Names can be misleading. A full size bed may sound like it’s made to fit the whole family, but anyone who tries that will be in for a rude awakening.
Despite the generous name, full size bed dimensions are better suited for solo sleepers and some couples who prefer cozy quarters in bed. They could prove to be your best fit in a tight apartment, too. If you’re wondering whether a full mattress is right for you, this guide will help you sort it out.
What Are The Dimensions Of A Full Size Bed?
Standard full size mattress dimensions are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. full size bed dimensions in feet measure 4.5 feet wide by 6.25 feet long. If you are over 6 feet tall and don’t want your feet hanging off the bed, you can also find a less-common full XL bed, which measures 54 inches wide by 80 inches (6.67 feet) long.
Full vs. Full XL
Like the twin XL mattress, a full XL mattress is designed for sleepers over 6 feet tall. Many people who are this height complain of their feet hanging over the end of a standard full size bed. If your bed frame has a footboard, you may find yourself sleeping diagonally or curled in the fetal position to avoid being squeezed from head to toe.
A full XL bed is the same width as a standard full mattress, but it is 5 inches longer. This makes a full mattress size measure 54 inches wide by 80 inches long — a much more comfortable sleeping arrangement for taller sleepers. It’s also essential if you’re sharing a full size bed and either partner is over 6 feet tall.
| Full | Full XL | |
| Length | 75 inches | 80 inches |
| Width | 54 inches | 54 inches |
| Price range (approx.) | $150-$1,800 | $200-$1,900 |
| Best for | Cozy couples, roomy solo sleepers | Taller sleepers (over 6 feet) |
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Full Size Bed
full size beds come with a number of advantages, but they aren’t perfect for everyone. Here are some of the main pros and cons:
Pros
- Much roomier than a twin bed: Full mattress dimensions make them quite comfortable for most single adults.
- Ideal for small living spaces: Larger beds can be difficult to fit into some apartments and older homes. A full size bed might be the easiest option for you to save space and still have enough room to share a bed.
- Less expensive than queen or king mattresses: Although you can spend a lot on a high-end mattress of any kind, full size mattresses and bedding will generally cost less than opting for a larger size.
Cons
- Not great for couples: Although you can make it work, full size bed dimensions aren’t ideal for most people sharing a bed. If you get hot or restless with someone else close by, you probably need a bigger mattress.
- Not that much cheaper than a queen mattress: You might save a few hundred dollars on your mattress and bedding, but you could pay in long-term discomfort if a full size bed is too small for your sleeping situation.
Comparing Full Size Mattresses To Other Standard Size Mattresses
If you’re trying to decide on a bed size, it may help to compare full bed dimensions to the other options in order to weigh the sleeping space and cost of each.
At the smallest end of the spectrum for standard adult beds is the twin size. This measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long and is designed for only one person. On average, these tend to cost roughly $50–$100 less than full size mattresses. Both twin and full beds come in XL versions, which measure 5 inches longer.
On the larger end of the standard mattress spectrum are the queen– and king-size beds. These both measure 80 inches long, but the queen is 60 inches wide and the king is 76 inches wide. Both are made for bed-sharing — it just comes down to how much space you want (and how many pets or kids you have in bed with you). There’s typically a price jump of $80–$200 as you go up each size, but some queen mattresses are as little as $20 more than full size mattresses.
Dimensions Of Standard Mattress Sizes
| Mattress Size | Dimensions | Best For |
| Twin | 38 inches x 75 inches | Solo adults and children |
| Full | 54 inches x 75 inches | Roomier solo sleepers, cozy couples |
| Queen | 60 inches x 80 inches | Anyone sharing a bed with another adult, child or pet |
| King | 76 inches x 80 inches | Couples who want plenty of room, families |
Is A Full Size Mattress Right For Me?
Consistently getting a good night’s rest is critical for your health and well-being. A poorly fitted mattress can cause restless sleep at night and aches and pains the next day. This can reduce your mental alertness and have long-term effects on your mind and body. All that goes to show you that choosing a mattress size is an important decision!
A full size mattress is ideal for solo sleepers and tight spaces. It can be a great budget mattress, perfect for a growing child, a single adult or a guest room in your home. If you’re thinking about sharing a full size mattress, though, make sure you consider a few things first.
- Full mattress dimensions: Is there enough room for you and any person or animal sharing the bed with you?
- Your ideal sleeping position: Do you prefer to stretch out or curl up?
- Whether you get hot easily: Mattress material and someone else’s body heat can be a factor in your comfort. If you sleep hot, you’ll want more space.
- Your bedroom size: Experts recommend at least 24 inches around all sides of your bed, so consider that before you go for a bigger mattress.
- Cost: Although size is not the only factor in mattress cost, you’ll tend to add around $100 or more with each jump in mattress size.
Final Thoughts
A full mattress size may not be as big as the name makes it sound, but it still works well for many people. If you have older children, you’re single or you don’t mind a tight squeeze with your bed partner, a full size bed could make an affordable option for you. Any time you’re considering mattress sizes, though, think about how you’ll be using your bed five or 10 years from now, not just tomorrow night.
FAQ
| How big is a full size bed in feet? | A full size bed is 4.5 feet wide by 6.25 feet long. |
| What are the different sizes of beds? | From smallest to largest, standard bed sizes are twin, full, queen and king (there is also a larger California king). Twin- and full size beds also come in XL (extra-long) versions. |
| What are the dimensions of a full size bed sheet? | A fitted sheet for a full size bed measures 54 inches by 76 inches x 15 inches, and a flat full size sheet is 87 inches x 102 inches. |
| Is a full size mattress big enough for two people? | Ideal mattress sizing comes down to personal preferences. If you don’t mind a cozy sleeping arrangement and don’t tend to get too hot or restless sleeping next to another person, a full size bed could work for you. If you want a little space to yourself when you sleep, then you’re better off going for a queen-size bed or larger. |
| Are full size mattresses the same as double beds? | Yes, “double bed” is another term for a full size mattress. Either term describes a mattress that measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. |