King Vs. Queen — What’s the Difference?

People considering a mattress for their master bedroom often have trouble deciding between a king and a queen size mattress. Queen mattresses are the more popular choice, but king mattresses offer a luxurious amount of space.

The best mattress for you depends on many factors, such as budget and room size. Our guide will discuss the differences between the two to help you decide which is the right choice.

What is a King Mattress?

A king size mattress is the largest of the six common bed sizes. It measures 76 inches by 80 inches and offers 6080 square inches of sleeping space. Couples can enjoy their personal space on a king bed, while a solo sleeper can sprawl as they wish.

There are two common variations on a standard king mattress, a California king mattress, and a split king mattress. A California king mattress is 4 inches narrower than a regular king mattress. Sometimes a California king mattress is also known as a Western king, while a standard king is an Eastern king.

A split king mattress is the same size as a regular king mattress, only it’s divided in half. Each side is 38 inches by 80 inches, equal to a twin XL mattress. This lets you sleep on your chosen firmness while your partner sleeps on a mattress with a different feel.

Split mattresses pair well with an adjustable bed base. Each half can be adjusted independently, letting you sleep in one position and your partner in another. Some split king mattresses are only divided at the top, allowing you to raise the head of the bed.

Queen and California king mattresses also come in split sizes. However, split king mattresses are the most common size.

Pros of a King Mattress

• Plenty of sleeping surface
• Couples can have personal space
• Easily available split options

Cons of a King Mattress

• Heavy
• Sometimes costly
• Can feel cramped in smaller bedrooms

What is a Queen Mattress?

A queen mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches. It’s the most popular size, likely because a queen bed is a versatile option. Couples can share a queen mattress without feeling constricted, while a solo sleeper has space to stretch out or move around. However, some couples may find a queen mattress too small, as each half has 8 inches less than a standard twin bed.

If you have a larger guest room and want to be able to accommodate two, a queen mattress is an excellent choice. Other considerations for a mattress for a guest room include its feel, how noisy it is when a sleeper moves, and how well it prevents motion transfer.

There are a few variations on a standard queen size mattress. There’s the California queen, which is four inches longer than a regular queen. And the Olympic queen, which has an extra 6 inches of width.

There’s also split queen mattresses, which are technically two mattresses pushed together to form a standard queen. Dividing the mattress in half lets each partner set up their side of the bed. Split queen mattresses are uncommon, and you may have to special order one if you’re interested.

Pros of a Queen Mattress

• Suits single sleepers and couples
• Perfect for small master bedrooms or a larger bedroom

Cons of a Queen Mattress

• May not fit in a smaller bedroom
• Too short or narrow for some couples

What Sets the Two Apart

When we compare a queen mattress to a king, a few differences are readily apparent. Others might require a bit more thought to become clear. That’s why we compiled a list of how queen and king mattresses differ.

Price

One of the most obvious differences between queen and king mattresses is their prices. A king mattress costs more since more material goes into it. Related accessories such as a bed frame and sheets also carry higher rates for a king bed than a queen.

Bedroom Size

A too-large mattress can make a small bedroom feel even tinier, and this effect may keep you from falling asleep. You want to have at least 2 feet of clear floor space on each side of the bed and 5 feet at the foot of the bed. Then you’ll have space to walk around without feeling like your room is cluttered or cramped. Don’t forget to account for bedroom furniture as well, such as a nightstand or dresser.

When it comes to room size recommendations, a queen mattress can fit comfortably in a room that’s at least 10 feet by 10 feet. A king mattress may take up too much space if the room is smaller than 12 feet by 12 feet.

Your Size, Weight, and Preferences

It’s not only the room size you have to consider, but your size as well. If you or your partner are larger than the average person, you might want a king mattress to accommodate the two of you better.

You and your partner might also want to discuss how close you want to be when you sleep. Some couples like to be close, but others might need to spread out to prevent an early awakening. If personal space is a priority, a king mattress might be the better choice.

Availability of Accessories

When it comes to the bed basics—pillows, sheets, bed frames, and box springs—a king and queen size are equally easy to find. Naturally, king-size accessories tend to cost more since they require more material. However, you’re unlikely to find a brand that only carries one and not the other.

You might struggle with finding certain variations of adjustable bases. Most companies that offer a queen size bed also offer a king size and vice versa. However, you’ll find far more options for a split king base than you will for a split queen base. If you’re planning on sharing a mattress and want the freedom to customize your side of the bed, a king mattress might be the better choice.

Other Mattress Sizes

We’ve talked about queen and king mattresses, and even touched briefly on variations such as the California king. However, a larger mattress size might not be the right choice for you. Maybe you have a smaller bedroom, and the best mattress for you is one that saves on floor space while still providing a good night’s sleep.

We’ll cover the three other mattress sizes you might want to consider.

Twin

If you don’t count a crib mattress, a twin mattress is the smallest standard mattress size. A twin bed is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. It’s a common choice for children’s rooms, guest rooms, and studio apartments.

Twin XL

At 38 inches by 80 inches, a twin XL mattress is 5 inches longer than the standard twin mattress. If you want a mattress that can last a child through their teen years, a twin XL mattress is a sure bet. College dorms often have frames that fit twin XL mattresses, to accommodate all kinds of single sleepers.

Full

A full size mattress is 54 long inches by 75 inches wide, 16 inches wider than a twin mattress. It provides a solo sleeper with a luxurious amount of space while fitting in most smaller bedrooms.

Many people wonder if couples can share a full size mattress. While we can’t deny that some couples do, we don’t recommend it. If you try to share a full mattress, you’ll be left with about 27 inches of room to spread out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bigger is a king size bed than a queen?

A king mattress is 16 inches wider than a queen mattress. For couples who are used to sleeping alone in a twin size bed, a king mattress can provide them with the same amount of sleeping space.

Should I get a full or a queen bed?

It depends on whether you plan to sleep alone or share your bed. If it’s just a bed for you, a full or queen size mattress can suit your needs. You’ll just want to consider your room size and budget to determine which is the better mattress for you.

However, if you want a mattress for two to share, we have to recommend a queen size bed. Half of a full mattress provides about 27 inches of sleeping space—that’s about as wide as a crib mattress and almost a foot narrower than a twin mattress. Most couples will feel cramped on a full bed.

What is the best bed for couples?

Either a queen or a king mattress is an excellent choice for a couple’s mattress. The right mattress for you will depend on your bedroom’s size and how much you’re willing to budget for a new bed.

When you’re considering a mattress, we recommend looking for one with motion-isolating materials. Memory foam is a good choice, as is latex and even poly-foam.

Which Mattress is Right for Me?

When it comes to king and queen mattresses, more people opt for a queen bed. Both are great options for a master bedroom, though you may have to choose a queen if you plan on upgrading a smaller bedroom.

Consider how much floor space you’ll need for walking around the room and where you’ll place bedroom furniture. If your bedroom feels cramped, you may find it difficult to fall asleep at night. The right mattress size will make it easier for you to get a good night’s sleep.