extra support and stability.
• Puffy Royal Hybrid: For a luxurious night’s sleep, our premier hybrid memory foam mattress is the right choice. It features 7 comfortable layers that offer contouring, full-body zoned support, and reduced heat retention.

Check out puffy mattress reviews, from real customers and see how we compare puffy vs nectar, and puffy vs purple.

Other Mattress Sizes

• Twin Mattress: The twin size measures 38” X 75” and it is the standard size for children, teenagers, or single adults. It’s a popular option because of its affordability and compact size. It differs from the twin xl size in length only, and is five inches shorter. Twin or twin xl mattresses fit in most bunk beds.
• Full Mattress: The full size or double bed measures 54” X 75”, it accommodates a single adult or couples who don’t have enough room for a larger mattress. It is a common option if the queen size is too big for your bedroom.
• King Mattress: The king size measures 76” X 80”, it is the same length as the twin xl and queen mattress. This size is great for couples and is ideal in large master bedrooms or open plan spaces.
• California King Mattress: The Cal king is the biggest mattress size on the market, measuring 72” X 84”. It has a narrow design and is best suited to tall adults since it has ample legroom.

FAQ’s

How much bigger is a queen than a twin xl?

A queen vs twin xl bed is similar in length but a queen size is 21 inches wider than a twin xl size. A queen size accommodates a couple, while a twin xl size is better suited for a single adult.

Do two twin xl mattresses make a queen?

Two twin xl mattresses do not make a queen mattress, it will be 2 inches wider than a king size mattress and 18 inches wider than a queen. Two twin xl mattresses are bigger than a queen size.

Are twin and twin xl the same?

A twin and twin xl mattress have the same width, 38 inches, but they differ in length. A twin xl is 5 inches longer than a twin size, allowing for extra legroom if needed. A twin xl mattress will not fit in a standard twin bed frame. 

Should I get a twin xl or a queen?

This depends on things like your budget, room size, and who is sleeping on it. For a single adult, both options are valid but the queen size offers extra sleeping space. For a couple, only a queen mattress is a suitable option, a twin xl will not fit two adults.

Can I put a twin xl mattress on a twin frame?

Twin vs twin xl? A twin xl mattress is different than a twin mattress, a twin xl is 5 inches longer than a twin mattress. The twin xl mattress will not fit in a twin bed frame. If you try to push it into the frame, it can break the frame and will damage the mattress. 

What is the best mattress size for children?

The standard mattress size for children is a twin mattress, which is very popular for children’s rooms, especially for bunk beds. If you’re buying it for a teenager, a twin xl will be more suitable.

Is twin xl the same as full?

No, both mattresses are different sizes. A twin xl measures 38” X 80” while a full measures 54” X 75” so a full is wider than a twin xl but shorter in length. A twin xl accommodates a single adult while a full can accommodate a couple.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Twin XL vs Queen

Both the twin xl and queen size mattresses are great options but in the end, making the right choice will come down to your needs, budget, and room size. Now that you understand the difference between the twin xl vs queen mattresses, you’re ready for your new mattress! You can also check out other mattress sizes if you’re wondering what your other options might be. With the right amount of research, you should be able to evaluate the factors most important to you, and find the perfect mattress size for your sleep.