Full/Double vs. Queen Mattress

In this guide, we look into similarities and differences between full/double and queen sizes, to help you make a less stressful and more informed decision once you decide it is the time to get a new mattress.

Written by:

Dusan

Last Updated: Tue, July 30, 2019

Picking up the right mattress for your bedroom can be stressful. You need to take several factors into account such as the size of your bedroom, your usual sleeping position, price, type of mattress, and whether you are sleeping alone or sharing your bed. Most mattresses today come in six standard sizes: twin, twin XL, full/double, queen, king, and California king. You can find and order some custom sized models, but these are the standard ones that you can find in almost any shop.

In this guide, we look into similarities and differences between full/double and queen sizes, to help you make a less stressful and more informed decision once you decide it is the time to get a new mattress.

Key Differences in Full/Double and Queen Sizes

Size	Full/double	Queen
Standard width	54”	60”
Standard length	75”	80”
Bedroom size	Minimum: 8 ½’ x 10 ¼’ Maximum: 10 ½’ x 10 ¼’	Minimum: 9’ x 11’ Maximum: 11’ x 11’
Price	$550 to $800	$800 to $1200
Sleeping arrangement	Single sleepers of average height who prefer some extra sleeping space	Single sleepers who prefer plenty of space, or couples that don’t need much space.

Full/Double Size Analysis

Full size beds are usually 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. It is a middle between standard twin size that is 39 inches wide and 75 inches long, and queen size that is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. It is most commonly used in commercial accommodations, such as dorm rooms, healthcare facilities, and double bed hotel rooms.

Pros of full/double size beds:

They require less space, as they are a little bit shorter and thinner than queen size. If you have a somewhere smaller bedroom, and you don’t plan on sharing your bed, this might be the right choice for you.
They are usually less expensive. There are few exceptions, but double size beds are generally $100 to $400 less cheap than the same model in queen size. Another thing that will save you some money is the fact that the sheets and mattresses are also cheaper in this size. Although the price varies by model, brand, and mattress type, double size beds are a good fit for those who don’t want to spend the extra money and are solo sleepers.
It has additional sleeping space for a single person. If you are not satisfied with how much room twin and twin XL mattresses offer, or you tend to toss, turn, or sleep in a starfish position, full size bed can provide you with that comfort.
Full size mattresses are widely available, so no matter what model or brand you pick, it should be available in this size.
The double mattresses are lighter and easier to move. They weight around 80 pounds, which makes it easier to move and maneuver them without additional help, unlike the queen size which can be somewhat trickier.

Cons of full/double size beds:

They are designed for a single sleeper, so if you plan on sleeping with your partner, know that this size is not fit for you.
They are too short for taller people and measure around 75 inches in length. That can be a problem if you are 6’3” or taller, and you don’t want your feet to hang outside the bed.
They can be too small for larger rooms. If you have a spacious bedroom and you put a full size bed in it, it might look out of proportion. If space is not the problem, maybe go for a larger size, and that way you’ll also have more room for a potential sleeping companion in the future.

Queen Size Analysis

Queen mattresses are the most popular ones, and they account for 40% of all mattress sales. Queen is considered an industry standard, and the manufacturers often use this size for display and default prices on their promoting product pages. You can find hotel rooms with a queen size bed universally around the country.

Pros of queen size beds:

It’s spacious, measuring 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. If you are a single sleeper and you don’t feel like the full size mattress is enough, this is the right size for you. It is also suitable for couples that don’t require to much space, or for people who are sleeping with their children or pets. They all like to curl up in bed, and if this is the case for you, it’s nice to have some room for comfortable cuddles.
Almost every mattress on the market is available in queen size.
It measures 80 inches in length, which is more than double size, making it suitable for even taller individuals who are 6’7” and shorter.

Cons of queen size beds:

They require a bigger bedroom. If you go for this one, keep in mind that your bedroom should be at least nine feet wide and eleven feet long for a queen size to fit comfortably. Always measure your room when you are buying a new bed, and if it’s smaller than this, maybe you should consider getting a smaller model.
They are more expensive. The average queen size mattresses cost from $800 to $1200, which makes them $100 to $400 pricier than the full size models. If you are on a tight budget, you can always look around for sales around holidays when their price is drastically reduced.
They are a bit heavier and weight from 80 to 100 pounds. While this is not the problem for some people, others might find them too heavy to maneuver or move on their own, and they might require assistance.

How to Decide What Size is Right for You?

