Choosing the right bed can be tricky, and mattress size is a big part of that decision. Two popular options are the full and queen size beds. But what are the exact queen vs full size bed dimensions, and how do they compare?
This article breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your needs. We’ll compare the size, comfort level, cost, and room requirements of both full and queen beds.
Whether you’re single or part of a couple, deciding between a full and a queen bed can be difficult. Keep reading to get the information you need to make the best decision.
Dimensions and Size Comparison
Let’s get down to the numbers. Here’s a breakdown of the dimensions for full and queen mattresses:
Full Mattress Dimensions
A full mattress, sometimes called a double mattress here in the United States and in Canada, measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. That means each person gets 27 inches of personal width.
Queen Mattress Dimensions
A queen mattress comes in at 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Each sleeper gets 30 inches of width on a queen mattress.
As you can see, queen mattresses are 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than full mattresses.
Surface Area Comparison
The surface area of a full mattress is 3,975 square inches, while a queen mattress gives you 4,800 square inches to spread out on.
Comfort and Suitability
When it comes to mattresses, “comfort” is a really subjective thing. What feels amazing to one person might feel awful to someone else. That said, we can make some general statements about how a full or queen bed might suit certain people.
Full mattresses are usually a good bet for single sleepers, couples who like to cuddle, or a guest room. If you sleep alone and don’t mind being a little cramped, a full bed can work great.
Queen mattresses are a better choice for couples who want a little more personal space. They’re also good for taller people who need the extra length, or anyone who just likes to spread out.
Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what feels most comfortable to you.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to price, a full-size mattress is usually the more budget-friendly option upfront. However, it’s not quite that simple.
While the mattress itself might be cheaper, queen-size accessories, like sheets and bed frames, can sometimes cost more than their full-size counterparts. This is simply because queen is a more popular size.
For example, you can expect to pay anywhere from $899 to $2,099 for a good full mattress. A comparable queen mattress may cost between $1,049 and $2,249. The cost of ownership is something to keep in mind over the years as you replace sheets, frames, and other accessories.
How big should my bedroom be?
Before you order a new mattress, it’s important to think about the size of your bedroom. You don’t want to feel cramped, and you want to be able to move around comfortably.
For a full-size bed, a room that’s about 9×10 or 10×12 feet is usually a good fit.
If you’re considering a queen, you’ll probably want a bedroom that’s around 10×10 or 10×14 feet.
In either case, aim to leave about 2-3 feet of open space around your bed so you can move around easily. One good tip is to draw a floor plan to see how the mattress will fit in your space.
Mattress frames and accessories
Full-size and queen-size mattresses require different frames. A queen mattress won’t fit on a full-size frame, and a full-size mattress will be too small for a queen-size frame. It’s important to match your mattress and frame sizes.
Also, keep in mind that sheets made for a full-size mattress won’t fit a queen-size mattress. You’ll need to buy queen-size sheets if you upgrade to a queen-size bed.
Full vs. queen mattress: pros and cons
Both full and queen mattresses can be a good choice, depending on your needs and the size of your space. Here’s a quick look at the upsides and downsides of each.
Full mattress
Pros
- More budget-friendly than a queen
- Easier to fit in a small bedroom
- Good for solo sleepers
- Perfect for a guest room
Cons
- Can feel cramped for couples
- Less personal space if you’re sharing the bed
Queen mattress
Pros
- Comfortable for couples
- More personal space than a full
- Better for taller people
Cons
- More expensive than a full
- Needs more floor space
What to consider when choosing
When deciding between a full and queen mattress, think about what you value most in your sleep experience. You’ll want to consider:
- Price: Full mattresses are generally more affordable.
- Bedroom size: Full mattresses fit better in smaller rooms.
- Comfort: Queen mattresses give solo sleepers more room to stretch.
- Partners: Queen mattresses give couples more sleeping space.
- Age and physical needs: As people get older, they may need more space and support.
How many people sleep on a queen or full mattress?
The queen size is the most popular mattress size in the United States. According to a 2017 study, 47% of American adults sleep on a queen mattress. Only 14% sleep on a full-size mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a queen mattress on a full frame?
Nope, those sizes just don’t match up. A queen mattress is wider and longer than a full frame.
Are full and queen sheets the same?
Definitely not. Full sheets are smaller, so they’ll be too snug (or just plain won’t fit) on a queen mattress.
Will a full mattress fit a queen frame?
No way. A full mattress will be too small and leave a big gap in a queen frame. It’ll look awkward and won’t be supportive.
Can a couple sleep on a full mattress?
You can, but it might feel a little cramped. A queen is usually the way to go if you’re sharing a bed.
Full vs. Double Bed Size: What’s the Difference?
Trick question! They’re actually the same size. “Full” and “double” are just different names for the same bed.
In Closing
Full and queen mattresses differ in size and cost, and each has its own advantages. When deciding which mattress is right for you, it’s important to consider your individual needs. The “best” choice depends on your personal preferences, the size of your bedroom, and your budget.