If you’re searching for a mattress on the larger end of the size continuum, you might be debating between a king vs. queen bed. But when it comes to mattresses, one size doesn’t necessarily fit all.
While a king might be better for those sharing the bed, a smaller queen size can fit into tighter spaces. From your height to your budget, there are several other reasons why you might prefer a queen vs. king bed.
If you’re ready to dispose of your old mattress and replace it with one fit for a queen or king, making an informed decision is key—buying a new bed is (ideally) a long-term commitment, and price tags often reflect a mattress’s potential longevity.
This guide will help you navigate the mattress-buying process with confidence. We’ll explore the key differences between a king vs. queen bed (like dimensions, price, and other factors), answer frequently asked questions, and explain critical elements mattress shoppers should consider before purchasing a new bed. t worth the mattress cost.
King vs. queen bed size is one of the most notable comparisons to make between both mattress types:
Simply put, a standard king mattress is only wider than a queen mattress—they’re the same length.
Since both sizes are the same length, the real deciding factor between a queen vs. king bed is how wide you’d like your mattress to be. For people who prefer a bit of wiggle room, a king mattress is 16 inches (41 centimeters) wider than a queen size. On the other hand, the reduced width of a queen bed makes it ideal for smaller spaces.
| Queen Mattress | King Mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 60″ x 80″ / 152.4 cm x 203.2 cm |
76″ x 80″ / 193.04 cm x 203.2 cm |
| Surface area | 4,800 in² / 30,967.68 cm² |
6,080 in² / 39,225.73 cm² |
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Best for | Couples or adults with small bedrooms | Couples or adults who want more space |
| Recommended bedroom size | Smaller primary bedrooms | Larger primary bedrooms |
Beyond queen vs. king bed size, there are several other factors to consider when deciding between a king or a queen mattress. Here are some quick facts about each mattress (which we’ll explore in more detail below):
King Mattress
Queen Mattress
For ultimate space-saving potential, shoppers could also consider a full mattress—the next size down from a queen. But for couples looking for even more sleeping space (or taller-than-average people looking for the longest possible mattress), the California king is also an option.
To understand how these mattresses stack up against each other in terms of size, look through our mattress size comparison guide.
Still not sure which mattress is best for you? Check out the pros and cons of queen vs. king mattresses based on the following considerations:
Since king mattresses are bigger than queens, they tend to be priced slightly higher. If you’re looking to spend a little less, you might prefer a queen mattress. For others, the added space of a king bed can make it worth the mattress cost.
It’s also important to remember that bed accessories for king mattresses are often more expensive than their queen-sized counterparts. If you opt for a king bed, expect to spend more on:
If you want the crown jewel of the mattress market without breaking the bank, check out how we keep our costs low and our quality high. For example, Casper queen foam mattresses cost between $995 and $2,895, while Casper king mattresses cost between $1,395 to $3,495. Now that’s what dreams are made of!
When deciding between a mattress size, thinking about comfort is key. If you like to sprawl out under the covers, the larger surface area of a king-size bed can provide the space you need. However, those who prefer a snug sleeping arrangement might find queen beds more appealing. Not to worry, pro cuddlers—you can still snuggle in a king.
Whether you’re leaning toward a king or queen bed, studies have shown that mattress comfort is directly linked to better sleep quality.1 That’s why you’ll want to consider which type of mattress will make you the most comfortable. If having space to sprawl can make or break your comfort level, you might opt for a larger mattress. Otherwise, the materials and construction are likely the most important factors to consider when choosing the most comfortable mattress.
If you’re looking for snooze-worthy comfort, the Nova Hybrid is a soothing mattress with seven zones of support to help keep your spine aligned, while the Wave Hybrid Mattress is engineered with continuous ergonomic zones and gel pods to help ease back pain.
While sleeping beside others might give you a better night’s rest, it can also impact the bed size you choose.2 Those sharing a mattress with a partner, children, or pets might want the added surface area of a king-size bed. That way, no one is likely to feel cramped.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind cuddling up next to your partner or pet all night, you might opt for a smaller queen bed. Being up close and personal with those in your bed can make the extra space of a king-size mattress feel unnecessary.
(P.S.—If you love your pets but prefer not to share a mattress with them, you might want to consider gifting them cozy dog beds so they can have a snooze-worthy sleep of their own.)
Depending on your room size, you might prefer a king vs queen bed. Queen beds are suitable for bedrooms of at least 10 x 10 feet. Worried it might be a tight squeeze? There are all kinds of ways to arrange a small bedroom with a queen bed.
Meanwhile, king beds fit most comfortably in bedrooms that are at least 12 x 12 feet, which is typical for primary bedrooms. The bigger bed can add a visual focal point to a more spacious room, especially if you know how to style a king size bed.
If you’re committed to the idea of a king mattress but your have a smaller bedroom, there are numerous creative ways to accommodate the bed of your dreams:
Standard king and queen mattresses are both 80 inches (or 6 feet 8 inches) long, so you might not think height factors into the king vs. queen discussion. However, king beds are available in more than one size.
California king mattresses come in at 84 inches (or 7 feet) long. With the added length, a California king makes a great option for a taller sleeper.
