King vs. Queen Mattress


The most popular mattress sizes among couples and adults are king and queen mattresses. This is because they're large enough to fit heavyweight sleepers, tall sleepers and more than one sleeper comfortably.

A king mattress is obviously bigger than a queen mattress, but it isn't always the best pick. If your room isn't as spacious, a king size mattress may make it feel cramped. However, if your room can fit a queen bed and a full bed with extra space to spare, then upgrading to the larger king size mattress may be the better option.

If you're having trouble deciding whether a queen or king size mattress is best for you, we're here to help.

King Bed Dimensions

King-size beds are the largest standard mattress size available, measuring 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. A king mattress is a popular choice among couples, especially those who’d wish to avoid bumping into each other. Each person gets up to 38 inches of personal space, similar to what you’d receive from a twin-size bed. King mattresses may cost more than queen-size beds as they’re larger and feature more materials. 

If you plan to buy a king-size mattress, ensure you have enough space. For instance, if you’re using a master bedroom, it should be about 13 feet by 13 feet to leave enough space for a king bed frame and other furniture. The cost of a king-size bed ranges between $1,000 and $4,000. Those shopping on a limited budget can also find the best King mattress under 1000

Generally, the price you pay for your mattress will depend on the type of materials it contains. For instance, natural materials, such as organic cotton covers or latex foam, can drive up the price. 

Queen Bed Dimensions

Queen beds measure 60 inches by 80 inches and are more versatile than king-size mattresses. They’re popular options among couples and single adults. Most couples love queen-size mattresses because they’re more affordable than king beds, but they still offer plenty of sleeping space for both people. 

On the other hand, single adults may view queen beds as a luxury upgrade from twin, twin XL, and full-size mattresses. They enjoy plenty of room to spread out and change sleep positions without worrying about rolling off the mattress. Aside from sleeping space, there are other vital factors, such as height and sleeping position, that solo sleepers should consider when choosing between a twin vs full bed.

Measuring about 10 feet by 10 feet in size, queen mattresses can fit inside average and large rooms. They’re also excellent for guest rooms as they can accommodate one to two sleepers. Your guest will love the extra sleeping space, and you won’t have to worry about your guest bedroom accommodating more than one person.

A queen-size mattress costs less than a king mattress because it’s smaller and contains fewer materials. Expect to pay between $700 to $2,000 for high-quality queen mattresses. Shoppers on a budget may want to check out the best queen mattress under 1000

King and Queen Mattress Comparison Table

The difference between a king and queen bed can be negligible for some sleepers, but the king’s wider width can mean an improved sleep quality for others. Both king and queen mattresses offer the same length, but king-size beds are 16 inches wider than queen mattresses and are considered best for couples who need more wiggle room. 

Similarly, single adults who prefer to spread their hands and legs while sleeping may find queen-sized beds appropriate. These mattresses also suit light and compact sleepers or individuals with small bedrooms. 

The table below provides a quick comparison of king and queen mattresses.

Parameter

Queen size Mattress

King size Mattress

Width

60 inches

76inches

Length

80 inches

80 inches

Area per Person

30 inches by 80 inches

38 inches by 80 inches

Height

10 inches by 14 inches

10 inches to 14 inches

Width

48 Ibs to 76 Ibs

61 Ibs to 96 Ibs

Room size Recommendation

10 feet by 10 feet

13 feet by 13 feet

Room Preference

Smaller rooms like a Guest room

Master bedrooms

Cost

Moderately priced

Expensive- Extra space comes at a cost.

Best Active Sale

While the above comparison table provides a quick and easy summary, there are other considerations to keep in mind when choosing between these two sizes.

Pros of a King Bed

Thanks to its size, a king-size bed offers more room to stretch out, and it may also come with several health benefits, including improved blood circulation and better sleep quality. Most sleep-related problems, such as insomnia, come down to the comfort and support factor, which is quite hard to find in less spaces. With a king mattress, you and your partner are less likely to disrupt each other’s sleep or wake up with numb limbs. Pregnant women can also benefit from the space king-size mattresses provide.

Here are some benefits of sleeping on a king-size mattress:

Improve Sleep

A king-size mattress lets you and your partner move around in bed without bumping into each other. This can significantly improve sleep quality as you won’t worry about nighttime disruptions. A smaller sleep surface gives you and your sleep partner less space, making it quite challenging to switch positions without waking each other.

