• Mattress Guides
    • Best Mattresses

    • Best Mattresses of 2021
    • For Side Sleepers
    • For Back Pain
    • For Heavy Sleepers
    • Cooling Mattresses
    • Eco-Friendly Mattresses
    • Mattress Types

    • Memory Foam Mattresses
    • Hybrid Mattresses
    • Innerspring Mattresses
    • Soft Mattresses
    • Firm Mattresses
    • Mattress Reviews

    • Amerisleep Review
    • Zoma Review
    • Vaya Review
    • Avocado Review
    • Eight Sleep Review
    • Mattress Guides

    • Mattress Buying Guide
    • Mattress Sizes
    • Mattress Foundation Sizes
    • Bed Frame Sizes
  • Bedding Guides
    • Comforters & Blankets

    • Best Comforters
    • Best Down Comforters
    • Best Duvets
    • Best Blankets
    • Pillows

    • Best Pillows
    • Best Memory Foam Pillows
    • Comparisons

    • Cotton vs. Microfiber
    • Duvet vs. Comforter
    • FAQs

    • How to Wash Pillows?
    • How Often to Replace Every Type of Pillow
    • How Long Does it Take to Dry Clean a Comforter?
  • Mattress Resources
    • Mattress Comparison

    • Memory Foam vs. Pillow Top
    • Memory Foam vs. Spring
    • Memory Foam vs. Latex
    • Hybrid vs. Memory Foam
    • Gel Memory Foam vs. Latex
    • Size Comparison

    • King vs. California King
    • King vs. Queen
    • Queen vs. Full
    • Full vs. Twin
    • Twin vs. Twin XL
    • Solutions

    • How to Fix a Sagging Mattress
    • How to Fix a Too Soft or Too Firm Mattress
    • How to Dispose of an Old Mattress
  • Sleep Health
    • How-To

    • How to Power Nap
    • How to Stop Snoring
    • How To Wake Up Early: 8 Benefits To Waking Up Early
    • How to Sleep on Your Back
    • Dreams

    • How to Lucid Dream
    • Night Terrors vs. Nightmares
    • What is a Fever Dream?
    • Natural Sleep

    • Natural Herbs For Sleep
    • Essential Oils for Sleep
Home / Mattress Comparison / King vs. Queen: What’s the Difference?
Mattress Comparison

King vs. Queen: What’s the Difference?

by Andrea Strand Comment on King vs. Queen: What’s the Difference?
Updated December 26, 2020

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.

What’s a King Size Mattress?

King Size MattressKing size, or eastern king, mattresses 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.

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.

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.

Pros

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

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Too large for some bedrooms

What’s a Queen Size Mattress?

Queen Size MattressQueen 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. 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 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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Comments

Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s the best mattress?

Best Mattress

We’ve spent countless hours finding the best mattresses out there so you don’t have to hunt for them.

See our mattress picks

Mattress Comparison

King vs. Full Size Mattress
King vs. Full: What's the Difference?
Andrea Strand
Purple vs. Zoma
Zoma Vs. Purple: Side-by-Side Mattress Comparison
Jasmin Lee
King vs. Split King
King vs. Split King: What's the Difference?
Andrea Strand

About Us

Our simple goal is to provide the information you need to get better sleep each night. We provide a full-circle approach to sleep and wellness that incorporates mental, physical, and environmental well-being.

Company

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Expert Review Board

Our Guides

  • Mattress Guides
  • Mattress Reviews
  • Best Mattress
  • Sleep Health
  • Sleep Calculator
  • Mattress Sizes

Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out about content, features and more happening at eachnight.

You must enter a valid email.
Each Night Logo

Copyright © 2020 eachnight. All rights reserved.