Quick Answer: A single bed size in Canada measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long (96.5 cm x 190.5 cm). "Single" and "twin" are the same mattress in Canada and the US. A single bed fits comfortably in a room of at least 7x10 feet, and works well for children, teens, solo adults in smaller spaces, and guest rooms where floor space matters.
In This Guide
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Single vs Twin: The Naming Confusion
In Canada, "single" and "twin" refer to the same mattress. The dimensions are identical: 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. Manufacturers, retailers, and shoppers use both names interchangeably, which creates confusion when shopping online, ordering bedding from US retailers, or comparing international sizing guides.
The short version: if you are looking for a single bed size in Canada and you see "twin" on a product listing, it is the same thing. Bedding, frames, mattresses, and mattress protectors labelled "twin" will fit a single bed without alteration.
Why Two Names for the Same Size?
"Twin" became standard in North America when hotels began pairing two identical beds in the same room. A room with two twin beds was a "twin room." The beds were individually called "twins" because they came in identical pairs. "Single" simply describes a bed sized for one person, and both names persisted. In Australia and the UK, "single" is the only term used and it maps to a slightly narrower size (36 inches), which is worth knowing when ordering from international bedding sites.
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Single Bed Dimensions in Inches and CM
| Mattress Size | Width (inches) | Length (inches) | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single / Twin | 38" | 75" | 96.5 cm | 190.5 cm | Standard Canadian single |
| Twin XL | 38" | 80" | 96.5 cm | 203.5 cm | Same width, 5" longer, common for taller teens and adjustable base setups |
| Super Single | 48" | 84" | 122 cm | 213 cm | Uncommon in Canada; found mainly in older waterbed-era frames and some Asian markets |
| Double / Full | 54" | 75" | 137 cm | 190.5 cm | Next size up; adds 16" of width over a single |
The single mattress width of 38 inches gives one adult enough personal space to sleep comfortably, with arms at their sides. It is narrower than most adults who sleep with a partner prefer, which is why couples typically choose a queen or double. For solo sleeping, the width is rarely an issue.
A quick note on super single mattress dimensions: the super single (48"x84") is essentially a North American outlier. You will sometimes find super single mattress size listed in spec sheets for older platform beds or waterbed frames, but it is not a standard retail size in Canada. If you have a frame built for a super single, it will need a custom or specialty mattress. Brad can usually help identify whether a frame is true super single versus a slightly oversized double.
Who a Single Bed Is Best For
| Sleeper Type | Fits Comfortably? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Children (under 10) | Yes | Standard for kids' rooms; pairs well with bunk frames |
| Teens (10-18) | Yes, but check height | Taller teens (5'10"+) benefit from Twin XL (80" length) |
| Solo adult (average height) | Yes | Comfortable for most adults up to 6'1" who sleep alone |
| Solo adult (tall, 6'2"+) | Marginal | Consider Twin XL for the extra 5 inches of length |
| Couples | No | 19" per person; a queen provides 30" per person |
| Guest room | Yes | Excellent when floor space is limited |
| Small apartment / studio | Yes | Preserves living space; consider a daybed frame for daytime use |
Single vs Double: How to Decide
The choice between a single and a double (full) comes down to room size, budget, and how the bed will be used long-term.
| Factor | Single (38"x75") | Double / Full (54"x75") |
|---|---|---|
| Width per person (solo) | 38", ample for one | 54", more room to spread out |
| Minimum room size | 7 x 10 feet | 9 x 10 feet |
| Typical mattress price (CAD) | $400-$900 | $550-$1,100 |
| Children's room longevity | Good through teen years; may outgrow at 16-18 | Grows with the child into adulthood |
| Guest room use | Comfortable for one guest | Occasional couple or solo guest |
| Bunk bed availability | Excellent, most bunks are twin/single | Double-over-double bunks exist but cost more |
Dorothy, our sleep specialist, often points out a practical consideration parents overlook: "A single is the right call for a younger child's room, but if you want the mattress to last through their university years, a double or a twin XL is worth the extra investment now. Kids grow fast and frames are easy to upgrade."
Room Size Requirements
Building codes in Ontario specify minimum bedroom dimensions (generally 7 feet in any horizontal direction for a bedroom), but comfortable living requires more. The practical guideline is to leave at least 24 inches of clear walking space on two sides of the bed.
| Room Use | Minimum Room Size | Comfortable Room Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child's bedroom | 7 x 10 ft | 9 x 10 ft | Allows for a desk and dresser |
| Teen bedroom | 8 x 10 ft | 10 x 10 ft | Desk space and some storage are needed |
| Guest room | 7 x 9 ft | 9 x 10 ft | Smaller rooms work if there is hall closet access |
| Studio apartment sleep zone | 6 x 8 ft | 8 x 10 ft | Daybed or platform frame helps maximise the space |
Bedding Sizes for a Single Bed
Single size bed sheets, duvets, and protectors are widely available in Canada because it is the most common children's size. The table below covers what you need.
| Bedding Item | Standard Single / Twin Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted sheet | 39" x 75" (+ pocket depth) | Look for 12-15" deep pockets for thicker mattresses |
| Flat sheet | 66" x 96" | Standard Canadian flat sheet size |
| Single size duvet / comforter | 52" x 86" (approx.) | Allows for side overhang; some brands run narrower |
| Duvet cover (twin) | 60" x 80" to 68" x 88" | Slightly larger than the insert to allow movement inside |
| Mattress protector | Labelled "twin" or "single", same fit | Check pocket depth matches your mattress height |
| Pillow (standard) | 20" x 26", fits single perfectly | One standard pillow fits comfortably across a 38" width |
One thing worth knowing: single size duvet covers and twin duvet covers are the same thing. If you are shopping on a Canadian retail site and the filter says "twin," that is your size. The twin duvet cover collection at Mattress Miracle has current in-stock options if you are setting up a child's room from scratch.
