Queen vs. King Bed Size Comparison – What’s the Better Choice?

Choosing between a Queen vs. King bed size is often a dilemma, especially for couples. You might think that the only difference is their dimensions, but there’s always more than meets the eye. 

In the end, choosing the right mattress size for you boils down to personal preference. But how can you know whether you’ll prefer a Queen size mattress or a King size mattress?We created this Queen vs. King size mattress guide to help you figure it out!

Basic Information

Before we get into a more detailed mattress comparison between a King vs. Queen bed, let’s look at some basic information about both of these mattress sizes.  

Queen Bed

A standard Queen bed has the dimension of 60″ x 80″, and it’s one of the most popular mattress sizes. A Queen size mattress is an often choice for couples, mainly because it can usually fit two people comfortably while still being affordable. 

In addition to that, it’s also primarily used in a small master bedroom or a guest room. Single sleepers who prefer a lot of space also like to go for this bed size. 

The affordability and commonness of a Queen bed are also why they have one of the most significant varieties of bed accessories available on the mattress market. 

King Bed 

A standard King mattress dimensions are 76″ x 80″, which means that they’re also an often choice for couples, especially those who like to have a mattress size with a lot of space for them to spread out. 

Although King beds are purchased less by single sleepers, they’re also a good choice for those who sleep with their children or their pets. Because it’s less popular, the variety of available bed accessories is smaller than for a Queen bed. 

King beds take up a lot of space, and they’re often used in big master bedrooms where the space won’t feel too cramped with them in it.

	Width	Length	Area
Queen bed	60”	80”	4800 square inches
King bed	76”	80”	6080 square inches

Queen vs. King – Most Significant Similarities 

Before we get into the differences between King vs. Queen beds, let’s first look at a couple of things that make them similar. 

Starting with their dimensions, you might have already noticed that both a Queen bed and a King bed have the same length of 80″. 

This lengthy mattress size affects comfort significantly, especially for taller people. Those shorter than 6′ tall can feel comfortable on most bed sizes, but those taller than 6′ need that extra length. 

Both a Queen mattress and a King mattress are good options for most people taller than 6′, which is another thing they have in common. If you feel like that isn’t enough for you you can always go for a California King size.

While we’re at the subject of typical users of a King and a Queen bed, another one of their shared features is that they’re generally made for couples. Even though standard Queen mattresses are smaller than King mattresses, both of these can comfortably fit most couples. 

Check out our list of best mattresses for couples to see some other good options!

In addition to that, when it comes to a standard mattress size that is a good option for couples, these are the smallest standard sizes, which also means they’re generally the most affordable ones. That being said, the price also depends on other things, such as materials and manufacturers. 

Queen vs. King – The Biggest Differences

Queen and King mattresses have some similarities, but many things make them different. 

You probably already noticed the difference and similarity in their dimensions, affecting other aspects of these mattresses and even putting them at odds. 

Dimensions

As mentioned before, both a standard Queen size mattress and a standard King size mattress have the same length of 80″. Their main difference, dimensions-wise, is in their width. 

While a Queen bed has a width of 60″, a King mattress is 76″ wide. The difference between the two is 16″, which is a lot. 

Even though they’re both created to be shared with other sleepers, the difference in width is considerable. This is the biggest and the most obvious difference you’ll notice between the two, which is why we have to mention it first. 

As you will see, a difference in width, even when it’s just a couple of inches, can significantly affect other aspects of a mattress. 

Accessories 

First off, this difference in size affects bed frames and other bed accessories. 

Both Queen mattresses and King mattresses are standard manufacturing mattress sizes, so you shouldn’t be worried about finding accessories at all. 

That being said, Queen mattresses are more affordable, which makes them more common than King mattresses. This also affects possible accessories on the mattress market. 

It’s not a big deal, though. It just means that there’s generally a wider variety of bed accessories and bed frames with different designs available for Queen mattresses than for King size mattresses. 

