Is a Full Size Bed the Same as a Double? What the Names Really Mean

Yes, a Full Size Bed Is the Same as a Double

If you are wondering whether a full size bed is the same as a double, the answer is straightforwardly yes. A full size bed and a double bed are identical in every dimension. The two names refer to the exact same mattress size. This is one of the few truly settled naming conventions in the mattress industry, yet it causes significant confusion for shoppers who encounter both terms and assume they must mean different things. They do not. Full and double are interchangeable labels for a mattress that measures 137 centimetres wide by 190 centimetres long.

Full Size and Double: Exact Dimensions

Name	Width (cm)	Length (cm)	Width (in)	Length (in)
Full	137	190	54	75
Double	137	190	54	75

The numbers are identical because the beds are identical. When a retailer lists a mattress as "full/double," they are simply acknowledging that the two terms describe the same product. If you find a listing for a full and another for a double and both list 137 by 190 centimetres, they are the same size and their bedding will fit each other perfectly.

Where Did the Two Names Come From?

The term "double" predates the modern retail mattress industry. It emerged when this size was marketed as a bed suited for two people, as opposed to the single or twin size designed for one. As the mattress industry standardised its sizing categories in the mid-20th century and introduced queen and king as new options, the term "full" began appearing as a cleaner retail label that placed the size clearly within a sequence: twin, full, queen, king.

Today, many Canadian retailers use "double" while others use "full" or "full/double" together. The choice of term is largely regional and based on retailer preference. In Ontario and much of English Canada, "double" is still more commonly used in everyday speech, while "full" appears more in product catalogues and online listings influenced by American retail language.

How Does a Full/Double Compare to Other Standard Sizes?

Bed Size	Width (cm)	Length (cm)	Total Area (cm²)
Twin (Single)	97	190	18,430
Full / Double	137	190	26,030
Queen	153	203	31,059
King	193	203	39,179
California King	183	213	38,979

The full/double sits squarely between twin and queen in the standard North American mattress size hierarchy. It is 40 centimetres wider than a twin but 16 centimetres narrower than a queen, and it shares the same 190-centimetre length as a twin while falling 13 centimetres shorter than a queen.

Bedding for a Full/Double: Is There Any Difference?

No. Full size bedding and double bedding are the same thing. A sheet labelled "full" fits a double mattress perfectly, and vice versa. Many manufacturers sell the same sheet sets under both labels depending on the retailer. When shopping for bedding, you may see packaging that says "full/double" to make this clear, or you may find one term used exclusively. Either works.

This is one of the significant advantages of knowing that full and double are the same size. You can shop across both labels without worrying about compatibility. If you find a double flat sheet on clearance, it fits your full-size mattress. If you are gifted full-size sheets, they fit your double bed.

Is a Full/Double the Right Size for You?

Knowing that full and double are the same size is only the first step. The more useful question is whether this size is right for your bedroom and your sleep habits. Here is how the full/double performs across common scenarios:

For Solo Sleepers

A full/double is an excellent choice for one adult. The 137-centimetre width gives a solo sleeper 40 centimetres more than a twin, which provides real room to move through the night. Side sleepers, back sleepers, and those who shift positions frequently all benefit from that extra width. For a solo adult in a bedroom that cannot comfortably accommodate a queen, the full/double is the ideal upgrade from a twin.

For Couples

Two adults can share a full/double, but it will be snug. Each person gets approximately 68 centimetres of personal space. For context, that is narrower than a standard single bed (97 centimetres) and considerably less than what most couples find comfortable over time. If you and a partner are sharing a bed every night, most sleep professionals recommend upgrading to a queen, which gives each person about 76 centimetres , a noticeable improvement even if it sounds like a small number.

That said, some couples manage comfortably on a full/double, especially if they sleep close together by preference or if their room cannot fit a queen. It is a functional option, just not the ideal one for most couples. Our article on the difference between a queen and full size bed covers this comparison in detail if you are on the fence.

For Children and Teenagers

A full/double is a popular upgrade for children who have outgrown their twin beds. It gives them room to grow without requiring the full investment of a queen. Many teenagers are comfortable on a full/double through their school years and into early adulthood.

For Guest Rooms

A full/double is one of the most practical guest room mattress sizes. It fits in a variety of room sizes, it accommodates solo visitors comfortably and couples in a pinch, and bedding is widely available and affordable. For most Canadian homes with a dedicated guest room, a full/double hits the right balance between cost, space, and versatility.

Room Size Requirements

Bed Size	Minimum Room Size	Comfortable Room Size
Twin	2.4 m x 2.7 m	2.7 m x 3.0 m
Full / Double	2.7 m x 3.0 m	3.0 m x 3.4 m
Queen	3.0 m x 3.4 m	3.4 m x 3.7 m

A full/double fits in a smaller bedroom than a queen but needs more floor space than a twin. When planning a room layout, leave at least 60 centimetres of clearance on each side of the bed for comfortable access. If you plan to place bedside tables, account for their footprint as well. A room that fits a full/double at minimum dimensions may feel tighter once furniture is added.