Bed Frames and Bedroom Furniture for Single Beds
The frame you choose shapes how the room feels as much as the mattress does. For single beds, the options break down into three categories: simple platform frames, solid wood bedroom sets, and bunk or trundle configurations for kids' rooms where space efficiency matters.
Single Bed Frames
Our single bed frame collection includes both metal and upholstered options. For a child's room that needs to hold up to years of use, the Almonte and Breeze platform frames are popular choices. For a guest room or studio where the bed doubles as a sitting area, a lower platform frame with a simple headboard reads as more versatile furniture.
Solid Wood Bedroom Sets
If you are furnishing a child's or teen's room with pieces that will last, solid wood is the better long-term investment. Particleboard furniture held together with cam locks tends to degrade after a few years of moves and reassemblies. Solid wood sets do not.
The solid wood bedroom sets at Mattress Miracle include several Canadian-made options in maple, oak, and pine. A few worth knowing for single-room setups:
| Bedroom Set | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Banff Solid Wood Bedroom Set | Canadian mountain style | Substantial pine construction, available in twin configuration |
| Joliette Twin Bed Set | Contemporary platform | Clean lines, lower profile, good for smaller rooms |
| Almonte Bed Frame | Traditional Canadian | Six-piece set available; pairs well with single mattress configurations |
| Charlotte Driftwood Gray Bedroom Set | Modern coastal | Driftwood finish; available in twin for kids and guest rooms |
Brad's note on the Charlotte and Joliette sets: "These are built in Canada with real wood, not imported flat-pack. We carry them because they are genuinely hard to find locally in Brantford, and the quality difference is obvious the moment you handle the pieces." The full bedroom furniture collection has the current in-stock configurations if you want to compare sizes and finishes before coming in.
Tip: Confirm Frame Compatibility Before Buying a Mattress
If you already have a frame and are buying a mattress to fit it, measure the interior frame opening, not just the label on the frame. Some older or imported frames run slightly smaller than the North American standard 38-inch width. A half-inch variance in a frame can make a snug mattress feel difficult to remove for rotating or cleaning. Bring the measurements to the showroom and we will match them accurately.
Bunk Bed and Trundle Options
For children sharing a room, nearly all bunk beds are built around twin/single mattresses. The bunk beds collection includes twin-over-twin, twin-over-full, and single-over-double configurations. For rooms where you occasionally need a second sleeping surface but cannot sacrifice permanent floor space, a trundle bed pulls a second single mattress from underneath when needed and stores flat during the day.
For a fuller comparison of how single beds fit into the Canadian mattress size landscape, our complete mattress size guide covers every size from crib through split king, with metric and imperial measurements.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle, 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON, (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.
If you are setting up a child's room or a guest room and want to see the solid wood bedroom sets and single frames in person, come in. We have the Banff, Joliette, Charlotte, and Almonte sets on the floor and can show you how they fit with different mattress configurations.
Related Reading
- Single Bed Frame Canada: Types, Sizes and Buying Guide
- King Size Bed Width Guide: Dimensions & Room Fit for Brantford
- Twin and Full Bed Width: Dimensions, Comparison, and Room Size Guide
- King Size Bed Dimensions: Exact Measurements and Room Requirements
- Queen Bed Size Canada: Dimensions, Room Fit, and Buying Guide (2026)
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single mattress size in cm?
A standard single mattress in Canada measures 96.5 cm wide by 190.5 cm long. The Twin XL version measures 96.5 cm wide by 203.5 cm long, adding 12.7 cm in length. For bedding ordered from international retailers, note that UK and Australian "single" sizes are slightly narrower (approximately 90 cm wide), so a Canadian single is not an exact match for European bedding labelled "single."
Is a single bed the same as a twin in Canada?
Yes. Single and twin refer to the same mattress dimensions: 38 inches wide by 75 inches long (96.5 x 190.5 cm). Both terms are used by Canadian retailers, and bedding, frames, and mattress protectors labelled "twin" will fit a single bed without modification.
What size sheets fit a single bed?
Single size bed sheets are labelled "twin" or "single" interchangeably at most Canadian retailers. A standard fitted sheet is approximately 39 inches by 75 inches with a pocket depth of 10-15 inches depending on your mattress thickness. If your mattress is taller than 12 inches (common with hybrid or pillow-top models), look for "deep pocket" sheets rated for 14-16 inches to avoid the corners popping overnight.
How much room do you need for a single bed?
The minimum room size for a single bed is approximately 7 by 10 feet, which provides the bed footprint plus enough clearance to walk alongside it on at least two sides. For a comfortable bedroom with a dresser and desk, 9 by 10 feet is more practical. The bed itself occupies 3.2 by 6.3 feet of floor space.
Should I buy a single or twin XL for my teenager?
If your teenager is already over 5'10" or is still growing, a twin XL is worth the slight premium. The 5-inch length difference (75" versus 80") matters when feet hang off the end. Both sizes use the same 38-inch width, so any single frame with at least 80 inches of interior length can accommodate a twin XL mattress. Check the interior frame dimension before purchasing the mattress.