Here is one of the most common questions in mattress shopping, and the most anticlimactic answer: a single and a twin are the same thing. So are a double and a full. The names are different — one is Canadian and British, the other American — but the mattresses are identical in every dimension.
If that is all you needed to know, you are set. But if you are in the middle of shopping and want to understand why both names exist, which size is right for your situation, and how everything fits together across the full mattress size chart, read on.
The short version: Single = Twin (38" x 75"). Double = Full (54" x 75"). These are not different sizes. They are the same sizes with different names, used by different markets. In Canada, we tend to say single and double. In the United States, they say twin and full. Both refer to the exact same mattresses.
Single vs Twin: Exactly the Same Size
"Single" is the traditional Canadian and British term for a one-person mattress. "Twin" is the American term for the same thing, which spread into Canadian retail through cross-border shopping, US-based brands, and American-owned furniture chains. Today most Canadian retailers list both names on the same product, which can make it look like they are two different options. They are not.
The word "twin" entered common usage in North America through the hotel and hospitality industry. When two identical single beds were placed in the same room, they were called "twin beds" — a matched pair. The term stuck, moved from hotels into retail, and became the dominant label in the United States. Canada, sitting between British naming convention and American retail influence, ended up with both terms in circulation.
The traditional Canadian name for a one-person mattress. Still common in Canadian showrooms, older listings, and custom or non-standard size contexts.
The dominant American retail term, now widely used in Canada. Identical dimensions to a single. If a retailer lists both, they are the same product.
When you shop for a single or twin mattress at Dozy, you will find our Osgoode starts at $479 and is available in Single as well as a range of other standard sizes.
Double vs Full: Also Exactly the Same Size
"Double" is the Canadian and British name. "Full" is the American name. Same story as twin and single — same dimensions, different vocabulary depending on which side of the border shaped a given retailer's terminology.
The word "double" came from early 20th-century marketing. A double mattress was sold as being double the width of a single, suitable for two people. At 54 inches wide, that marketing claim was always a stretch — two adults sharing a double have about 27 inches each, which is less than the width of a standard twin. The name persisted anyway. "Full" became more common in American retail from the 1950s onward as a more neutral alternative, but it never fully replaced "double" in Canada.
The traditional Canadian name. 16 inches wider than a single. Listed as "double" by most Canadian manufacturers and retailers.
The dominant American retail label. Identical to a double in every dimension. Sheets, frames, and bases labelled "full" fit a double perfectly.
One thing worth knowing: the double is 75 inches long — the same length as a single. If you are taller than 6 feet, neither size gives you enough room to stretch out. A queen (60" x 80") adds 5 inches of length and is the practical step up for most adult sleepers. And if you need the length of a queen but prefer a narrower profile, a Single XL (38" x 80") gives you the same 80-inch length in a compact solo-sleeper width.
The Full Canadian Mattress Size Chart
To put it all in context, here are all the standard mattress sizes in Canada with both names where applicable.
| Canadian Name | Also Called | Inches | CM | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | = Twin | 38" x 75" | 97 x 191 | Children, bunk beds, small guest rooms |
| Single XL | Twin XL | 38" x 80" | 97 x 203 | Tall solo sleepers, dorm rooms |
| Double | = Full | 54" x 75" | 137 x 191 | Solo adults, smaller bedrooms |
| Queen | Queen | 60" x 80" | 152 x 203 | Couples, solo sleepers who want space |
| King | King (Eastern) | 76" x 80" | 193 x 203 | Couples who want maximum width |
| California King | Western King | 72" x 84" | 183 x 213 | Tall individuals, narrower master bedrooms |
The two highlighted rows are where the naming confusion lives. Everything else on the chart has consistent naming across Canada and the United States.
Which Size Is Right for You?
Single or Twin — right for:
Children, teenagers, bunk beds, narrow guest rooms, and anyone furnishing a very compact space. The 38-inch width is designed for one person and is not comfortable for two adults. If you are taller than 6 feet, consider a Single XL instead.
Double or Full — right for:
One adult who wants more sleeping surface than a single provides without stepping up to a queen. Works well in smaller bedrooms where a queen would be tight. Two adults can share one but will each have less than 30 inches of space — a queen is a significantly better choice for couples.
Single XL or Twin XL — right for:
Tall solo sleepers who need the extra 5 inches of length without the width of a double. Common in dorm rooms and guest rooms. Also the right choice for split-king setups with an adjustable base — two twin XLs side by side equal a standard king.
Queen — right for:
Most couples and most adult solo sleepers. The 60" x 80" dimensions offer meaningful room for two people and enough length for most heights. The most popular mattress size in Canada for good reason.
Need a non-standard size? Dozy manufactures custom mattresses right here in Toronto. If your frame is an antique, an unusual import, or just a few inches off standard, we can build to your exact dimensions. Read our custom mattress guide or call us at (416) 840-0224 to discuss your setup.
What About Bedding and Frames?
Because single and twin are identical in dimensions, any bed frame, sheet set, duvet cover, or mattress protector labelled "twin" will fit a single mattress perfectly — and vice versa. The same applies to double and full. You do not need to match the terminology, only the dimensions.
If you are buying a frame from a US retailer or ordering bedding from an American brand, this is particularly useful to know. A "full" sheet set fits a Canadian "double" mattress without any adjustment.
The one exception worth flagging: IKEA. IKEA mattresses sold in Canadian stores follow North American dimensions, but some IKEA bedding lines use European sizing. If you are buying IKEA accessories to pair with a non-IKEA mattress, check the centimetre measurements on the product page rather than relying on the size name alone.
If you are shopping for a new frame alongside a new mattress, the Dozy Platform Base (from $349) and Adjustable Base (from $699) are both available in standard Canadian sizes including Single, Double, Queen, and King.
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