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A standard twin mattress is 75 inches (6'3") long by 38 inches wide. A Twin XL is 80 inches long — 5 inches longer — same width. Twin is the smallest standard adult mattress. Twin XL is the dorm-standard size for tall students. Here are the exact dimensions and when each is right.
Twin vs Twin XL Dimensions
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 x 75 | 97 x 190 | Kids, guest rooms, small spaces |
| Twin XL | 38 x 80 | 97 x 203 | Tall teens, college dorms, split king setups |
| Full (for comparison) | 54 x 75 | 137 x 190 | Single adults, guest rooms |
| Queen (for comparison) | 60 x 80 | 152 x 203 | Couples, most adults |
Who Needs a Twin (75" Length)
- Kids age 5-12 (room to grow)
- Teens under 6 feet tall
- Guest rooms
- Studio apartments
- RVs and camping setups
- Split king adjustable setups (but Twin XL is better for this)
Who Needs a Twin XL (80" Length)
- Tall teens (6'+)
- College dorm rooms (Twin XL is the standard)
- Split king adjustable bed setups
- Single adults who are over 6 feet
- Guest rooms for tall visitors
Twin Bedding Sizing
- Twin fitted sheet: 38" x 75" with 14"+ pocket
- Twin flat sheet: 66" x 96"
- Twin comforter: 66" x 86" or 68" x 88"
- Pillowcase: Standard 20" x 26"
Twin XL Bedding Sizing
- Twin XL fitted sheet: 38" x 80" with 14"+ pocket
- Twin XL flat sheet: 66" x 102"
- Standard Twin bedding will NOT fit Twin XL (5" too short)
Can a Tall Adult Fit on a Twin?
Up to about 6 feet tall (72 inches): yes, with 3 inches of foot space on a 75" Twin. Above 6 feet: Twin XL or Full is better.
FAQ
How long is a twin mattress?
75 inches (6 feet 3 inches) for standard Twin. 80 inches for Twin XL.
Is a twin and single mattress the same?
Yes. "Twin" and "Single" refer to the same 38"x75" size in North America.
Can a 6-foot-tall person fit on a Twin?
Barely. 72" tall in a 75" Twin = feet at the edge. Twin XL (80") is better.
How wide is a twin mattress?
38 inches (97 cm). Same as Twin XL.
Related reading: Full Size Mattress | Best Twin Mattress | Twin vs Twin XL | Queen Size Mattress
Related buying tips
Before making a purchase in this category, consider these essentials we recommend checking:
- Trial period — 100 nights minimum, 365 nights ideal for a major mattress or bedding purchase.
- Warranty — 10 years or longer for mattresses; 1-3 years for most bedding accessories.
- Return policy — ensure free returns are included, not store credit only.
- Certifications — CertiPUR-US for foam (no harmful chemicals), GOLS/GOTS for organic latex and cotton, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for fabrics.
- Shipping — check if white-glove setup and old-mattress removal are included or cost extra.
For our complete shopping framework, see our 2026 best mattress buying guide.