Another factor to consider is how easy it’ll be to move your mattress. Although most mattress sizes fit comfortably through staircases and door frames, it’s important to take note of the dimensions of your entryways before buying a new bed.
In addition, the added surface area of a king mattress makes it heavier to transport. Lifting heavy objects can lead to low back pain and potentially cause other injuries.3 If you live on a top floor or plan to move regularly, choosing a lighter queen mattress might be a better call. For those looking to stay put, a king mattress can be a solid investment.
While we briefly mentioned under-bed storage above, the concept might factor into your decision to buy a king vs. queen bed.
If you choose a queen size, and your bedroom still has plenty of floor space left for dressers, side tables, and other bedroom furniture, you simply might not need to use the space under your bed for storage. The same could be true if your home offers ample square footage.
But if you need to accommodate space-saving tactics even to cram a queen bed into your space, under-bed storage could be a game-changer for your bedroom layout.
Since they offer more surface area, king beds offer more under-bed storage capacity than queen mattresses. If you’re on the fence about choosing a bigger bed, you might be able to scratch “storage space” off your list of reservations.
Have any lingering concerns about the queen vs. king decision? Here are the answers to the most common questions about choosing the right mattress.
The best bed size for couples depends on their personal preferences. For those who want more space or have a larger bedroom, a king-size mattress can be a great choice. Others who don’t mind the close quarters or have a smaller bedroom can sleep just fine on a queen-size mattress.
A standard king is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, while a queen is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. That means king beds are the same length as queen beds but 16 inches wider, making the surface area of a king bed 1,280 square inches bigger than a queen bed. This added space is great for large bedrooms or people who prefer more room while they sleep.
The difference between a king and California king is both the width and length of the mattress:
The added length can provide more comfortable space for a tall sleepers. In addition, the reduced width makes a California king a more comfortable fit for long, narrow bedrooms than a standard king. Want to learn more about the two king sizes? Read our detailed comparison between a king vs. California king.
Full mattresses are 53 inches wide and 75 inches long, while queens are 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. Since they’re larger, queen mattresses tend to be more expensive than full mattresses.
Full beds are ideal for young adults, guest bedrooms, and couples who like the closeness. On the other hand, queen beds are well-suited for couples and taller individuals who prefer some extra space. For more information, check out the other key differences between a full vs. queen bed.
Once you’ve decided on a bed size, it’s time to pick out the specific king or queen mattress for you.
To narrow down your preferences, you might want to learn about the difference between latex vs. memory foam mattresses, memory foam vs. spring mattresses, and all the other types of mattresses on the market.
No matter where you stand on the king vs. queen debate, choosing the right mattress will have you sleeping like royalty.
The difference between full and queen mattresses primarily comes down to size:
Since they’re larger, queen mattresses tend to be more expensive than full mattresses.
Full beds are ideal for young adults, guest bedrooms, and couples who like to sleep close together. On the other hand, queen beds are well-suited for couples and taller individuals who prefer some extra space. For more information, check out the other key differences between a full vs. queen bed.
Once you’ve decided on a bed size, it’s time to pick out the specific king or queen mattress for you.
Whether you comb the aisles at a mattress store or take a more convenient online mattress shopping route, what should you look for before making a purchase?
When it comes to mattress shopping, quality should be your top priority. Two of the most important quality considerations for mattresses are:
Mattresses often require a significant cost investment, and you’ll likely encounter three- and four-figure price tags while shopping. Mattresses require large material volume and skilled labor to make—but, remember that you usually get what you pay for when it comes to mattresses.
If you’re not sure what your mattress budget looks like, we recommend figuring out your ideal price point by:
Most importantly, we recommend saving up for a higher-quality mattress rather than spending less on a lower-quality one, if you can. Spending more on a mattress with more longevity will ultimately save you money in the long run—and you’ll likely purchase a higher-quality product.
No matter where you stand on the king vs. queen debate, choosing the right mattress—at the right price—will have you sleeping like royalty.
Buying a mattress isn’t always the most convenient experience. If you take the traditional, in-person shopping route, you’ll have to:
Instead of enduring all of that—and risking injury—consider a more convenient approach: online mattress shopping.
When you order a mattress online, it’ll ship right to your door. While you’ll still need to carry it to its final destination, you’ll be carrying a box instead of a cumbersome mattress. Once your new mattress is relatively close to your bed frame, simply open the packaging and wait for your mattress to unroll and expand—it’s that easy. (And you don’t even have to borrow a friend’s pickup truck.)
Whether you opt for a king vs. queen bed, there are numerous elements to consider as you shop for your ideal mattress—your ticket to satisfying, comfortable, and restful sleep.
At Casper, we’re passionate about helping sleepers discover their best rest. Our mattresses are made from the highest-quality foams, wear-resilient springs, and ultra-durable fabrics and threads.
Worried about buying a mattress without laying on it first? Don’t lose sleep over it—we offer a 100-night risk-free trial and a ten-year limited warranty for all of our mattress products. If you’re not happy with your Casper mattress, we’ll come pack it up, haul it away, and give you a full refund. We’re that confident that you’ll love it.
Explore our selection and discover the best in mattress technology—and the best sleep of your life.
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