Additionally, the accessories for a Queen mattress should also be more affordable because of the smaller size and thus less material used. Still, the price can be affected by other things besides the sum of the materials. 

In conclusion, if you want to buy a bed frame or a mattress protector keep in mind that the ones made for Queen size beds are going to be more affordable.

Room Size 

Of course, if you want a big bed, you need to have enough space to put it in. 

As seen already, even though Queen beds and King beds have the same length of 80″, their widths are different by 16″, which is a lot when you’re trying to put them in an adequate room.  

The size problem is why not everyone can fit a King size mattress in their bedroom. As a result, Queen beds became popular for smaller bedrooms. 

There are a couple of recommendations regarding room area and bed size. In general, it’s recommended to leave at least two feet of space free on the three sides of the bed, although you could also keep your bed in a corner if you prefer to. 

Your room shouldn’t be too cramped and remember to take other possessions you have in your room into consideration before purchasing the new mattress. 

Additionally, there are some minimum room size recommendations for these bed sizes. If you want a Queen sized bed, it’s recommended to have a bedroom of at least 10′ x 10′, while a recommended room size for a King bed is 12′ x 12′.  

Comfort

The difference in width can significantly contribute to the comfort levels of the mattress, which is especially true for beds that couples share. 

Comfort itself is a personal thing, but we have a list of the most comfortable mattresses you could check out! Comfort also depends on materials, whether it’s a memory foam mattress or a latex one.

People like to have their personal space when sleeping, especially combination sleepers. A bed that’s too cramped can negatively affect the quality of sleep. 

We prepared a list of the types of sleepers these beds might be the best for. Before we continue, we should once again note that both options are suitable for people taller than 6′ because of the extra length. 

Single Sleepers

First up on the list are single sleepers. 

To put it simply, they can go for any of the two bed sizes because both have more than enough space. 

That being said, a King size mattress might feel too spacious for some people, so you should keep that in mind if you’re a single sleeper. 

Those who sleep alone and prefer to have a lot of sleeping space that a regular Twin bed can’t give them are probably going to feel comfortable enough on a Queen size mattress. 

As we mentioned, even those taller than 6′ are most likely going to enjoy both King and Queen. In the end, it boils down to personal preferences.

In conclusion, both King and Queen can be good options for single sleepers.  

Couples 

Next up are couples. 

Both a Queen mattress and a King mattress can be good options for couples. In most cases, they can both provide enough space for two people. 

The smaller Queen bed might feel too cramped for some, especially bigger people. If you need a lot of personal space or like to have it, you would probably feel more comfortable sleeping on a King size mattress. 

Even though they provide enough space for most couples, their decision depends on personal preferences and room size. 

Kids and Pets 

Those who sleep with small kids or pets need more space to fit everyone comfortably. 

A single person who sleeps with a child or a pet will probably find a Queen size mattress big enough for everyone to have their personal space. However, a standard King bed will give them much more space.

On the other hand, couples that sleep with their children or pets should go for a more spacious King size mattress to ensure that everyone is comfortable enough.  

Because a King bed is so much bigger, we could say that it wins in this category of the King vs. Queen bed debate. 

Price

Last but not least, the difference in size also affects the price of the mattress, but other things can affect it just as much. 

The price can depend on the material, firmness, mattress brands, etc. A memory foam mattress or one made out of latex is definitely going to cost you more than a spring mattress, and firmness also depends on the materials used. 

That being said, when we look at the average price of King vs. Queen mattresses, the difference isn’t that great. However, a King mattress will still usually cost you more. Additionally, as we mentioned before, bed frames and bed accessories for a King bed are also less affordable than for Queen mattresses because they’re bigger and require more material. 

Still, the price difference isn’t that significant if we look at the bigger picture. It’s just something to keep in mind.  

Mattress Sizes

Now that you know the main differences in the King vs. Queen bed comparison, it’s time to help you figure out which one is the better option for you. 

However, before looking at how to decide on which one of the two will suit you better, here’s a table of the other mattress sizes and who they could suit best. 