There are several questions to ask yourself before deciding:

Are you a solo sleeper or do you share a bed with your partner?
This is very important when buying a new mattress. If you sleep alone, you need less space, so going for a smaller bed seems like a reasonable option. However, if you are sleeping with your partner, anything less than a queen is not suitable for couples. Even queen size is only right for those couples that don’t take too much space; otherwise, it might seem cramped.

You want to keep in mind that buying a new bed or a mattress is a somewhat long term investment. We change only a few beds in our lifetime, and the average lifespan of a mattress is somewhere around 7 to 8 years. Consider your lifestyle changes in the future, so even if you are a single sleeper at the moment, that can easily change. If you are frequently moving, you should consider getting a smaller size, as they are lighter and easy to move, and they can also fit in most bedrooms.

How much bedroom space do you have?
Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house, your bed should fit comfortably in your sleeping space. Other larger pieces of furniture can take up a lot of space in your bedroom, so if this happens to be the case, going for a smaller model might be appropriate. You also want to account the layout of the room, the position of the entrance, windows, closet doors, and if the bigger size doesn’t seem to fit with all of these factors included, go for the smaller one.

Even though it doesn’t seem like there is too much of difference between full and queen sizes, everybody with a smaller bedroom know how important those several inches can be. These are the standard mattress size and the appropriate square footage of a bedroom:

Twin: 2925 sq. in./ 20.3 sq. ft.
Twin XL: 3120 sq. in./ 21.7 sq. ft.
Full/Double: 4050 sq. in./ 28.1 sq. ft.
Queen: 4800 sq. in./ 33.3 sq. ft.
King: 6080 sq. in./ 42.2 sq. ft.
California King: 6048 sq. in./ 42 sq. ft

Do children or pets frequently share your bed?
Children can get scared during the night, and they might want to crawl up in your bed. If you are a pet owner, you know that your furry companions love cuddling up next to you until they fall asleep. Double size mattress means less room for everyone, so if you know your bed will be occupied, maybe a smart idea will be going for a queen size mattress. Children grow quickly, and cosleeping with them may become a little cramped. For everyone to get a good night sleep, you need a comfortable bed with enough space for everybody.

What is your usual sleeping position?
Sleeping position can be a huge factor when deciding between full and queen size mattress. Whether you prefer sleeping on the side, back, or stomach, your bed should provide you enough room to achieve this position and turn around if needed comfortably. If you are sharing a bed, consider their needs and sleeping position as well. You both might like to sprawl out, turn around and change positions during the night. In that case, extra width and length can be crucial for a good night’s rest.

Another factor to take into consideration is your body size. While double beds can support most people, some heavier individuals might have a problem. Also, keep in mind that if you are over 6’2” tall, you should go for a queen size so that your feet are not hanging from the bottom of your bed.

What is your sleeping budget?
For most shoppers, the decision usually comes down to the price. Double size models are generally $100 to $400 cheaper than queen size ones, so those on a tighter budget may go for this option.

Since mattress shopping is a long term investment, you shouldn’t settle down for a lower quality model. Start saving ahead of time, and search for retail sales around the holidays. You can also get a reasonable price on a less known brand without sacrificing quality. Once you’ve decided on what size you want, put the budget into an equation, and find the perfect mattress for both your needs and pockets.

The Bottom Line

Full/double size mattresses are suitable for single sleepers who are not over 6’2” tall, and like a little additional space that standard twin doesn’t provide. While they are not ideal for couples, they are perfect for guest rooms and temporary residential places such as motels and dorm rooms.

On the other hand, queen size beds are great for single sleepers who are a little bit taller, but not over 6’7”, and they require even extra sleeping space. They can also be a good fit for couples who like snuggling during the night and don’t mind a narrow sleep surface.

Of course, these are all subjective parameters, and the best way is to go to a shop and to check what size suits you best. Most of the retailers provide a free sleeping trial, where you can return your mattress if it doesn’t feel good during the initial trial period. The trial period can last up to 90 days for some manufacturers. Keep in mind that your bed should offer you excellent lumbar support and that it plays a huge role in musculoskeletal pain you might feel after resting inappropriately. Read up the online reviews, consider all of the mentioned factors, use that free trial period, and you’ll get your perfect mattress.

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Dusan

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Dusan is a biologist, a science enthusiast and a huge nature lover. He loves to keep up to date with all the new research and write accurate science-based articles. When he’s not writing or reading, you can find him in the kitchen, trying out new delicious recipes; out in the wild, enjoying the nature or sleeping in his bed.