Frame Compatibility and Availability

Full/double bed frames are sold at most Canadian furniture and mattress retailers. Because both "full" and "double" labels appear in retail, look for frames that list both names or that show 137 cm x 190 cm in the product specifications. Platform frames, box spring foundations, and metal frames are all widely available in this size.

If you are shopping for a bunk bed or daybed, many are built on full/double dimensions as well as twin dimensions. Confirm the actual measurements before buying, especially for bunks, as twin-sized and full/double-sized bunks look similar in photos but require completely different mattresses and bedding.

Does the Name Matter When Buying Online?

When shopping online for a mattress in Canada, you may see listings that say "full," "double," or "full/double." All of these refer to the same 137 cm by 190 cm size. To avoid confusion when shopping across multiple websites, always verify the listed dimensions rather than relying on the label alone. A seller who lists "double" may be using the term consistently with Canadian convention, while an American seller listing "full" is referring to the exact same size.

This also applies to mattress accessories. If you are buying a mattress topper, a waterproof protector, or a duvet insert, look for products that list the actual dimensions or specifically say "full/double." A topper labelled "full" will fit a double mattress without any issue.

Upgrading From a Full/Double: When to Go to Queen

Many people start with a full/double and later find themselves wanting more space. The most common reasons to upgrade from a full/double to a queen include:

• A partner joins the household and two people are now regularly sharing the bed
• A solo sleeper realises they are consistently sleeping on the same side and never using the other half of the mattress
• Growing children or teenagers who have outgrown the full/double size
• A move to a larger bedroom where the full/double no longer fills the room proportionally
• Chronic discomfort from feeling cramped when sharing the bed with a partner or pet

The upgrade to queen requires new bedding and a new frame in addition to the new mattress, so budget for all three components when planning the switch. For guidance on what to look for when upgrading, our article on full size bed vs queen walks through the practical differences in detail.

Common Questions Cleared Up

A few related questions come up often alongside the full-vs-double question:

• Is a full the same as a double in Canada? Yes. The sizes are identical. The term "double" is more commonly used in everyday Canadian speech, while "full" is more common in product catalogues.
• Is a full larger than a twin? Yes. A full/double is 40 centimetres wider than a twin, though both share a 190-centimetre standard length.
• Is a double smaller than a queen? Yes. A queen is 16 centimetres wider and 13 centimetres longer than a double.
• Can you put a full mattress on a double frame? Yes. Full and double frames are the same size, so a full mattress fits perfectly on a double frame.

Choosing the Right Mattress Material for a Full/Double

Once you have settled on the full/double size, the mattress material is what determines your sleep quality. Memory foam offers pressure relief and conforms to your body, making it popular for side sleepers. Latex provides a more responsive feel with natural breathability. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses offer better edge support and airflow, which is useful on a full/double where two people may be using the edges of the mattress regularly.

Our guide on mattress materials covers each type in full and helps you match the right construction to your sleep position and preferences. Investing in the right material for your body will make a full/double mattress significantly more comfortable than a larger mattress in the wrong material.

Summary: Full vs. Double

Question	Answer
Is a full and double the same size?	Yes , 137 cm x 190 cm in both cases
Will full bedding fit a double mattress?	Yes , fully interchangeable
Will a double frame fit a full mattress?	Yes , same dimensions
Is a full/double good for couples?	Manageable but snug , queen is preferred
Is a full/double good for solo sleepers?	Yes , comfortable for one adult
Is a full larger than a twin?	Yes , 40 cm wider
Is a full smaller than a queen?	Yes , 16 cm narrower and 13 cm shorter

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a full size bed the same as a double?

Yes. A full size bed and a double bed are exactly the same dimensions: 137 cm wide by 190 cm long. The two names are used interchangeably by retailers across Canada.

Why is a full bed also called a double?

The name "double" came from the bed's historical marketing as sleeping space for two people. "Full" emerged later as a retail label within the standardised size sequence. Both names refer to the same mattress dimensions.

Is a full size bed big enough for two people?

A full size bed can accommodate two people, but each person only gets about 68 centimetres of space, which is less than a standard single bed. For couples who share a bed regularly, a queen is a more comfortable choice.

What is the difference between a full and a queen?

A queen is 16 centimetres wider and 13 centimetres longer than a full/double. The queen offers roughly 19 percent more sleeping surface area.

Will full size bedding fit a double bed?

Yes. Full size bedding and double bedding are identical in dimensions. Retailers may label the same product either way, but both will fit your mattress perfectly.

8 min read

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Whether you are buying a full/double for the first time or upgrading to a queen, our team is happy to walk you through every option in person and help you find the mattress that suits your body and your room.