Full Mattress vs Double Mattress Size (2024)

Updated: September 9, 2024

Grace Struth

Sleep Content Lead

When it comes to mattresses, “full” and “double” mean the same thing—a mattress measuring 75 inches by 53 inches. A full-size bed is a double, and a double-size bed is a full. It’s as simple as that.

Picking the right mattress size comes down to what you need. Finding a bed that’s the right size for you—and your bedroom—can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

In this article, we’ll explore the details of what makes a full/double mattress, and whether it fits your sleep needs.

What size is a full/double mattress?

A full (or double) mattress measures 75 inches by 53 inches. That makes this mattress just over 6 feet long and 4.5 feet wide.

These mattresses are a common choice for guest bedrooms or rooms belonging to older children, since they have a larger sleeping area without taking up too much space. You may also see the relatively uncommon full XL or double XL mattresses, which measure 80 inches by 53 inches.

The larger the bed, the larger the room it should be used in. We recommend using full-size mattresses in bedrooms that measure at least 10 feet by 10 feet. You should be able to move around the room easily without feeling cramped.

illustration showing an adult and a child lying on a full mattress with 75

What are the benefits of a full/double-size mattress?

You have more room to move around. If you sleep alone, you’ll find that a full mattress gives you a lot more room to stretch and sprawl than a twin bed would. This is true even if you have children or pets who regularly climb into bed with you.
You’ll save on floor space. A full-size mattress is space-efficient and can fit into relatively small bedrooms, making them a good choice if you live in an apartment or a relatively small house.
You’ll pay less. A full-size mattress is a smart choice if you want a slightly larger bed, but don’t want to spend more on a queen-size mattress. You could save hundreds of dollars on a mattress without losing too much space.

What are the downsides of a full/double mattress?

They’re not good for tall sleepers. 75 inches sounds like a lot of length, but if you’re taller than 6 feet, your feet will be right at the edge of the bed while you’re lying down. In fact, your feet could even hang over the end of the bed.
They don’t have much room for couples. If you sleep with a partner, you’ll each get only 27 inches of mattress width to yourselves. You may have trouble getting comfortable, and you’re more likely to bump into each other when changing positions.
They’re awkward to move. A double mattress is considerably heavier than a twin or a twin XL mattress. Moving the mattress could be difficult, depending on what type of mattress it is and how much it weighs.

How much does a full/double-size mattress cost?

Full-size mattresses can vary widely in price, depending on the type of mattress, the materials used in its construction, and what special features it has. But no matter what you’re looking for in a mattress, you shouldn’t need to pay more than $1,500 for a full mattress.

Check out full-size mattress pricing for these top Canadian mattress brands:

Douglas (Top Pick 2024): Starting at $699 for a full/double mattress
Logan & Cove (Best Hybrid): Starting at $899 for a full/double mattress
Juno (Best Value Foam): Starting at $479 for a full/double mattress
Octave (Best Cooling): Starting at $799 for a full/double mattress

How much space is required to fit a full/double-size bed?

We recommend using full-size mattresses in bedrooms that measure at least 10 feet by 10 feet. This will help ensure you can move around the room without difficulty.

However, you’ll need more space if you’re considering the slightly larger full XL mattress size. Think about how the extra 5 inches in length will affect your ability to move around. It could be the difference between moving around freely and not being able to open your bedroom door all the way.

Who should sleep on a full/double-size bed?

A full-size bed is best for single sleepers who need a little extra sleeping space, or for those with smaller bedrooms. They can also be a good fit if you often share your bed with a child or pets.

Can a full/double bed sleep 2 people?

It’s possible for more than one person to sleep on a full bed. Whether they can sleep comfortably is another story.

An adult sleeping beside a child, or a pair of children sleeping side by side, can easily sleep in a full-size bed. But if you’re an adult sleeping next to another adult, you may not have enough room to sleep comfortably. This will affect the quality of your sleep long-term.

Consider a larger bed if you plan on sharing a full-size bed with another adult on a regular basis.

Can full/double-size sheets fit a double bed?

Yes, full-size sheets will fit a double bed, since the two sizes are the same. Bedding labeled one size can be used on mattresses labeled the other size without any issue.

READ MORE: Bamboo vs cotton sheets

What other mattress sizes are available?

Not sure a full-size mattress is right for you? Check out these other mattress sizes and do your research to see which one works with your needs and your budget:

Twin mattresses, also called single mattresses, measure 75 inches by 38 inches. They’re commonly used as children’s beds and in small bedrooms for adults who sleep alone.
Twin XL mattresses measure 80 inches by 38 inches. They have the same width as regular twin mattresses, but they’re slightly longer to accommodate teenaged or adult sleepers. You can also combine two twin XL mattresses to create a split king.
Queen mattresses measure 80 inches by 60 inches. This is the most common mattress size. It’s popular because it’s budget friendly, spacious enough for two adults, and a good size for most bedrooms.
King mattresses measure 80 inches by 76 inches. This mattress is the widest standard size available, and is a common choice for couples who have the space to spare in their bedrooms. One variation on this size is the split king (two twin XL mattresses put together). This type of mattress fits a king-size bed frame but gives each person their own sleep surface.
California king mattresses measure 84 inches by 72 inches, or a full 7 feet by 6 feet. That’s 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower than standard king-size mattresses. This size is preferred by taller people who need the extra legroom.
RV mattresses are usually 75 inches long. Width can vary depending on the size of the bed frame. RV bunk small mattresses are 28 inches wide, RV three-quarter mattresses are 48 inches wide, and RV short queen mattresses are 60 inches wide.

A full mattress and a double mattress are the same thing. Manufacturers still use the term “double,” but you’re more likely to hear and read “full.” This should clear up any confusion the next time you’re choosing a mattress.

Looking for a quality mattress on a budget? We recommend Douglas Original with its superior edge support, motion isolation, cooling features, and pressure-point relief. Douglas also offers great value with a 365-night sleep trial, 20-year warranty, and free bedding bundle—all for $699 for a full size. For all that and more, Douglas is our top pick for the best mattress in Canada.