King vs. Queen: What’s the Difference?

King and queen size mattresses are excellent options for any master bedroom. These larger beds provide enough space to accommodate two sleepers. To choose the right size, look at the mattress dimensions and available room space before deciding between a king or queen size mattress.

In our article, we outline the differences between a king and a queen mattress and provide pros and cons behind each mattress size to help you find the best mattress.

SEE ALSO: Best King Size Mattress

Comparison Between King and Queen Mattress

What’s a King Size Mattress?

King size mattresses, or eastern king beds, measure 76 inches by 80 inches. King mattresses are the largest standard size available and perfect for couples, providing 38 inches of personal space. King beds are also available as a split king option.

Pricing

Standard king size mattresses come at a higher price tag, depending on materials and special features. Customers can expect to pay between $700 to $4000 for a king bed.

Recommended Room Space

King mattresses fit best in large master bedrooms, measuring 12 feet by 12 feet—room for the bed, furniture, and plenty of walking space.

Customization Within King

a. California King Mattress

California king size, or western king, mattresses measure 72 inches by 84 inches. Cal king beds have the same area as king mattresses, except they’re longer and narrower, perfect for taller couples looking for extra legroom to stretch out. 

b. Split king mattresses 

Split king mattresses are the equivalent of two twin XL beds placed side by side. Each mattress offers customized comfort and support on each side of the bed—couples won’t have to compromise on comfort with a split king. This configuration is particularly popular with adjustable bases, as it offers individualized comfort without compromise.

c. Split California King Mattress

The split California king is a versatile option for couples seeking a balance between ample length and personalized comfort. This mattress consists of two halves, each measuring 36 inches by 84 inches, allowing each sleeper to adjust their side independently. With its extended length, it caters to taller individuals while maintaining the sleek profile of a California king. 

The split design also offers the flexibility to accommodate adjustable bases, making it an excellent choice for couples with differing firmness or positioning preferences.

Pros

• Spacious room
• Best mattress for couples
• Split king option

Cons

• Expensive
• Too large for some bedrooms

King mattresses can be unrealistically spendy, even if you need the extra space at night, but that’s why we suggest the Vaya Mattress. While most king beds cost over $1000, you can score a king size Vaya Mattress for less than $800.

The Vaya Mattress contains two foam layers: 3 inches of Vaya Comfort Foam and 9 inches of Vaya Base Foam. Together, the two layers create a bed that is both cushiony yet supportive. Vaya Comfort Foam is buoyant and flexible so you don’t sink into bed and feel uncomfortable while you sleep. Vaya Base Foam helps with spinal alignment but also protects your mattress against sags, lumps, and soft spots.

Despite the low price, Vaya still ensures their beds are made in the USA and CertiPUR-US® certified—or free of harmful chemicals. It comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Vaya Mattress Review

What’s a Queen Size Mattress?

Queen size mattresses are 60 inches by 80 inches and are most popular among single sleepers. Queen mattresses provide extra space for single sleepers—both width and length.

Queen beds are also a good option for couples with a tight budget or limited space. If you’re looking for the best mattresses under $1000, you have a wider range of queen beds to consider than king mattresses.

Some couples may find the standard queen too small, with only 30 inches of personal space instead of 38 inches from the standard king. Queen beds are also ideal mattresses for guest rooms.

Though not as common, split queen options are available, offering couples personalized comfort and support for a better night’s sleep.

Pricing

Though not as expensive as a king, queen size mattresses can be pricey, depending on included sleep technologies and material type. The cost for a standard queen mattress ranges between $500 to $3000.

Recommended Room Space

Queen size mattresses fit best in smaller master bedrooms, measuring at least 10 feet by 10 feet. Adding furniture will still leave walking space.

Customization Within Queen

Olympic Queen

The Olympic queen mattress, measuring 66 inches by 80 inches, is a practical option for couples who need extra sleeping space without upgrading to a king-size bed. 

This size provides six additional inches in width compared to a standard queen, offering more room to stretch out while maintaining a comfortable and cozy feel. 

It’s ideal for bedrooms that are too small to accommodate a king but still require a bed that provides generous space for two sleepers.

California Queen

The California queen mattress is perfect for taller individuals who prefer the proportions of a queen but need extra legroom. Measuring 60 inches by 84 inches, this option retains the standard queen width while adding four inches to its length. 

It is an excellent choice for those who want a space-saving solution that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, ensuring that taller sleepers enjoy a restful night without feeling cramped.

Short Queen

For those with limited space, the short queen mattress is a compact yet comfortable solution. At 60 inches by 75 inches, it is five inches shorter than a standard queen, making it an ideal fit for RVs, campers, and other tight living quarters. 

Despite its reduced length, the short queen maintains the width of a queen-size bed, providing a cozy and supportive sleep surface that works well in spaces where a full-sized mattress would be impractical.

