Full vs. Queen: What’s the Difference?

Finding the best mattress also includes finding the right size. Full and queen size, though similar, accommodate different sleepers—a full bed is best for single adults, while queen size mattresses are popular with both single adults and some couples.

In our article, we review the two sizes to help you find the best mattress.

What’s a Full Size Mattress?

A full size mattress, or double bed, measures 56 inches by 75 inches. A full size bed is wider than a twin, offering more room to stretch out. Full mattresses are best for single sleepers, including teenagers and single adults on their own, but may be too small for couples.

Pricing

The price for a full sized bed ranges between $500 to over $3000, depending on mattress materials and sleep technologies.

Recommended Room Space

For best use of space, smaller bedrooms measuring 10 feet by 10 feet are perfect for full beds, allowing additional room for furniture and walking area.

Pros

• More space for solo sleepers
• Ideal for smaller bedrooms and studio apartments
• Less expensive than a queen bed

Cons

• Too small for couples
• May feel short for tall people

What’s a Queen Size Mattress?

A queen size mattress is 60 inches by 80 inches, a popular mattress size for single adults. Queen size beds provide extra space to sprawl out, making them great for master bedrooms. Queen mattresses may also be good options for some couples and guest rooms.

Pricing

Potential shoppers can expect to pay between $600 to $4000 for a queen mattress size. The price depends on the number of layers and special features inside the bed.

Recommended Room Space

The best room size for a queen mattress will be 10 feet by 12 feet, providing space for the bed frame, furniture, and walking area.

Pros

• Excellent for single adults
• Plenty of space
• Good option for couples

Cons

• Too small for some couples
• More expensive than a full bed

Other Mattress Sizes

If a full or queen doesn’t fit your needs or doesn’t provide enough space, other mattress sizes, including twin, twin XL, king, and California king, might be the solution.

Twin Mattress

Twin size beds are 38 inches by 75 inches—the smallest size available. Twin beds are perfect for kids, especially families with more than one child.

Twin XL Mattress

Twin XL size mattresses measure 38 inches by 80 inches. They’re the same size as a twin, but their extra length offers more legroom for sleepers over 6 feet.

King Mattress

King size beds are 76 inches by 80 inches—the largest standard size and the most expensive. King mattresses are perfect for couples, providing 38 inches of personal space.

California King Mattress

California king size mattresses have the same area as king beds, except they’re longer and narrower, measuring 72 inches by 84 inches. Cal king beds are also an excellent option for couples.

Other Things to Consider

Is a full bed enough for two?

A full size bed might be big enough for an adult and child. But it may feel too crowded for two adults. A queen, king, or California king size mattress would be better options for couples.

What size bed do most couples have?

The best mattress for couples is a queen or king—a queen is the smallest size that can fit two adults, while a king size provides 38 inches of personal space to each sleeper. California king mattresses are also a great option. We recommend Cal king beds to taller sleepers, as they’re four inches narrower but four inches longer than a king.

Is a foam or spring mattress better?

It depends on what you’re looking for in a mattress. Spring mattresses can make better cooling mattresses because air can slip between their coils. Foam mattresses tend to provide more pressure relief, so they’re a better choice for anyone with a chronic pain condition.

Which mattress is best for back pain?

If you’re shopping for a mattress for back pain, we recommend a medium-firm bed with pressure-relieving foam.

A 2015 study found that a medium-firm feel helps prevent back pain. Mattresses with memory foam or latex tend to relieve pain and pressure better than spring mattresses. When the coils of a spring mattress wear down, which can happen in as little as three years, you may wake up feeling sore and tired.

How long do gel mattresses last?

Gel memory foam mattresses usually have a lifespan comparable to a regular memory foam mattress. On average, memory foam mattresses last about 7 years. High-quality memory foam mattresses may last up to 10 years, or even longer with care.

Which Size is Right for You?

Full size beds are best for smaller rooms, while queen mattresses fit nicely in master bedrooms. The best mattress should accommodate the appropriate number of sleepers for the best comfort and not overcrowd the room.