Twin XL vs. King Beds — Choosing the Right One for You

By arya

Did you know… in the world of mattresses, two twin XL beds combined have the same dimensions as a King bed? What is the difference between the standard twin and its XL cousin? The latter is 5 inches longer, which means it matches the length of a King.

So, settle in and let’s see the difference between twins and kings, and which one is best for you.

The Basics

Standard King Beds


Also known as Eastern King, this mattress is 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length.

Who are they ideal for?

Generally speaking, King beds are best suited for couples because it essentially means each person has their own Twin XL bed all to themselves. Despite their royal name, even Queen beds offer less space (8 inches less, in fact). Kings are ideal for master bedrooms but can be too large for some people.

Twin XL Beds


Two twins make a King. They are 38 inches wide and 80 inches long.

Who are they ideal for?

Twin XL beds are a good option for taller children who may have smaller rooms, and it is a great choice for college dormitories. They are also often found in hostels.
Helping You Choose

Opt for King if:

It is no secret King-sized beds are the perfect fit for larger rooms with plenty of space where you will not end up with a huge bed and no room for other furnishings and accessories.

  • You crave that extra legroom

Do you know that feeling you get when you are in an airplane and can’t seem to properly stretch your legs? And while there is usually not much you can do when flying, there is a lot you can do to improve your sleep. If you have the space, a King bed will give you the freedom to stretch out, spread out, and, well, feel like royalty.

  • You can afford it

Yes, bigger beds cost more than smaller beds. So, when you are shopping for a new one, plan your budget well, because the comfort of extra space is simply worth it.

Get a Twin XL if:

  • You are on a tight budget

If you have the space for a full or double bed, but the frame, mattress, and sheets are outside of what you can afford, do not worry, not everything is lost. Consider getting a Twin XL and you will even save some room for something else you may have always wanted in your bedroom, but lacked the space. Back-to-School sales are a good way to get a bargain deal on bedding bundles.

  • You are a young adult or child

With their 38 inches in width and King-like length, these beds are ideal for youngsters and kids, especially given their rooms are not usually large.

  • You lack the space

The most obvious reason you would want to choose a Twin XL bed over a King is simply the fact you are restrained by space. Two twins make a King so imagine how much more room you will need to fit a huge bed. Twin bedding is the perfect replacement for a crib in a nursery or a smaller bedroom that is intended for more than one person.

What You Should Consider


There are several factors that you should consider when choosing your bed.

  1. Measure your room and ensure there will be enough space left for movement and the other pieces of furniture and accessories you want. Most interior designers recommend leaving at least 30 inches of space around the bed.
  2. Consider how you will get the bed into the room. While Twin XL beds and mattresses will have no trouble fitting through doorways, a King mattress might be difficult to maneuver.
  3. Research pricing and sales. There are seasonal sales around holidays and other times of the year, so plan your purchase carefully.

Both Twin XL and King beds come with their good reasons to choose them, so at the end of the day, it will depend on your room size, budget, and sleep preferences. Be careful in your consideration and ensure your home can house a royals-worthy King or a Twin XL providing extra leg room. The choice is yours!