Pros

• Perfect for single adults
• Good for some couples
• More space to stretch out
• Great for small master bedrooms

Cons

• Too large for smaller bedrooms
• Too small for some couples

The Amerisleep AS3 is a best-selling mattress, with its queen size being popular amongst couples. It has an excellent balance of cushioning and support suited for combination sleepers and side sleepers. 

The AS3 is made up of 3 inches of Bio-Pur®, 2 inches of Affinity foam with HIVE®, and 7 inches of Bio-Core®. Amerisleep uses a knit polyester for the AS3’s cover since it’s both soft and moisture resistant.

Bio-Pur® is Amerisleep’s plant-based memory foam. Most memory foam is made with petroleum, but Bio-Pur® mostly contains castor oil for healthier, cleaner sleep. Amerisleep also utilizes zoned support inside the AS3 for the best pressure relief and support. 

While the standard model AS3 features a foam base, you have the option to upgrade to the AS3 Hybrid. This model contains a pocketed coil support system for next-level responsiveness and superb breathability. Both beds are great and choosing between the two really comes down to whether you want a more stiff or springy feel.

The AS3 includes a 100-night trial and a 20-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Review

Comparison: Is King or Queen Bigger

Choosing between a king and a queen mattress isn’t just about size; it’s about how the bed fits into your lifestyle, room design, and sleeping preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

Area Per Person: Maximizing Comfort

• King Mattress: Measuring 76 inches by 80 inches, a king-size bed offers unparalleled space. Each person gets 38 inches of width, making it ideal for couples who value personal space or families with kids occasionally joining the bed.
• Queen Mattress: With dimensions of 60 inches by 80 inches, a queen-size bed provides 30 inches of width per sleeper. While still spacious, it’s more suited for single sleepers who love extra room or couples who don’t mind snuggling close.

Room Preference: How It Fits Your Space

• King Bed: Perfect for large master bedrooms with a layout that prioritizes luxury and spaciousness. It often becomes a focal point of the room, pairing well with minimalistic or expansive designs.
• Queen Bed: The versatile queen bed fits effortlessly into smaller master bedrooms or guest rooms. Its size offers flexibility for those who want to maintain a balanced aesthetic with space for additional furniture like nightstands or dressers.

Popularity: What Most People Choose

• King Mattress: A popular choice among couples who prioritize luxury and comfort. The split king option adds extra appeal for those with different firmness preferences, making it highly customizable.
• Queen Mattress: The queen-size mattress takes the crown as the most popular bed size overall. Its balance of affordability, versatility, and comfort makes it a favorite for single adults and budget-conscious couples alike.

Factors To Consider: Deciding King or Queen

Selecting the perfect mattress size involves more than just measuring your bedroom. From sleeping habits to room aesthetics, here are the key factors to weigh when deciding between a queen and king size bed.

The Sleeping Space and Comfort Needs of the sleepers must be considered to determine whether a queen or king bed is big enough for the number of sleepers and their diverse sleeping styles. 

• Do you sleep solo or share your bed? A king bed is perfect for couples who prefer ample personal space, with each person enjoying 38 inches of room—enough to stretch, turn, or even invite a pet to join.
  A queen bed, with 30 inches per sleeper, works well for single sleepers who enjoy spreading out or couples who don’t mind cozying up.
• Your sleep style matters: Active sleepers, combination sleepers, or those with children or pets might benefit more from a king’s generous dimensions. For those who sleep still, a queen may suffice.

Budget considerations address the spending range for the bed. 

• What’s your spending range? On average, queen beds are more budget-friendly, with options starting around $500. They also tend to cost less for bed frames, bedding, and accessories.
  King beds typically have higher price tags, starting around $700 and going up to $4000 depending on the brand and materials. Accessories for king-sized mattresses, such as bedding or frames, can also be more expensive.

Room layout and preferences involve how well the bed fits into the room’s dimensions.

• How does the bed fit into your room? A king bed demands more space to maintain balance and leave room for walking paths or furniture, making it ideal for master bedrooms 12 feet by 12 feet or larger.
  On the other hand, a queen fits beautifully into smaller bedrooms, guest rooms, or apartments, requiring a minimum space of 10 feet by 10 feet.
• Room aesthetics play a role: A king-sized bed creates a luxurious centerpiece in a spacious room, while a queen offers flexibility for decorative furniture or a minimalist look.

Partner preferences take into account whether partners have different sleep needs.

• Do you and your partner have different sleep needs? A split king offers the option of two mattresses side-by-side, allowing couples to customize their side’s firmness or position. This is a significant advantage if you and your partner have differing sleep preferences.
  Queens, while lacking split customization, are still a popular choice for couples on a budget or with smaller bedrooms.

Long-term versatility assesses whether the bed will meet future needs.

• Will the bed meet future needs? If you anticipate changes—such as kids joining your bed or moving into a bigger house—a king-size mattress may prove more adaptable.
  For those seeking a practical option for today, a queen bed offers excellent versatility across different room sizes and stages of life.

Other Mattress Sizes

If a king or queen size mattress is too big for your bedroom or not what you’re looking for, other mattress sizes, like twin, twin XL, full, and California king are available.

