sizing comparison
Small Double vs Double
Evergreen URL: /compare/small-double-vs-double
In short
A UK Small Double is 120 × 190 cm (4ft). A UK Double is 135 × 190 cm (4ft 6). Both are 190 cm long, so only the width changes, by 15 cm. A Small Double suits one adult or a narrow room. A Double suits two people who accept a snug fit.
This comparison is about UK plan sizes. The Small Double is sometimes called a three-quarter bed. It sits between a Single (90 cm wide) and a Double (135 cm wide).
What is the difference between Small Double and Double?
A UK Small Double is 120 × 190 cm (4ft). A UK Double is 135 × 190 cm (4ft 6). Both are 190 cm long, so only the width changes, by 15 cm. A Small Double suits one adult or a narrow room. A Double suits two people who accept a snug fit.
| Criterion | Small Double | Double |
|---|---|---|
| Mattress size | 120 × 190 cm | 135 × 190 cm |
| Shop name | 4ft (sometimes called three-quarter) | 4ft 6 |
| Width per person (two adults) | 60 cm each | 67.5 cm each |
| Length | 190 cm | 190 cm — the same |
| Room width with 50–60 cm walkways on both sides | About 220–240 cm | About 235–255 cm |
| Bedding | Look for Small Double or 120 cm on the label | Look for Double or 135 cm on the label |
| Common mix-up | Some EU mattresses are 120 × 200 cm — 10 cm longer | Not the same as an EU Double (140 × 200 cm) |
Who is Small Double for — and who should skip it?
- One adult who wants more room than a Single
- Narrow rooms, box rooms and guest rooms
- Teenagers moving up from a Single
Who is Double for — and who should skip it?
- Two people sharing most nights
- One sleeper who wants the extra 15 cm of width
- You want a standard couple size at 190 cm long
Frequently asked questions
Is a Small Double big enough for two people?
It is tight. Two adults get 60 cm each, which is 30 cm less each than a UK Single. Many couples prefer a Double at 135 cm or a King at 150 cm.
What is a three-quarter bed?
In the UK, a three-quarter bed usually means a Small Double: 120 × 190 cm, or 4ft. Always check the centimetres, because names vary between shops.
Will Double sheets fit a Small Double?
Not well. Double sheets are cut for a 135 cm width, so they sit loose on a 120 cm mattress. Small Double sheets give a neat fit.