Weighted Blanket Guide: How to Choose the Right Size & Weight

If you’re one of the reported 50-70 million US adults living with a sleep disorder, you may have tried seemingly everything under the sun (or moon) to try to get the quality rest your body needs. But have you tried a weighted blanket? If not, you may be wondering things like what size you need, how heavy should it be and whether or not a weighted blanket can actually be too heavy. If that’s the case—you've landed in the right place!

In this article you will learn more about the different sizes and weights of the blankets to help find the right one for you.

Overview: Weighted Blanket Sizes

Weighted blankets have various benefits, and choosing the right size to suit your bed (and your body) is the first step. We’ve found that a queen size weighted blanket is typically the best option for most adults.

Here's why:

• It's roomy enough for 1 or 2 people to share.
• Its manageable size ensures the weighted fill stays evenly distributed.
• A queen size weighted blanket is a great "middle-of-the-road" option that 2 partners, or one individual, can and benefit from.

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What Size Weighted Blanket Should I Get?

There are 5 common sizes of weighted blankets on the market, and you may be wondering how to determine which size to select. Don’t worry; we have you covered!

When selecting your size, keep in mind that a weighted blanket is much smaller than a traditional blanket or comforter and isn’t designed to be tucked in or draped over the edges of your bed. Weighted blankets are for covering the person under them, not the entire bed.

When choosing a size, first ask yourself these questions to help clarify your needs:

• What will I be using my weighted blanket for?
• Is my blanket going to be used at bedtime or for relaxing on the couch?
• Will I be sharing the weighted blanket?
• Do I move around a lot throughout the night?
• Will my weighted blanket be used over the lap or the whole body?

Once you’ve identified its intended use, it’s time to move on to the next step! Below, we’ve broken down the typical size options and who it’s a good fit for.

Twin Size

A standard twin size weighted blanket is 38 inches by 72 inches. If you have a child who may soon outgrow their twin mattress and move up to a full size bed, consider searching for a slightly wider twin sized blanket (50 inches x 72 inches) to extend the life of this essential sleep accessory.

Who should get a twin size weighted blanket?

We recommend choosing a twin size if you plan to use it on the couch while relaxing. It’s also a great choice for children, smaller adults sleeping alone or couples who prefer different weights.

Full Size

Generally, a full size weighted blanket is 50 to 56 inches wide by 72 inches long. A 50 inch by 72 inch weighted blanket will be just the right size to accommodate one person sleeping in a full-size bed.

Who should get a full size weighted blanket?

A full size weighted blanket is great for teenagers or larger adults sleeping alone.

Queen Size

A queen size blanket is usually 60 inches by 80 inches. Remember: this will just cover the surface area of a queen size mattress, if that’s what you have.

Who should get a queen size weighted blanket?

In our opinion, everyone! Choose a queen size if you are new to weighted blankets or can’t decide on the correct size. This size should be more than enough to completely cover tall or larger adults. Queen size weighted blankets will easily stay in place for even the most restless of sleepers.

King Size

A king size weighted blanket typically has dimensions of 80 inches by 86 inches. While you might assume bigger is better, this size may actually be too cumbersome to lift, when you factor in the weight! If you suspect this may be the case, opt for two smaller weighted blankets to accommodate everyone’s sleeping needs.

Who should get a king size weighted blanket?

A king size weighted blanket is great for couples. Avoid using a king size blanket on smaller beds, or you may end up having to hoist it off the floor in the middle of the night.

Child Size

A king size weighted blanket typically has dimensions of 80 inches by 86 inches. While you might assume bigger is better, this size may actually be too cumbersome to lift, when you factor in the weight! If you suspect this may be the case, opt for two smaller weighted blankets to accommodate everyone’s sleeping needs.

Who should get a child size weighted blanket?

Adults who wish to use their weighted blanket on their laps while relaxing and children of all ages. Note: most young children require a 5-pound weighted blanket regardless of the bed size.

How Heavy Should My Weighted Blanket Be?

Weighted blankets work by providing a calming weight on the sleeper. This feeling helps to stimulate serotonin and melatonin, two hormones that can boost your mood and help you get a good night’s sleep. It’s kind of like when a pet crawls on top of you for a nice cozy nap.

To achieve these incredible benefits, some experts recommend that your blanket weigh around 10% of your total body weight. With weighted blankets ranging anywhere from 5-20 pounds, our experience is that a 15-pound queen size blanket is just right for most adults.

Note: When selecting a weighted blanket for a child, it’s best to consult with a physician to get an expert opinion on what weight is best for them.

Can weighted blankets be too heavy?

The answer is yes; a weighted blanket can be too heavy if you don’t select the right size for its intended use. Moreover,avoid weighted blankets exceeding 35 pounds altogether as they can be restrictive and make falling asleep difficult.

Your weighted blanket is too heavy if you feel anxious, restless or too restricted. Your weighted blanket is “just right,” on the other hand, if you feel comfortable, snug and relaxed.

If you’re unable to shift and move comfortably under your blanket, look for one that is in the 15-pound range.

Weighted Blanket Size & Weight Chart

To further support you in selecting the right size and weight for your new weighted blanket, we’ve put together a size & weight chart to reference below. Take a look and see which option is right for you: