A full mattress — also called a double — is one of the most common sizes in American bedrooms, but it's often misunderstood. Many buyers assume it's a good fit for couples. It usually isn't. But for the right sleeper, it's one of the best value-per-square-foot options you can buy.
Here's everything you need to know before buying a full-size mattress.
A standard full mattress measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long (137 cm × 191 cm).
That's 15 inches wider than a twin, but 6 inches narrower than a queen. For a single adult, those 54 inches of width are usually comfortable. For two adults, it gets tight — each person has about 27 inches of space, which is narrower than a twin XL.
| Size | Dimensions | Best For | Avg. Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" × 75" | Kids, bunk beds, very small rooms | $ |
| Twin XL | 38" × 80" | Tall singles, college dorms | $ |
| Full | 54" × 75" | Single adults, guest rooms, smaller bedrooms | $$ |
| Full XL | 54" × 80" | Taller single adults who like a full's width | $$ |
| Queen | 60" × 80" | Couples, single adults who want more space | $$–$$$ |
| King | 76" × 80" | Couples who want maximum space | $$$ |
The jump from full to queen is 6 inches in width and 5 inches in length. For many single adults, that extra space isn't worth the price difference. For couples, it almost always is.
The Full XL is the same 54 inches wide but adds 5 extra inches of length — bringing it to 54" × 80". That matches the length of a queen and king.
Choose a Full XL if:
The tradeoff: Full XL mattresses have a smaller selection than standard fulls. If you find the mattress model you want only comes in Full (not Full XL), a Queen may be a better alternative for tall sleepers.
A good rule of thumb: leave at least 24 inches of clearance on each side and at the foot of the bed for comfortable movement around the room.
| Room Size | Full Mattress Fit |
|---|---|
| 9' × 9' | Tight — works, but minimal clearance |
| 10' × 10' | Comfortable — standard minimum recommended |
| 10' × 12' | Good — room for nightstands on both sides |
| 12' × 12' or larger | Plenty of room — consider whether a queen would fit just as well |
If you're deciding between a full and a queen due to room size, measure carefully — the difference is only 6 inches in width. In a 10' × 12' room, a queen often fits just as well as a full.
Yes. Full and double are two names for the same size: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. The term "double" is older and less commonly used today, but you'll still see it on some mattress labels and bed frames.
Technically yes, but it's tight. Each person gets about 27 inches of width — less than a twin. Some couples make it work, especially if both are on the smaller side, but most find a queen significantly more comfortable for long-term co-sleeping.
Any frame or foundation labeled "full size" or "double." Full-size frames are widely available and among the most affordable. Most platform beds, box springs, and adjustable bases come in full size.
It's one of the most popular choices for guest rooms. It fits most single guests comfortably, takes up less floor space than a queen, and costs less. For a dedicated guest room that will occasionally sleep two, a queen is the safer choice.
Full mattresses generally run from around $300 on the lower end to $1,500+ for premium models. They typically cost less than a queen of the same model, making them a good value option when the size fits your needs.
Any of our 5 LA Mattress Store locations carry full-size mattresses across multiple brands and firmness levels. Our staff can help you compare sizes in person so you can decide if a full, full XL, or queen is the right fit for your room and sleep style.
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