Free Body Movement

Your right foot dangling over your mattress or an uncomfortable angle for your hand isn’t exactly the right way to sleep. Your body should be relaxed and more open while sleeping, which is why king mattresses will work like a charm, helping you spread out and relax in comfort. 

Motion Isolation

If you share your mattress with a restless partner, a smaller sleep surface can likely transfer their body movements onto your side of the mattress and disturb your sleep. Rather than missing out on restorative sleep, switch to a king-size bed that offers excellent motion isolation, sparing you from your partner’s marathon night.

Better Blood Circulation

A king mattress gives you more room to spread out. This helps prevent any awkward sleeping position that could obstruct blood flow, giving rise to painful pins and needles. 

Cons of a King Bed

While king mattresses have numerous benefits that can improve your sleep quality, you may also find some factors that won’t complement your needs. 

Below are some drawbacks of a king-size mattress to look out for:

Not Easy to Move

If you shift houses or change rooms a lot, then going for a king mattress might not be a wise choice. These mattresses are big and bulky, making them incredibly hard to move without help.

Needs a Big Room

While sleepers usually go for king mattresses for their impressively large dimensions, you should also keep in mind that they need an equally large accommodation. To accommodate a king mattress, your bedroom should be approximately 13 feet by 13 feet in size. That said, sleepers thinking of getting this bed for a standard-size room should take a step back as it will eat up the entire space, which is neither functional nor aesthetically pleasing.

Hard to Find Sleep Accessories

Finding sleep accessories for a king-size mattress is a task compared to queen mattresses. So, be prepared for limited options and some extra scouring. 

Expensive

Owing to their size and build, king-size beds are slightly more expensive than standard queen or twin mattresses. Plus, their accessories are also hard to find, which adds to the cost factor. 

Pros of a Queen Bed

Unlike king-size mattresses, queen mattresses are more affordable and versatile. Aside from giving you more room than twin mattresses, queen-size beds are also perfect additions to guest rooms. 

Here are some benefits of choosing a queen mattress:

More Affordable

A queen bed is perfect if you’ve just moved in with your partner and you’re on a tight budget. King mattresses usually cost $100 to $400 more than queen-size ones. With a queen bed, you and your spouse can enjoy plenty of space without breaking the bank. Moreover, queen mattresses fit most bedrooms, meaning you won’t have to worry about your room feeling too cramped. 

Versatile

Most bedrooms in the U.S. measure 11 feet by 12 feet in size, making queen-size mattresses the perfect fit for most homeowners. Your room should have enough floor space for dressers, lamps, and nightstands, not to mention a queen size bed frame.

Ideal for Couples and Solo Sleepers

Queen-size mattresses are suitable for solo sleepers and couples alike. Each individual gets about 30 inches of sleeping space, giving couples plenty of space to move around. If you often switch positions throughout the night, you should have enough space in a queen-sized bed to avoid disrupting your partner.

Cons of a Queen Bed

In addition to their versatility and affordable price tag, queen mattresses have disadvantages, as discussed below:

Not as Spacious as a King-size Mattress

Naturally, a queen-size mattress doesn’t offer as much space for couples and co-sleepers as a king-size mattress. Sleepers will have 16 inches less width in queen beds than in king beds.

Won’t Work in Smaller Rooms

A queen-size mattress is big enough to cramp your space if your bedroom is very small. That said, only consider going for a queen size bed if your bedroom is 10 feet by 10 feet at minimum. 

King vs. Queen Bed Size Variations

There are numerous variations of king and queen-size beds out there to match the unique needs of different sleepers. While these bed size variations may not directly impact the king vs. queen mattress comparison, they help broaden the buying options for interested buyers. 

California King Mattress

So, what's the main difference between California king vs king bed? Generally, the California king mattress size is a top pick for tall sleepers. Unlike the standard king-size mattress, the California king bed is longer and narrower (measuring 72 inches by 84 inches in size), giving you an extra 4 inches in length. It’s also the best option for sleepers whose master bedrooms are narrower. 

