Twin XL vs. Split King

Last Updated September 9, 2024

Twin xl mattresses provide plenty of legroom for adults and teens. Split king mattresses, on the other hand, are ideal for couples who have different sleep preferences (say, in terms of firmness), and they are made by placing two separate twin xl mattresses side by side. This is all you need to know about split king vs. twin xl mattresses, in a nutshell. But if you need to know more about each of these mattress sizes to figure out which one is perfect for you, read on.

Key Takeaways:

  • Twin XL mattresses have standard dimensions of 38 inches wide and 80 inches long, providing extra legroom for tall sleepers.
  • Split king mattresses are formed by combining two twin XL mattresses side by side, each measuring 38 x 80 inches, allowing customization for couples with differing sleep preferences.
  • Twin XL mattresses are suitable for smaller rooms (8 feet x 10 feet), while split king mattresses demand a larger room size (at least 12 feet x 12 feet) for greater space and flexibility.
  • Twin XL mattresses are budget-friendly, making them a cost-effective choice for single sleepers and smaller spaces, whereas split king mattresses, while offering customization, are generally more expensive and cater to couples with different sleep habits and preferences.
  • When deciding between twin XL and split king mattresses, consider your budget, room size, and sleep preferences, as well as the cost and availability of bedding for each option.

latex mattress

twin xl vs split king

Twin XL vs. Split King Mattress - Comparison Chart

SPECIFICS TWIN XL MATTRESS SPLIT KING MATTRESS
Length 80 inches 80 inches
Width 38 inches 76 inches
Surface Area 3040 sq inches 6080 sq inches
Room SIze 8 feet x 10 feet 12 feet x 12 feet
Ideal number of sleepers One adult or teenager 2 adults
Sleeper Height 6 feet 5 inches - 6 feet 7 inches 6 feet 5 inches - 6 feet 7 inches

What Is a Twin XL Mattress?

A twin xl mattress has a standard width of 38 inches and a length of 80 inches, giving it 3040 square inches of surface area. It gives taller people more leg space, so they do not need to sleep curled.

Twin xl beds work well as bunk beds in kids' bedrooms, student housing, college dorm rooms, guest houses, and studio apartments.

When you decide which mattress you'll buy, one of the most important factors to consider is the size of your bedroom. For example, the twin xl mattress should fit in rooms sized 8 x 10 feet.

what is a twin xl size mattress

Pros of Twin XL Mattress

  • Budget-friendly
  • Doesn't need a big room size. It fits nicely in an 8 x 10 feet and leaves the room with a decent amount of spare space .
  • A twin xl mattress is 80 inches long. It is the only budget mattress that offers this much legroom. Thus, this mattress can accommodate single sleepers, kids, teenagers, and tall adults, just as comfortably.
  • It's easy to move mattresses of this size since they are light and compact.
  • Twin xl fitted sheets or flat sheets, along with other bedding, are easy to get.

Cons of Twin XL Mattress

  • It is big enough to accommodate only one sleeper.
  • People who like to sleep with their pets will find it inconvenient to do so.

What Is the Difference Between a Twin Mattress and a Twin XL Mattress? 

twin vs twin xl

The highlighting difference between twin vs. twin XL mattress is their length since both of them measure 38 inches wide. A twin mattress measures 75 inches long, while a twin xl mattress measures 80 inches. Even though the 5-inch difference might not feel drastic, the extra legroom is a life-saver for taller sleepers.

Twin mattresses make great beds for kids, small rooms, and guest rooms. Since they accommodate a 6-feet-tall person reasonably well, if you don't have people taller than that in your family, then a twin mattress is a better choice than a twin XL.

What Are Split King Mattresses?

Split king beds form when standard king mattresses are split in half, meaning each sleeper gets 38 x 80 inches of sleeping space.

The mattress comprises two twin XL mattresses placed side by side. A king or an adjustable split bed frame, can be used to install a split king arrangement.

Split-king mattress allows couples with different sleeping styles to tailor their sides of the bed. Typically, split king beds are made for sleepers who prefer different mattress firmness - say, one prefers softer mattresses while the other prefers firm ones.

