Twin vs Single Bed: Are They the Same Size? A Canadian Guide
In Canada a twin and a single are the same bed, 39 x 75 in. A European single is narrower and longer, at 90 x 200 cm. Here is how the sizes compare, which one suits a child or a teen, and how to get the mattress and sheets right.
Key takeaways
- In Canada, twin and single mean the same size: 39 x 75 in (99 x 191 cm).
- A twin XL is 5 inches longer, at 39 x 80 in (99 x 203 cm).
- A European single is 90 x 200 cm: about 9 cm narrower and 9 cm longer than a twin, so the two mattresses are not interchangeable.
- For a growing teen, length matters: a 200 cm bed gives about 9 cm more than a twin.
- A 120 x 200 cm bed is a roomy middle step between a single and a double.
- Buy the bed and mattress together so the sizes match.
Is a twin the same as a single bed?
In Canada, yes. Twin and single are two names for the same mattress size: 39 x 75 inches, or about 99 x 191 cm. You will see both names in Canadian stores, and they mean the same bed.
The confusion starts with European sizes. Many beds made in Europe and Türkiye, including our Turkish single beds, are built for a European single mattress of 90 x 200 cm. That is about 9 cm narrower and 9 cm longer than a Canadian twin, so a twin mattress and a European single frame do not fit each other.
Twin, single and European sizes compared
| Size | Centimetres | Inches | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin / single (Canada) | 99 x 191 cm | 39 x 75 in | Children, small rooms, bunk beds |
| Twin XL (Canada) | 99 x 203 cm | 39 x 80 in | Tall teens, dorm rooms |
| European single | 90 x 200 cm | 35.4 x 78.7 in | Children and teens, narrow rooms |
| European small double | 120 x 200 cm | 47.2 x 78.7 in | Teens who want more room |
| Full / double (Canada) | 137 x 191 cm | 54 x 75 in | Teens, guest rooms |
For every size from crib to king, see our guide to European vs Canadian bed sizes, and for the next step up, our queen bed size guide.
Which size is best for a child?
For most children moving out of a crib or toddler bed, a single-size bed is the natural choice. It gives plenty of room, fits a small bedroom and leaves floor space for play. Whether you choose a Canadian twin or a European single matters less than one rule: the mattress must match the frame.
- Choose a bed that fits the room now, with clear floor space to play and get dressed.
- Look for storage. A storage base keeps toys, spare bedding and out-of-season clothes out of sight.
- Pick a colour and headboard your child will still like in a few years.
- Buy the mattress for the frame's size, not the name on the label.
Which size is best for a teenager?
As children grow, length becomes the first thing to check. A Canadian twin is 191 cm (75 in) long, which can feel short for a tall teen. A twin XL is 203 cm long, and a European single or small double is 200 cm long, about 9 cm more than a twin.
If the room allows, width is the next upgrade. A 120 x 200 cm bed is 21 cm wider than a twin and 30 cm wider than a European single, but still 17 cm narrower than a Canadian double, so it fits rooms where a double would feel crowded. It is a comfortable size for a teen who also sits on the bed to read, study or game.
Will the bed fit the room?
Measure the room and mark the bed's footprint on the floor with painter's tape. Remember that the frame is larger than the mattress, especially with a tall or wingback headboard. Then check:
- Clearance: leave about 60 cm (24 in) of clear floor on the side you get in and at the foot of the bed.
- Doors and drawers: the bedroom door, the closet door and any drawers must open fully.
- Storage access: with a storage bed, leave room to reach and open the storage.
- Windows and heating: keep the bed clear of radiators and baseboard heaters.
A rug beside or under the bed makes a child's room warmer underfoot; our rug size guide shows how to size it.
Getting the mattress and sheets right
A European frame needs a European mattress. Our Turkish single mattress is 90 x 200 cm and our small double mattress is 120 x 200 cm, both 30 cm thick, made for our single and 120 cm beds. Our guide to fitting a Canadian mattress on a Turkish bed explains what happens when the sizes do not match.
Our single and 120 cm beds in Hamilton
At Home Centre Green we have four Turkish upholstered beds for children, teens and guest rooms. Every one has a built-in storage base and a matching Turkish mattress.
| Bed | Mattress size | Headboard | Bed | Bed + mattress |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grey Turkish Single Bed with Storage | 90 x 200 cm | Channel, gold accent strips | $350 | $650 |
| Cream Tufted Wingback Single Storage Bed | 90 x 200 cm | Tall button-tufted wingback | $750 | $1,050 |
| Pink Tufted Wingback Storage Bed | 120 x 200 cm | Tall button-tufted wingback | $700 | $1,100 |
| Royal Blue Velvet Tufted Storage Bed | 120 x 200 cm | Button tufted, inset gold frame | $950 | $1,350 |
Add 13% HST to these prices; our guide to HST on furniture shows how. You can compare every bed and mattress online.
Shop the look
Delivery and assembly
With the matching mattress, the cream single, pink 120 cm and royal blue 120 cm beds come to $1,000 or more, so delivery inside the City of Hamilton is free. Smaller orders pay a flat $49 per order. Our own team carries the bed and mattress into the bedroom, and pieces in stock usually arrive in 1–3 business days. We deliver inside the City of Hamilton only, and pickup from our showroom is free. Assembly is not included; our bedroom set installation service is a paid extra on request. Read our furniture delivery guide for how delivery day works.
Compare the beds in our Hamilton showroom
The easiest way to choose is to see the sizes side by side. Bring your child and the room measurements to Home Centre Green, 110 Lancing Dr, Unit 2, Hamilton, ON L8W 3A1, and try the beds and mattresses together. There is free parking outside.
We are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. We are closed on Sundays. Call or WhatsApp us on (905) 253-0202, or send us a message.
Frequently asked questions
Is a twin bed the same as a single bed?
In Canada and the US, yes. Twin and single are two names for the same mattress size, 39 x 75 inches (about 99 x 191 cm). A European single is different: it is 90 x 200 cm, so it is narrower and longer than a Canadian twin.
Will a twin mattress fit a European single bed?
Not properly. A twin is about 99 cm wide and 191 cm long, while a European single frame is made for 90 x 200 cm. The twin would be too wide for the frame and leave a gap at the foot. Buy a 90 x 200 cm mattress for a European single bed.
What size bed is best for a teenager?
For a tall or growing teen, length matters most. A twin is 191 cm long, while a twin XL or a European single gives 200 cm or more. If the room allows, a 120 x 200 cm bed adds width as well, for more room to sleep and sit.
How big a room do you need for a single bed?
A 90 x 200 cm bed fits well in a small bedroom. Add about 60 cm (24 in) of clear floor on the side you get in and at the foot of the bed, and leave room to open the closet, the door and any storage under the bed.
How much are single beds at Home Centre Green?
Our Turkish single storage beds (90 x 200 cm) are $350 in grey and $750 in cream with a tufted wingback, and our 120 x 200 cm beds are $700 in pink and $950 in royal blue. Matching mattresses are $300 and $400. All prices are CAD before HST.
Home Centre Green Design Team
The team behind our Hamilton showroom. We help customers choose Turkish-made sofas, beds and carpets every day, and we write these guides to answer the questions we hear most in store.
