Mattress Size Comparison: King Vs. Queen
In today’s battle of mattresses, we are going to focus and compare the two probably most sold sizes, king and queen, and to see if there really is a big difference between them and is bigger the better?
In today’s battle of mattresses, we are going to focus and compare the two probably most sold sizes, king and queen, and to see if there really is a big difference between them and is bigger the better?
Besides plenty of different mattress manufacturers and constructions, there is also a lot of available sizes to choose from. In today’s battle of mattresses, we are going to focus and compare the two probably most sold sizes, king and queen, and to see if there really is a big difference between them and is bigger the better?
For additional information about other dimensions, feel free to check our mattress size chart.
While their construction remains the same, their size is the thing which makes that small but significant difference. Compared to other standard mattress dimensions, the king and queen are pretty similar in size, so how different can they be? In the chart below we gathered and compared their key features in one place.
| Features: | King mattress | Queen mattress |
| Length and width | 80 x 76 inches | 80 x 60 inches |
| Width per person | 38 inches | 30 inches |
| Room size | 10 x 14 feet | 10 x 12 feet |
| Popularity | 7% of all mattress purchases | 32% of all mattress purchases |
| Cost | From 1000$ to 1700$ | From 800$ to 1200$ |
| Usage | Usually for master bedrooms | Mostly for guest rooms or smaller bedrooms |
| Suitable for | Couples and families | Singles or couples |
In the chart above, we inserted standard dimensions for king and queen mattress size. Those sizes, as well as everything you may need for them, bed frames, bed sheets, etc can be easily found. However, you can also bump into non-standard king and queen models, and that may cause you more troubles than you think. So, do not ever presume that every queen and king come in their standard and widely known size, because you may be unpleasantly surprised when you find out that it does not fit your room or bed frame. Always check the details and measure your own bed to see will it fit.
Here is the list of some most common non-standard king and queen dimensions:
King sized mattresses were introduced in the 40s when it was usual to combine two twin beds and represent them as one large bed. Later in the 50s king gained its popularity and became famous as the best option for master bedroom.
King is the largest standard size that is available, many often make a mistake and think that California king is the largest, but that is not the case. California king bed is 72 x 84 inches, which means that it covers 6,048 square inches, while the dimensions of a regular king models are 76 x 80 inches, and it covers 6,080 square inches, which makes it the largest bed on the market.
Here are some of the advantages of a king size mattress:
Disadvantages of a king size mattress:
Queen size beds are a standard in the bed industry, and most of the brands use queen size models for their advertising. They are today so popular among sleepers that they make around 40% of all mattress sales. Standard queen is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, so one size smaller than the king, and one size larger than the full-size beds.
The queen size was introduced during the 40s and 50s together with the king size. However, in 1999 the queen beds became the most popular size in America, for the first time ever, by beating the twin size. Being 16 inches more narrow than the king, and 6 inches wider than the full, made the queen size the perfect size for those who are looking for the comfort of a king size bed, but their room is not big enough to accommodate it.
Advantages of a queen size mattress:
Disadvantages of a queen size mattress:
The difference between a queen and king can seem insignificant at first, but the more you think about it, the more you will hesitate when you start weighing their pros and cons. Here are some things you should consider when opting between a king and a queen size bed:
Depending on the preferred sleep position, your body will take a different amount of space. If you like to sleep on your back, you will need more space than a side sleeper, and if your bed partner is also a back or stomach sleeper, you two will need a bigger model.
Investing and spending a bit more in a quality bed is never a mistake; however, there is no need to break the bank for a bed because there are plenty of affordable models. Do your research or be patient and wait for some exclusive offers, sales, and discount coupons.
Measure your room and see how much can fit in, there is no point in pushing in the king size bed if you are not going to be able to move around it. The somewhat universal rule is that you need at least 2 feet (61 cm) around three sides of the bed, but if you plan to furnish your room, you will probably need a lot more. If you are renting a place, and you will most likely have to move at some point, take that into consideration too, because kings can be heavy to move and transport. Also, think about the corridors and stairs in your building or house.
If you are single, you have the luxury of having the entire bed for yourself, and you will probably be okay with both sizes regardless of your weight. However, for couples who are more on the heavier side, queen sized bed might be too tight, and they should consider opting for the king size if possible. Also, taller people will probably find queen size too short.
Occasional sleepover guests such as kids and pets can suddenly turn your spacious bed into a surface too small for the entire crew. If you like to snuggle in bed with your kids on weekend mornings, think about the king or California king models.
The difference in size between these two models can be negligible for some, while for others it can play a significant role. The truth is that both beds are large enough and the choice depends on personal needs, preferences and available space.
Queen will definitely suit all single sleepers, while some couples and families may need extra space and comfort that a king size can offer. However, if your bedroom is not big enough, then you do not have much choice.
If you are still unsure, we recommended checking both sizes in store, or if you are into online-only mattress brands, you can use the free trial period which nowadays almost every company offers. If it is suitable for your needs, great, if not, you can return it without any costs. That way you will be sure that you made the right decision.
She would be a morning person if mornings started at noon. Art historian, taurus, coffee lover, traveler, F1 fan who hates to drive, and well experienced insomniac with one life goal, to sleep like a coala for up to 20 hours per day.