Twin vs Twin XL Bed Size: Differences & How to Choose

Beds come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny cribs to mammoth Alaskan kings. The smallest standard sizes for adults are siblings: the twin and the twin XL.

From the names alone, you can guess how they stack up size-wise. There’s a lot more to know, however—specifics to be aware of and considerations to make before choosing either.

In the interest of putting this sibling rivalry to bed, we’ll sit the twins side by side to compare twin bed frame dimensions, mattress sizes, pros and cons, and plenty else so that you can decide which option is right for you.

Twin vs Twin XL Bed Comparison

When it comes to preliminary twin vs twin XL considerations, ask yourself the following questions:

• What kind of mattress do you want? Latex? Innerspring? Hybrid?
• What sort of bed frame suits your bedroom?
• How much space do you have?

In keeping with that final question, check your measurements against this chart^1,2:

*IMRS=Ideal Minimum Room Size (Length by Width)

Pros & Cons of Twin Beds

Small but versatile, twin beds have a lot going for them—as well as a few drawbacks.

Pros of Twin Beds

Let’s start with the advantages of a standard twin bed size, also known as a single bed:

• Versatility – As the smallest standard bed size, twins slot well into children’s rooms, guest rooms, and adult bedrooms alike without causing clutter. Check out our collection of solid wood twin bed frames.
• Easy bed-making – The smaller size makes twin beds a cinch to clean, flip, and move as necessary. Changing the sheets by yourself shouldn’t pose an issue.
• Affordability – There’s no bed more affordable than a twin. Period.

Cons of Twin Beds

However, twins aren’t right for everyone—particularly: 

• Taller individuals – The closer you are to six feet tall, the harder it is to keep your feet and arms from hanging off the edge of the bed. If you’re a taller sleeper, a standard twin mattress may be uncomfortable for you.
• Couples – At 38 inches wide, twin beds aren’t ideally sized for couples.¹
• Growing children – Twin beds are common candidates for replacement as kids grow up. For that reason, they might not warrant the same level of investment as larger beds.

Pros & Cons of Twin XL Beds

The pros and cons of a twin XL are similar to those of a twin, yet the differences are worth sleeping on.

Pros of Twin XL Beds

Twin XL beds have two key advantages:

• Children can grow into them – The five inches of extra length can make all the difference as kids with twin XLs grow up—even kids that reach six feet tall.
• They’re still compact – While bigger than a standard twin mattress, a twin XL is still small enough to work with most bedrooms, leaving you plenty of space for personalization.

Cons of Twin XL Beds

However, keep these drawbacks in mind before choosing a twin XL size bed³:

• More costly – Twin XLs are far from the most expensive beds on the mattress market, but they generally cost more than regular twin beds.
• Less stock – Twin XLs aren’t as readily available as twins. While it still shouldn’t prove too arduous, prepare to do some searching.

Twin or Twin XL: What to Consider

With the pros and cons squared away, you’re one step closer to a peaceful night’s sleep. Now, let’s take some practical matters into account.

Your Room Size

Despite only being five inches longer than a twin, you’d be surprised at the spaces a twin XL can’t fit.

As mentioned in the chart above, the ideal minimum room size for the latter is 11 feet by 11 feet. If your space is even a foot smaller (at 10 feet by 11 feet), a twin will work better.

Your Height

Once you hit six feet, it’d behoove you to consider larger custom twin beds: like a twin XL. Anything below that, and it’s smooth sailing on a twin.⁴

Cost

Similar sizes result in similar price ranges, but when every penny counts, it helps to know the difference.

• Twin bed price range: $100–$700
• Twin XL bed price range: $100–$900⁵

Bedding: Can You Use Twin Sheets on a Twin XL?

While you can certainly try to stretch your twin sheets onto a twin XL, it’s best to stick with twin sheets for twin beds and twin XL sheets for twin XL beds.⁶ This will allow for the best fit and better comfort.

Other Bed Sizes

Neither a twin nor a twin XL suiting your bedroom needs? Don’t worry—there are myriad other bed sizes to choose from, including:

• Full – Like a twin but wider: 75 inches long by 54 inches wide

• Queen – Longer and wider than a twin XL: 80 inches long by 60 inches wide

• King – The big one: 80 inches long by 76 inches wide

Pair Your Twin or Twin XL Mattress with a James & James Bed Frame

Truth be told, sibling rivalries never truly end—but you can still make the choice that’s best for you. Whether you go with a twin or a twin XL, we’d be honored if you chose one of our custom wood bed frames to go with it.

Expertly built by hand using top-grade woods, the James & James team does all our custom work right in the heart of America. There’s no surer guarantee of quality than that.

Explore our solid wood bedroom furniture collection today to turn your bedroom into a dreamy sleep haven.

Sources: 

1. National Council on Aging. Guide to Mattress Size and Dimensions. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/mattress-sizes/
2. The Spruce. Understanding Twin, Full, Queen, and King Bed Dimensions. https://www.thespruce.com/understanding-bed-size-dimensions-1976223
3. CNET. Twin vs. Twin XL Mattresses: Differences, Dimensions and Who They’re Best For. https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/twin-vs-twin-xl-mattresses/
4. Sleep Foundation. Twin Bed Size Dimensions. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-sizes/twin-size-bed-dimensions
5. Home Guide. How much does a mattress cost? https://homeguide.com/costs/mattress-cost
6. Takasa. What’s the Difference Between Twin XL and Standard Twin Bedding? https://www.takasa.co/blogs/our-musings/size-matters-how-does-twin-xl-differ-from-a-standard-twin?srsltid=AfmBOoq2jEcLekEnOD9jJEFERHH5rAKMY0cTX18MGe7y7q5GA-wPPw8C
7. Tom’s Guide. Twin vs full mattresses: which side is best for your body, sleep, and space? https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/twin-vs-full-mattresses