Twin Mattress

Twin size mattresses are 38 inches by 75 inches—the smallest mattress size available. Twin beds are easy to move and are some of the best mattresses for kids. For families with more than one child, investing in bunk bed frames is a good idea to save on space, giving kids more room to play.

Twin XL Mattress

Twin XL size mattresses are the same size as a twin, except 5 inches extra long, measuring at 38 inches by 80 inches. Twin XL beds are commonly found in college dorm rooms as bunk bed mattresses and are excellent options for taller individuals.

Full Mattress

Full size mattresses are 56 inches by 75 inches, and perfect for teenagers and single adults. Full size beds have 18 inches extra width—more space to stretch out. Full beds are also good options for small bedrooms, depending on the room size.

Saving on New Mattresses

Regardless of whether you’re getting a smaller or bigger size, you can save greatly with one of the year’s big mattress sales:

• Best MLK Day Mattress Sales
• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Sleep Awareness Week Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

Other Things to Consider

How much bigger is king size bed than a queen?

King size mattresses are 16 inches wider than queen size beds, better for couples, and giving more room to stretch out. Queen size beds measure 60 inches by 80 inches and are best for single adults. Couples can fit in a queen bed, but some may find it too small.

What size bed do most couples have?

Most couples prefer the spacious feel of a king size mattress. Measuring 76 inches by 80 inches, a king size bed provides each person 38 inches of personal space. King beds also come in split options, perfect for customized comfort and support, and adjustable bases.

What is the most popular bed size?

Queen size mattresses are the most popular bed size today. Single adults living on their own prefer the luxury space a queen bed provides, while some couples who like to sleep close or who are on a tight budget choose a queen size. A queen mattress can also fit in a room that’s at least 10 feet by 10 feet, while king size mattresses need a bedroom that’s at least 12 feet by 12 feet.

Is a king bed equal to two twins?

No, if you push two twin beds together they would be just a few inches short of a king mattress. It’s two twin XL mattresses that can make up a king size mattress. This is known as a split king and lets couples with differing firmness preferences share a bed without compromising on comfort.

Can a king bed fit in a 10 x 12 room?

Technically yes it should, since each side of a king mattress is under 7 feet. However, you might not have enough space for a nightstand on each side of the mattress, or other bedroom furniture. It also depends on the king size frame, which may add 2 to 5 inches to the mattress’s length and width.

Generally, we recommend king size mattresses for rooms that are at least 12 feet by 12 feet.

Do two twin mattresses make a king or queen?

Two twin mattresses placed side by side do not make a king or queen. However, two twin XL mattresses (each measuring 38 inches by 80 inches) can be combined to create a king-size mattress, which measures 76 inches by 80 inches. This configuration, often referred to as a split king, allows for individualized comfort on each side of the bed. Standard twin mattresses are shorter in length and, when combined, will not match the dimensions of a king or queen mattress.

Is the king better or a queen?

Whether a king or queen is better depends on your needs. A king mattress is larger, providing 76 inches by 80 inches of space, making it ideal for couples who prioritize personal sleeping space or share the bed with children or pets. On the other hand, a queen mattress, measuring 60 inches by 80 inches, is more space-efficient and budget-friendly, making it a great choice for single sleepers, couples with smaller bedrooms, or those looking to save money. Your decision should be based on room size, sleeping habits, and budget.

Is a double bed the same as a queen?

No, a double bed (also called a full-size mattress) is not the same as a queen. A double bed measures 54 inches by 75 inches, making it both narrower and shorter than a queen mattress, which measures 60 inches by 80 inches. While a double bed is suitable for single sleepers or teenagers, a queen offers more space for single adults or couples, providing greater comfort and versatility.

What size sheets do I need for queen vs king size beds?

The size of sheets you need for queen and king-size beds depends on the mattress dimensions and the depth of the mattress (commonly referred to as the pocket size). Here’s a breakdown:

Queen Bed Sheets

• Flat Sheet: Approximately 90 inches by 102 inches.
• Fitted Sheet: Designed to fit mattresses 60 inches by 80 inches. Look for fitted sheets with pocket depths that match your mattress, commonly ranging from 12 to 18 inches for thicker beds.
• Pillowcases: Standard or queen-size pillowcases, typically 20 inches by 30 inches, are suitable.

King Bed Sheets

• Flat Sheet: Approximately 108 inches by 102 inches, offering enough fabric to drape comfortably over the larger bed.
• Fitted Sheet: Designed for mattresses measuring 76 inches by 80 inches. Ensure the pocket depth matches your mattress, especially if you have a plush or hybrid model.
• Pillowcases: King-size pillowcases, measuring 20 inches by 40 inches, provide a better fit for king-sized pillows.

Conclusion

While a king size mattress is an excellent choice for larger master bedrooms, queen size beds may fit better in smaller bedrooms, about 10 feet by 10 feet. The mattress you choose should not only fit in your bedroom but also leave enough room for additional furniture and walking space.