Are you wondering whether you need a bed fit for a queen—or a king? In the king-size vs. queen-size mattress debate, there’s more to consider than mere dimensions. Whether you’re a single person or a growing family, personal preference is likely the most important factor. Even if you don’t technically need more space, there might be benefits to a bigger bed that help you sleep more soundly. On the other hand, you might feel cozy and secure with less space.
Here's everything you need to know in the king-size vs. queen-size mattress showdown.
Most people focus on researching the correct firmness level or mattress material before buying a new bed. And while those factors are essential for a restful night’s sleep, the size of your bed also comes with a plethora of pros and cons that you may not even realize. To aid in your search, we’re outlining everything you need to know in the king-size vs. queen-size mattress showdown and handpicking a few options we’ve personally reviewed and recommended.
King-Size Vs. Queen-Size Mattress Dimensions
King-size dimensions: The dimensions of a king-size mattress are 76 x 80 inches, which is 16 inches wider than a queen-size mattress. The surface area is 6,080 square inches.
Queen-size dimensions: The dimensions of a queen-size mattress are 60 x 80 inches. While it’s less wide, it’s the same length as a king-size mattress. The surface area is 4,800 square inches.
King-Size Vs. Queen-Size Mattress Similarities And Differences
A King-Size Mattress Is Best For:
- Those who sleep with children
- Couples who still want to move around comfortably
- Those who sleep with pets
- Those with ample bedroom space
- Couples who don’t want to be disturbed by their partner
A Queen-Size Mattress Is Best For:
- A single person who moves around at night
- A single person who sleeps with a pet or a child
- Those with a small bedroom
- Couples who don’t sleep with children or pets
- Those who want extra space in their bedroom for additional furniture or a desk
Price
You can expect to pay more for a king-size mattress than a queen-size mattress. For example, the cost of the picks featured in our best king-size mattresses ranges from $337 to $2,799, while our list of the best queen-size mattresses includes prices starting at $749 and going up to $2,599. You may also have to consider the price of a bed frame if you don’t already have one, which also tends to be more expensive in king size.
Comfort
The size of a mattress plays an important role in a person’s overall comfort. For example, if a person loves sprawling out and prefers ample space without encroaching on your partner, a king-size mattress is likely the most comfortable for that situation. On the other hand, if a couple enjoys cuddling and sleeps better with the security of a partner, a queen-size bed might be the perfect fit. It’s also essential to consider body type, and that a taller or heavier person might be most comfortable on a larger mattress.
King-Size Vs. Queen-Size Mattress Pros And Cons
King-Size Pros
- Suitable for couples, even if they toss and turn at night
- Spacious enough for couples with children or pets
- Fits comfortably in most standard bedrooms
King-Size Cons
- More expensive than a queen size
- Might be too short for individuals over 6 feet 2 inches tall
- Heavier to move
Queen-Size Pros
- The smaller footprint leaves more space for other furniture
- As the most popular mattress size, it’s compatible with more accessories and furniture at an affordable price
- Versatile enough for an average-size couple or a single person without feeling too cramped or too spacious
Queen-Size Cons
- Not spacious enough for couples to also accommodate children or pets
- Too narrow for couples who toss and turn at night
- Might be too short for individuals over 6 feet 2 inches tall
King-Size Vs. Queen-Size Mattress: What To Consider While Shopping
Who’s Sharing The Bed
Both queen- and king-size mattresses are designed to fit two people. However, sleeping position and personal preferences play a huge role when considering what size bed to choose. If couples love to sleep close and cuddle, a queen bed might be comfortable and cozy. On the other hand, combination sleepers who toss and turn or partners who need space to sleep soundly likely appreciate the extra space a king mattress offers. Don’t forget about children and furry friends—those who have a child sneaking into bed at night or often sleep with a pet want to take into consideration the extra space needed.
Room Size
The size of a room is crucial when deciding which size mattress to choose. It impacts the space you have to move freely around the room and whether you’re able to add more furniture, such as a dresser or desk. The suggested room size to fit a queen-size mattress is a minimum of 10 x 10 feet, while a king-size mattress fits best in a room no smaller than 12 x 12 feet.
Your Height And Body Weight
When considering what size mattress to buy, there’s so much more to consider than simply how many people are sharing a bed. For example, a couple who both have lower body weights and are under six feet tall likely feel comfortable with a queen-size bed, while plus-size bodies and above-average heights likely appreciate the extra space a king can offer. It’s important to note that while a queen and king mattress are both 80 inches long, the extra width a king provides offers space for a tall person to sleep diagonally and not have their feet hang over the edge.
Under-Bed Storage
In an average-size room, a queen-size bed leaves more space for other furniture, from side tables to a dresser. If a king-size bed fits your situation best, but you also need additional storage, consider utilizing under-bed storage. This can look like totes pushed under a bed frame or a frame with drawers on each side. The larger bed offers the most space-saving storage. Under-bed storage is also helpful for small rooms with queen beds.
Ease Of Transport
King mattresses are bigger and heavier than queen mattresses. While this may not seem to be a big deal to a person who lives in a spacious single-story home and never plans to move, the ease of transporting a mattress should be acknowledged. For example, those who live in a third-floor apartment need to take into consideration the weight of a mattress when carrying it up the stairs. The dimensions also make a difference with entryways or fitting into an elevator. The additional weight and dimensions matter if you plan to move often.
Type Of Mattress
There are many variations of queen- and king-size mattresses, as well as several types of materials. When considering variations, some queen- and king-size mattresses are available as a split, which means you get two smaller mattresses that make up the total dimensions. For example, a split queen (which isn’t as common) consists of two mattresses that each measure 30 x 80 inches. A split-king mattress is made up of two twin XL mattresses that each measure 38 x 80 inches.
Mattresses come in many materials, which can affect their weight and packaging. While innerspring mattresses tend to weigh less, they are less likely to come in a compact box, meaning it’s difficult to navigate around doorways and hallways. However, many foam mattresses are sold as a bed in a box, which means they arrive in a small box that is easier to transport, although they’re sometimes heavier than innerspring types.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The staff and contributors at Forbes Vetted know that quality sleep is crucial to overall health—that’s why we’re committed to thoroughly researching and personally testing products that can change your life. Check out our extensive library full of mattress reviews, bedding guides and expert advice. We also form and maintain relationships with mattress brands and industry experts to ensure we stay up-to-date on the latest releases and advice. Lastly, we regularly update articles for accuracy. This story was last updated in March 2024 by Forbes Vetted senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman.
How Much Bigger Is A King Mattress Than A Queen?
The dimensions of a queen-size mattress measure 60 x 80 inches, while a king-size mattress measures 76 x 80 inches. While both mattresses are the same length at 80 inches, a king-size mattress is 16 inches wider.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A King-Size Bed?
First, a king-size bed is more expensive than a queen-size bed. This includes accessories, a mattress and a bed frame. Since it's bigger, a king size might not fit in smaller bedrooms and is also heavier to transport.
Do Most Couples Have A King Or Queen Bed?
The most popular bed size is a queen, which is also considered the top choice for couples as it should fit two people. However, it’s also essential to consider body weight, height and who else is sharing the bed, including pets and children.
Can I Put A King-Size Mattress On A Queen Bed?
No, a king-size mattress doesn’t fit on a queen bed frame. A queen-size mattress is 16 inches smaller in width, which means a king mattress would hang over each side by 8 inches.
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