In addition, split king beds are popular among people who use adjustable bed bases, as it give couples flexibility in their sitting and sleeping positions on each side of each bed.

what is a split king mattress

Pros of Split King Mattress

  • Couples can sleep according to their sleep preferences while sharing the same bed.
  • Two twin XL mattresses are easier to carry and move than a king-size mattress.
  • Each mattress can be customized as one prefers.
  • A split king mattress isolates motion.

Cons of Split King Mattress

  • It's not easy to come across bed sheets that fit a split king-size bed.
  • Split king mattress is costly; you'll need to get different bed sheets, comforters, and other bedding when you have a split king bed.
  • Split king mattresses require a split king adjustable bed frame or a king size bed frame. These bed frames need to be installed in a space where the room size measures at least 12 x 12 feet.

What Types of King-Sized Mattresses Exist Aside From the Split King?

There are several types of king-sized mattresses, including:

split-king-mattress-varieties

Traditional King

This mattress measures 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length, just like the split king. It's a uniform mattress that is perfect for large-sized families or couples who don't mind adjusting their sleep preferences.

King size bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 76 X 80 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 193 X 203.2 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 6.33 X 6.66 feet

California King

The Cal King is another variation of king-size bed with unique dimensions; it's 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. So, you can see that the California king mattress prioritizes length to accommodate tall people. It's not much concerned about the width.

It's pretty difficult to get California king mattresses in regular retail stores; you may have to search for them a bit. The California king mattress has a split variant called the split California king.

California king bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 72 X 84 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 182.88 X 213.36 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 6 X 7 feet

Wyoming King

This square mattress measures 84 inches by 84 inches, and it's not a standard mattress. Instead, you have to custom-make it by contacting mattress manufacturers who cater to custom orders.

Wyoming king bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 84 X 84 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 213.36 X 213.36 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 7 X 7 feet

Alaskan King

Again, we introduce you to a square mattress, which is one of the biggest mattress sizes money can buy. Named after Alaska because of its size, the Alaskan King is 108 x 108 inches.

It has to be custom-made and housed in a jumbo-sized bedroom, much bigger than a king-size one.

Alaskan king bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 108 X 108 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 274.32 X 274.32 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 9 X 9 feet

woman sleeping comfortably on a split king bed

natural and organic latex mattress topper

Relation Between Split King and Twin XL

Were it a uniform mattress, like the king, a split king would have been a single sheet of latex, memory foam, or any mattress type you prefer.

But due to the split, the uniform mattress is divided into two small mattresses, each measuring 38 inches by 80 inches. Does that ring a bell?

Yes! Two twin XL mattresses make up the split king mattress. They are placed next to each other side by side on a king-size bed frame

Factors to Help You Decide Between Twin XL vs. Other Mattresses

Choosing split beds or twin XL beds often depends on personal preferences. So what factors influence your choice of beds, and how can you make your choice better? We'll look at the details below.

a couple having a good night's sleep on a split king mattress

Bedroom Size

The twin xl is a small mattress, and it can be installed in a small room if you don't care much about leaving some space to move around. A bedroom measuring 8 feet by 10 feet is ideal for installing twin XL beds.

Since a split king size mattress is as big as a standard king mattress, you need to have a room of 12 x 12 feet. The bigger the room, you'll have greater space to move about as well as furnish the surplus space with furniture, bookcases, lampshades, etc.

Height and Weight of Sleepers

The twin XL and split king can accommodate tall people; sleepers up to 6 feet 5 inches in height can be pretty comfortable in both twin XL and split kings. These individuals can sleep straight on their backs with their full length stretched out.

Twin XL is a reasonably lightweight bed. However, even if you use the latex or memory foam mattress variant to make the bed, it's best to keep heavy people from getting accustomed to this mattress. After a while, it will squeeze and sag, making the mattress uneven and putting undue pressure on the sleeper's joints. On the other hand, the split king size mattress is large and okay for heavy sleepers.

Number of Sleepers

Only a single sleeper can sleep comfortably on a twin XL bed. You can try to fit in a body pillow or a small pet if you feel lonely sleeping alone. A parent can also snuggle with a child sometimes, but it can't be a sleep routine.

