Twin XL beds are a popular bed size that offers more leg room than a standard twin bed. Twin XL mattresses measure 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, making them the same width as a standard twin but 5 inches longer. The “XL” refers to the extra length.
What are the dimensions of a twin XL bed?
The dimensions of a twin XL bed are:
- Width: 38 inches
- Length: 80 inches
This makes a twin XL mattress the same width as a standard twin mattress, but with 5 extra inches of length. The width of 38 inches is a standard twin size, while the 80-inch length provides more room for taller sleepers.
How big is a twin XL bed?
Here are the key dimensions of a twin XL bed:
- Total surface area: 3040 square inches (38 inches x 80 inches)
- 5 inches longer than a standard twin
- Same width as a standard twin at 38 inches
So in total surface area, a twin XL provides 3040 square inches of sleep space. That’s 220 more square inches than a standard twin bed. The extra length is ideal for taller teens and adults who don’t have space for a larger mattress.
Who is a twin XL bed good for?
A twin XL bed is a great option for:
- Taller children and teens – The extra length provides growing kids with more leg room.
- College students – Twin XL beds are commonly used in college dorm rooms.
- Single adults – The size works well for adults living in studio apartments or small bedrooms.
- Guest rooms – More space than a standard twin.
The twin XL is a nice “in between” size for kids who have outgrown a standard twin but don’t need an adult-sized double or queen bed yet. The length also makes it suitable for taller teens and adults in apartments or guest bedrooms.
What is the difference between twin and twin XL?
Here is a comparison of standard twin vs twin XL mattress sizes:
| Size | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 inches | 75 inches |
| Twin XL | 38 inches | 80 inches |
As you can see, the only difference is the length – a twin XL is 5 inches longer than a standard twin. The widths are the same at 38 inches.
Is a twin XL bigger than a twin?
Yes, a twin XL mattress is bigger than a standard twin in terms of total surface area:
- Twin size: 2820 square inches
- Twin XL size: 3040 square inches
The twin XL gives you an extra 220 square inches of sleep space due to the added length. This equates to about 13% more surface area than a regular twin.
Is a twin XL the same as an extra long twin?
Yes, a twin extra long (twin XL) bed is the same thing as an extra long twin bed. They are simply two different names for the same mattress dimensions of 38 inches wide by 80 inches long.
What sheets fit a twin XL mattress?
You’ll need twin XL fitted sheets for a twin extra long mattress. Twin XL sheets are easy to find from brands like:
- Jersey Knit
- Mellanni
- Utopia Bedding
- AmazonBasics
- Nestl Bedding
Twin XL sheets often come in college dorm bedding sets. Regular twin sheets will be too short to fit a twin XL mattress.
What size is twin XL in cm?
The dimensions of a twin XL mattress in centimeters are:
- Width: 96.5 cm
- Length: 203.2 cm
What countries use twin XL beds?
Twin XL beds are most popular in the United States and Canada where they are widely used for dorm room beds and guest bedrooms. The size is less common outside North America. Other parts of the world tend to favor mattress sizes like single, double, queen and king.
Why are dorm beds twin XL?
There are a few key reasons why twin XL beds are so popular for college dorm rooms in the US:
- The narrow width allows pairs of twin XL beds to be arranged in small dorm rooms.
- The extra length accommodates taller students.
- Twin XL mattresses are affordable and versatile.
- Some universities mandate twin XL beds for consistency.
For dorm residences trying to accommodate the most students, it makes sense logistically to opt for space-saving twin XL beds. And the XL length provides a bit more leg room for adult-sized students sharing a room.
Can you join two twin XL mattresses?
Yes, you can join two twin XL mattresses together to create a king-sized bed approximately 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. This gives you a large sleep surface while maintaining the space-saving narrow width of the twin XL.
To join them, you need to make sure:
- The mattresses are the same height and comfort level
- You have a sturdy frame that can support both mattresses
- You use bed bridge attachments to securely hold them together
Make sure to get a good mattress bridge or connector to prevent sagging between the two beds. This allows you to take advantage of twin XL dimensions but enjoy one large joined sleeping surface.
Are twin XL sheets more expensive?
Twin XL sheets are not generally more expensive than standard twin sheets. On popular sites like Amazon, Target and Walmart, prices are very comparable:
| Sheet Set | Twin Price | Twin XL Price |
|---|---|---|
| AmazonBasics Microfiber | $10.99 | $12.99 |
| Mellanni Brushed Microfiber | $24.97 | $25.97 |
| Room Essentials Jersey Knit Cotton | $10.99 | $12.99 |
On average, twin XL sheet sets run just $1-3 more than twin sets from the same brand. The small price difference is negligible considering the extra length you get.
Should I get a twin or twin XL?
Here are some things to consider when deciding between twin vs twin XL:
| Twin | Twin XL |
|---|---|
| Best for young kids | Best for tall teenagers |
| Standard dorm bed size | More common for dorms now |
| 75 inches long | 80 inches long |
| Tight for adults over 5′ 9″ | Comfortable length for taller adults |
| Smaller sleep surface | 13% more surface area |
In summary, the twin XL is the better choice if you need more length for a growing teen or tall adult. But a standard twin works well for young kids in bedrooms with limited space.
Conclusion
A twin XL mattress provides an extra 5 inches of length compared to a standard twin size. The 38-inch width matches a twin, allowing twin XL beds to fit well in dorm rooms, kids’ bedrooms, guest rooms, and small living spaces. The extra surface area accommodates taller sleepers while keeping a space-saving narrow width. Twin XL bedding is widely available, affordable, and interchangeable with standard twin sheets. This practical “in between” size nicely splits the difference between child and adult mattress dimensions.
