Queen vs. California King: What’s the Difference?

Queen and California king mattresses are vastly different in size and function. Queen beds provide luxury space for single adults, and while they are a good option for couples, they don’t offer as much space as a California king. In contrast, a California king is both wide and extra-long—excellent for couples but may feel too large for a single adult.

Take a look at the similarities and differences between a queen and California king, and choose the best mattress to fit your budget and room space.

What’s a Queen Size Mattress?

A queen size mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches and is a popular choice for both single adults and couples. The extra length and width provide luxury space to stretch out if you don’t have to share the bed. Queen size beds are choices for couples because they offer 30 inches of personal space and are less expensive than a Cal king. Queen mattresses fit best in smaller master bedrooms, too.

Pricing

Potential shoppers can expect to pay between $600 to over $4000 for a high-end queen bed. Cost depends on mattress materials and special features, like gel memory foam or zoned support systems. Queen mattresses cost less than a king or California king due to their smaller size.

Recommended Room Size

Queen size mattresses fit best in smaller bedrooms, measuring at least 10 feet by 10 feet. This allows enough space for a queen bed frame, extra furniture, and additional area for foot traffic. A smaller space may unintentionally cause stress from a tight, confined area.

Pros

• Perfect for single sleepers
• Good option for couples
• Plenty of space

Cons

• May be too small for some couples

What’s a California King Size Mattress?

California king size mattresses are 72 inches by 84 inches, and the second-largest standard mattress size (the largest is king). Cal kings are also known as western kings because they were first developed in Los Angeles, California as a luxury option for larger master bedrooms shortly after World War II.

California king beds are longer and narrower than a standard king size, making them the perfect choice for tall couples looking for more legroom. California king mattresses are also available as a split option for those with an adjustable base.

Pricing

The price for a California king size mattress ranges between $700 to $6000, depending on the type of sleep technologies and materials included in the bed. Natural materials, like cotton and latex foam, tend to drive up the price, and so does zoned support systems and multiple mattress layers. Keep in mind a Cal king bed will have a higher cost than a queen due to its larger size.

Recommended Room Size

Larger master bedrooms, about 13 feet by 13 feet, are the best for California king mattresses. The extra space should comfortably fit the bed and other furniture, like a couple of nightstands, without the bedroom feeling crowded.

Pros

• Perfect for taller couples
• Best for large master bedrooms
• Split option excellent for adjustable base
• Plenty of room

Cons

• May not fit smaller bedrooms
• Expensive
• Bulky, difficult to move

Other Mattress Dimensions

Other mattress sizes are also available if a queen or California king isn’t what you’re looking for. Some potential shoppers are looking for a bed with more sleeping space, while others base choices in size on what they can afford. Smaller sizes, like a twin, twin XL, and full, are better suited for smaller bedrooms, while king beds fit nicely in large master bedrooms.

Twin Mattress

Twin mattresses are 38 inches by 75 inches—its small, compact size makes it perfect for children. Twin beds are easy to move and best for smaller bedrooms and studio apartments; they’re also bunk bed compatible—families with more than one child can install a bunk bed to provide more play space.

Twin XL Mattress

Twin XL mattresses measure 38 inches by 80 inches, with 5 inches of extra length for tall people who need more legroom. If you need a good mattress for a teenager, a twin XL is a great option. Twin XL beds are also perfect for those with limited living space and commonly found in college dorm rooms to accommodate any height.

Full Mattress

At 54 inches by 75 inches, full size mattresses, or double beds as they’re sometimes called, offer 16 inches extra width than a twin. Full size beds give more room to stretch out, excellent for combination sleepers who regularly toss and turn every night.

King Mattress

King size mattresses, or eastern king beds, measure 76 inches by 80 inches and are the largest standard mattress size available. King size beds are best for couples, providing 38 inches of personal space. King beds are also available in split king for couples with differing sleep preferences.

Other Things to Consider

How much bigger is a California king than a queen size bed?

California king beds are 12 inches wider and 4 inches longer than a queen size, measuring at 72 inches by 84 inches. California king mattresses are a luxury option for couples looking for more space, especially taller couples who need more legroom. Queen beds may fit better in smaller master bedrooms.

Which is most popular: king or California king?

Many feel that a California king mattress is larger than a regular king bed—this is not true. California king beds are longer and narrower, with slightly less surface area than a king. King size beds are better for couples, providing ample personal space, plus split options are more widely available than a split California king.

Why is it called a California king?

The California king mattress was created by a Los Angeles mattress manufacturer, shortly after WWII. The California king was designed as a luxury size for large homes in California—hence its other name, “Western king.” This is also why a standard king may be known as, “Eastern king.”

Is there a bed bigger than a Cal king?

Technically speaking, a standard king mattress is bigger than a California king. A standard king has 32 more square inches than a Cal king bed. There are also over-sized mattresses such as the Wyoming king, Texas king, and Alaska king.

Is a California king equal to two twins?

No, a California king mattress is not the same size as two twins pushed together. Nor is a standard king size mattress equal to two twins. However, two twin XL mattresses do take up the same amount of space as a king size bed.

Conclusion

Both queen and California king size mattresses are excellent choices for master bedrooms. Queen size beds are best for single adults looking for more sleeping space, while California king size mattresses are perfect for taller couples with room to spare.

Always keep your budget and bedroom measurements in mind before shopping: you may want a larger mattress, but smaller beds, like a twin, twin XL, and full, might be smarter for those with limited living space, like studio apartments.