A couple can sleep together on a split king bed while inhabiting each twin XL mattress.

Sleep Habits

As the twin xl is suitable for a single sleeper, one can sleep in whatever way one desires - either on their stomach, their back, or as a combination, taking turns for each posture.

The same thing happens in a split king-size mattress too. Since the mattresses are separated, there is motion isolation. So, every sleeper has the liberty to sleep just as they like to; they are not going to disrupt their partner's sleep in any ways.

Budget

The twin xl is much smaller than the split king; two twin xl mattresses pack so much more space than a single twin xl. Thus, it costs much less to buy a single twin xl mattress than a split king or two twin xl.

a teen writing journal on a twin xl bed

Conclusion

Twin XL size mattresses are perfect for single sleepers, while split kings are appropriate for couples (especially those with different sleep preferences). Choosing an optimal mattress can be challenging. It would be best to look at a few different aspects, including who uses this mattress, how big your bedroom is, how tall you are, and so on.

FAQs

Do Two Twin XL Beds Make a King Bed or a California King Bed?

Two twin XL mattresses make a split king bed, practically speaking.

When the two twin XL mattresses are set beside each other, they make a split line; this is the identifier of the split king size mattress.

Can You Use Twin XL Size Sheets on a Split King?

Either two twin XL sheets or a fitted split king sheet set is good to go with split king size mattresses.

Do Two Twin XL Size Beds Make a Split California King Mattress? 

Split California beds are not made from standard-size mattresses. When you split a cal king bed evenly, each resulting pair measures 36 inches by 84 inches.

So, a split California king bed is challenging to come by as very few vendors and manufacturers have the provisions to custom-make this mattress.

Do I Need Separate Comforters and Duvets for a Split King Mattress?

You don't need separate bedding for a split king bed, but it's easy to sleep under a layer when both partners are sleeping close together not far apart.

As each partner moves around on the bed during the night, their motions often pull blankets, duvets, or comforters away from the other partner. You wouldn't like to be caught unaware in such a situation on a chilly night.

So, it's practical to get a separate comforter, but ultimately, the decision is yours.

natural and organic pillows

Conclusion

Twin XL size mattresses are perfect for single sleepers, while split kings are appropriate for couples (especially those with different sleep preferences). Choosing an optimal mattress can be challenging. It would be best to look at a few different aspects, including who uses this mattress, how big your bedroom is, how tall you are, and so on.

FAQs

1. Do Two Twin XL Beds Make a King Bed or a California King Bed?

Two twin XL mattresses make a split king bed, practically speaking.

When the two twin XL mattresses are set beside each other, they make a split line; this is the identifier of the split king size mattress.

2. Can You Use Twin XL Size Sheets on a Split King?

Either two twin XL sheets or a fitted split king sheet set is good to go with split king size mattresses.

3. Do Two Twin XL Size Beds Make a Split California King Mattress?

Split California beds are not made from standard-size mattresses. When you split a cal king bed evenly, each resulting pair measures 36 inches by 84 inches.

So, a split California king bed is challenging to come by as very few vendors and manufacturers have the provisions to custom-make this mattress.

4. Do I Need Separate Comforters and Duvets for a Split King Mattress?

You don't need separate bedding for a split king bed, but it's easy to sleep under a layer when both partners are sleeping close together and not far apart.

As each partner has the space to move around on their bed, their motion during the night steals away the blankets, duvets, or comforters from the other partner. You wouldn't like to be caught unaware in such a situation on a chilly night.

So, it's practical to get a separate comforter; but ultimately, the decision is yours.

Related blog posts:

1. Mattress Sizes Chart and Bed Dimensions Guide

Mattress Sizes Chart and Bed Dimensions Guide

2. Full Bed vs. Double Bed

Full Bed vs. Double Bed

3. Twin vs. Twin XL Mattress

Twin vs. Twin XL Mattress

4. King vs. California King

King vs. California King

5. Twin vs. Full vs. Queen Mattress

Twin vs. Full vs. Queen Mattress

Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.

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