Choosing the right bed isn’t just about what feels best—but also what fits best. And while the variations between mattress sizes might seem minuscule, the differences could have you tossing and turning. So, which option should you choose—a full or a queen-sized bed?
The answer: it depends. When it comes to a full vs. queen size mattress, queen mattresses are a very popular option among couples and typically work best in medium to large bedrooms. However, sometimes a full mattress makes more sense for your needs, especially if you have a smaller space. Our guide compares everything you need about a full vs. queen mattress, so you find the mattress size that will create the sweetest foundation for slumber!
To help you find the mattress size that will create the sweetest foundation for slumber, our guide compares everything you need to know about full vs queen mattresses.
| Full Mattress | Queen Mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 53 inches | 60 inches |
| Length | 75 inches | 80 inches |
| Surface Area | 3,975 inches2 | 4,800 inches2 |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Casper Price | $1,195 | $1,295 |
| Best For | Young adults, couples who like to cuddle, guest rooms | Couples or taller adults who like to sprawl out |
| Bedroom Size | Guest rooms or smaller bedrooms | Primary bedrooms |
For a high-level overview of the differences between these two mattress sizes—including dimensions, surface area, price, room size, and people they work best for—let’s first examine how full vs. queen mattresses compare.
The dimensions of a full mattress are as follows:
If you need a full size mattress, embrace Casper coziness with our luxury mattress in a box. Our full size mattresses are made with premium layers of comfort to ensure a good night’s sleep every night.
Queen Mattress
A queen mattress is bigger than a full — but by how much? A queen mattress is seven inches wider and five inches longer than a full mattress.
A typical queen mattress has the following dimensions:
A standard full size mattress has the following dimensions:
Although a full-size mattress is still a popular option for couples, it could feel cramped for those who are tall or prefer extra room. A full is a better fit for single sleepers, while a queen provides ample room for one or more sleepers to stretch out.
Queen beds are the most popular mattress size on the market. At 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, they are larger than a double bed but smaller than a king bed and California king-sized bed.
The advantages of this bed size include:
If you’re shopping for a queen-size bed, you’ll also want to consider potential drawbacks. Fortunately, the list isn’t long. A queen-size bed may be:
Each night, more people in the U.S. sleep on a queen mattress than any other size, thanks to its inviting dimensions and convenient versatility. Roomier than full mattresses but less oversized than kings, queen-size beds are suitable for everyone.
That said, a queen may be uniquely suited to your sleep situation if any of the following are true:
Your budget is another factor to consider when choosing between a full vs. queen mattress, as queen mattresses are more expensive than full. That said, the extra space, enhanced comfort, and longer le room may be worth the extra money.
Queen mattresses are popular for a reason — who doesn’t like to have some extra space at night? However, some might worry that extra space makes a queen mattress difficult to move.
That’s why Casper ships its mattresses in a box. They’re compressed into a much smaller box so you can easily move and install your new Casper Queen mattress easier than traditional innerspring models.
Full-sized beds—also known as “double beds”—are 16 inches wider than a twin bed but smaller than a queen. They’re an excellent choice for guest rooms and work best for a taller sleeper who sleeps alone.
Full-sized beds also offer several advantages. They’re:
However, you also want to consider that a full bed:
Full-size beds are more than sufficient for most single people and certain couples. The extra inches offered by a queen bed might sound nice, but you may not want or need them for a number of reasons.
But should you choose a full-size mattress?
You won’t be disappointed with a full-size bed if any of the following sound like you:
Additionally, a full-size bed may be the more budget-friendly option if you’re a young couple who’s just starting out or a cash-conscious single who cares about maximizing savings.
If you’re looking for the perfect mattress for your smaller bedroom, all of Casper’s mattress models include full-size. These mattresses are ideal for maximizing space in a small bedroom without sacrificing your ability to stretch out at night.
Full mattresses are also ideal transitional mattresses for older children, teens, and young adults. You can rely on these models to deliver California King comfort in a full-size bed.
It’s no secret that mattresses can be expensive. Regardless of the brand, a full mattress is going to be cheaper than a queen because of the size difference. This includes accessories as well. The bigger the mattress size, the more expensive it’s going to be.
For example, Casper’s mattress prices range from:
The price difference between the Full and a Queen size mattresses isn’t huge, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight budget.
Accessories include anything from pillows to an excellent duvet. Because both full-sized beds and queen beds are incredibly common, finding the best sleep accessories for these two mattress sizes should be no problem at all.