Split California King Mattress

A California king mattress is split into two, allowing you to choose the best mattress for your side of the bed. However, it’s worth noting that finding a split California king mattress can be more challenging than a standard split king or California king mattress.

Split King Mattress

Split-king beds are increasingly becoming popular with the rise of adjustable bases. If you've been asking yourself, what is a split king mattress, they’re essentially two twin XL beds connected. One of the main benefits of these mattresses is that couples with different sleep preferences can choose a unique mattress for each side of their beds. And when paired with split-king adjustable bases, you can independently adjust the side of your bed to a unique height for customized comfort.

Split Queen Mattress

While split queen mattresses have the exact dimensions as standard queen beds, they boast two 30 inches by 80 inches beds and an adjustable bed frame. This allows for versatility and could be best for sleepers looking for the best mattress size for multi-functional guest rooms. The downside of a split queen mattress is that it’s not a standard U.S. size, so it may be challenging to come by.

Olympic Queen Mattress

The Olympic queen mattress has the same length as standard queen beds but is 6 inches wider. The extra 6 inches allow you and your spouse to stretch out without eating up as much space in your bedroom as a king mattress.

RV Queen Mattress

RV queen mattresses are slightly shorter than standard queen beds but big enough to perfectly fit two average-sized adults.

RV King Mattress

Like queen RV mattresses, king RV bed sizes are specially made for trailers and recreational vehicles. Measuring 72 inches by 80 inches, king RV beds are the biggest possible mattresses you can use in a car. 

Texas King Mattress

Texas king mattresses are 80 inches by 98 inches, making them the second-largest beds available in the oversized mattress category. Unlike the standard king-size bed, they’re 18 inches longer and 4 inches wider, hence ideal for very tall people and families who enjoy sleep-ins together. 

Wyoming King Mattress

The Wyoming king-size mattress features a unique square design, measuring 84 inches by 84 inches. It fits perfectly in a room at least 14 by 16 feet. 

Alaskan King Mattress

Measuring in at 108 inches by 108 inches, the Alaskan king mattress is the largest oversized bed you’ll find. To fit comfortably in your bedroom, its space must be at least 16 feet by 16 feet. 

Factors to Consider When Deciding Between a King or a Queen Mattress

Before choosing between a king and a queen bed, here are some crucial factors to keep in mind:

Sleeping Partners

First off, consider the number of sleepers using the mattress. If it’s just you, you can’t go wrong with a queen-size mattress. A king bed will definitely be a better bet for couples or those sharing their beds with a kid. The queen mattress can also be a good choice if you like to sleep close to your partner.

Size of the Room

What room will you put your brand-new mattress and how spacious is it? Consider measuring your room before purchasing a new bed to understand how well each mattress size will fit into the space. To avoid a cramped feeling, it’s always wise to leave about 24 inches of space between your mattress and each surrounding piece of furniture or wall. 

Versatility

Before opting for a specific mattress size, consider your bed’s lifespan and what you may need 5 or 10 years down the line. For instance, if you’re single now, you may probably share your mattress with your spouse in the future. And if you don’t have kids now, that could also change. If you choose a queen mattress, recognize that you may be giving up some versatility, all in exchange for a lower price tag. 

Your Height and Sleep Position

What’s the physical size of you and your partner? Do you both share the same preference in sleeping position? Generally speaking, physically larger couples may want to opt for king-sized mattresses. Very tall sleepers may wish to settle for the California king, as it boasts more legroom than a standard king or queen. Back and stomach sleepers usually rest fully extended and need more space around them than side sleepers. 

Cost and Value

Smaller beds are generally affordable, so you can certainly save some bucks by choosing a queen-sized mattress. While the price varies from one brand to the other, you can expect a queen bed to cost at least $100 to $300+ less than a king of the same mattress brand and model.

Related Content: Full vs Queen mattress

King vs. Queen Mattress: Which is the Best Option?

So, how do you choose between a king vs. queen-size mattress? Consider your current sleep environment. If you’re looking for a mattress with more room to show off your favorite quilt, a king mattress is probably the best pick, especially if you’re sharing your bed with someone else. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a mattress to fill your guest room, opt for a queen-size mattress. They’re less expensive while still offering a decent amount of room for solo sleepers. Plus, they’re easier to move around if you plan to relocate soon.

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