However, as we mentioned earlier, you’ll want to keep in mind the price of your accessories. Because a queen-sized bed has larger dimensions, the accessories may be a bit more expensive than full-sized accessories. For example, full-sized sheets will be less expensive than queen-size sheets. Full-sized beds will also generally require fewer pillows (depending on the person).
Some accessories are vital to maintaining the quality of your mattress—such as your bed frame. We don’t recommend putting your mattress on the floor because it can cause molding or other issues. This can even void your warranty from certain manufacturers.
It goes without saying that full-sized beds are better for smaller rooms, and queen-sized beds are better for larger bedrooms. Full beds work best in guest rooms or bedrooms around 10 feet by 12 feet. If you have a room smaller than that, a twin-size bed might better fit your room.
Queen beds work best in larger bedrooms that are 12 by 12 feet, but anything above 10 feet by 10 feet should be fine. Anything smaller could make it hard for you to maneuver around your bed, especially if you have lots of furniture.
Full beds are best for single sleepers. The 53 inches of width a full-sized bed offers may need more room for couples who prefer some breathing room while sleeping.
However, if you’re a couple who likes to cuddle, a full could still work for you. But a full is generally not recommended for couples who like to sleep with pets or share the bed with children.
For example, if a couple is sharing a bed, the space per sleeper for each size is:
If you’re tall, move around a lot when you sleep or just like to sprawl out, then a queen is likely a better choice. However, a queen is also ideal for two sleepers. With a width of 60 inches, there’s typically more than enough room to fit two comfortably.
Queen beds give you more space if you love piling on all your favorite throw blankets or you move around in your sleep at night. However, because queen beds are bigger, they give you less floor space in your bedroom.
Full-size beds conserve space in your room so you can maximize your decor. But you won’t be able to fit as many pillows or really splay out—if that’s your thing.
Because a Queen is bigger than a full mattress, it’s going to weigh more. This makes Queen size mattresses more difficult to handle if you’re a frequent mover or like to change the layout of your bedroom.
For our Casper Original Mattress, the Queen weighs 12 pounds more than the full. This might not seem like a lot, but it’s important to consider if you have physical limitations or live in a building without an elevator.
Once you’ve chosen between a full vs queen bed, you’ll next need to decide what type of mattress you want. Primarily, that means choosing a mattress based on its level of firmness.
The largest factor to consider is your sleep position. Sleep posture influences the zones on your body that need more or less support, so choosing wisely is important for correct spinal alignment and overall comfort.
To that end, here’s how to choose a firmness level based on your sleep position:
Whether you choose a full-size or queen-size mattress, you’ll also need to pick out new bedding to go with it. Nothing has the potential to enhance the comfort of a mattress like quality sheets, comforters, pillow types, and more.
When you’re choosing sheets, it’s easy to get hung up on thread count. This term refers to the softness of the fabric, with higher thread counts offering superior softness. Thread counts can run up to 900 or more, but you don’t have to go for the highest count to get the best sheets. A thread count between 300 and 600 is enough for most sleepers.
You’re better off investing your energy into choosing the fabric. Bedding comes in an array of fabric types, each with unique benefits for your sleep. The most common bedding fabrics include:
A full bed is smaller than a queen. A queen mattress is seven inches wider and five inches longer than a full.
Queen and full mattresses are both good choices based on your different needs. A Queen bed is usually preferred for couples because it has more sleeping space. On the other hand, a full mattress is ideal for singles because you have the space to sprawl out — even if you’re working with a smaller bedroom.
Queen mattresses are the most popular mattress size.
A full mattress will be big enough for couples that like to sleep closely, but a Queen mattress offers more versatility and space.
So, how do you choose between a full vs queen mattress? Consider your current sleeping environment. Are you looking for a mattress with more space to show off your favorite quilt? Then a queen mattress is probably the best mattress to go with—especially if you sleep with someone else. It will also allow room for pets and children if you have them.
Are you looking for a bed to fill a guest room? Then opt for a full bed. They’re less expensive while still providing a decent amount of space for single sleepers. They’re also easier to move around if you plan on relocating in the next year or so.
No matter which mattress size you decide on, find the perfect fit with Casper. Our mission is to create better beds for better sleep—and we’re here to support you (just like our beds). For more help choosing the right mattress, try our Mattress Quiz today.