Check out our comprehensive guide on mattress dimensions and sizes for more information!

Name	Dimensions	Best for
Twin	38” x 74”	Singles; adults under 6′ tall; teens; children; small rooms, shared rooms, and bunk beds.
Twin XL	38” x 80”	Singles; adults; teens; and children taller than 6′; small rooms; shared rooms; college dorms.
Full	54” x 75”	Singles under 6′ tall; teenagers; small rooms or a guest room.
Queen	60” x 80”	Singles, especially those over 6′ tall; couples; those who sleep with their pets or children; bigger rooms.
King	76” x 80”	Singles who like a lot of space; even those over 6′ tall; couples; couples sleeping with a child or pets; larger rooms.
California King	72” x 84”	Singles and couples, especially tall ones; those who sleep with their pets or children; larger rooms.

How to Choose Between a Queen and King Size Mattress

The main differences between a Queen and a King bed stem from their size difference. If you still aren’t sure which one is the better option for you, here are some things you should consider before choosing between King and Queen.

Sleeping Position

Your preferred sleeping position will affect your mattress choice in general, and one of the things it affects is how much space you need. 

Even if you sleep alone, you’re going to need more space if you’re a back sleeper or a stomach sleeper, while side sleepers usually don’t need as much. Combination sleepers also need a lot of space. 

This is also true for couples. If one, or both, sleepers move around in their sleep or like to spread out, they should probably go for a King size bed. Side sleepers or those who don’t toss and turn during the night might feel fine on a Queen size bed. 

Height

Picking a suitable mattress is generally more complicated for tall sleepers, especially those taller than 6′. Still, both King mattresses and Queen size mattresses have the extra length needed to accommodate them and make them feel comfortable enough. 

On the other hand, if you’re tall sleepers who feel like King and Queen size are too big for them, you should probably go for a California King bed or some non-standard King and Queen sizes. 

Partners 

Those who sleep alone will have enough space on both of these beds, so they can choose whichever one suits them.

If you sleep with a partner, it depends on how much space you feel like you need. Queen beds are big enough for most couples, but those who prefer more space or are bigger might not be happy with it. A King size bed is a better option in that case. 

Additionally, couples who sleep with pets or children will feel more comfortable on a King bed. 

Room Size

As we mentioned before, getting a new mattress also depends on your room size. You can’t get a King bed if you have nowhere to put it. Your master bedroom shouldn’t be too cramped, and you should consider the space to put other furniture you have. 

A good piece of advice is to leave at least two feet of space on three sides of the bed (or two, if your bed is positioned in the corner of your room). That being said, this is the minimum, and you should watch out for other additions to the furniture too.

In addition to that, the recommended room size for a Queen mattress is 10′ x 10′, while the one for a King is 12′ x 12′. Make sure you have sufficient space!

Transport

Another thing you should consider when choosing a new mattress, and one which isn’t mentioned often enough but is just as important, is transportation and mobility. 

Whether it’s moving or just moving your mattress from room to room and rotating it from time to time (as you should do to make it last longer), you need to keep in mind that the bigger the bed is, the harder it is to transport. This could be a problem for single people with big beds or older people who aren’t strong enough. 

The Queen is the winner in the transportation category in the King vs. Queen mattress debate. It’s generally lighter because of its smaller size, but you should also keep in mind that the weight of the bed heavily depends on its firmness and materials. 

For example, a memory foam mattress is generally lighter than one of the same size made from latex.

That being said, if you plan on moving your mattress around by yourself, you should go for the lighter version. 

Cost

Lastly, your budget can also affect the choice of a new mattress. 

We already talked about the price difference between the King vs. Queen mattress.

In conclusion, prices can depend on many things, such as materials and manufacturers.

However, the general rule is that the bigger the mattress is, the more it will cost because it uses more material.

On the other hand, memory foam mattresses are more expensive than regular ones. 

If we look at the average price for both of these mattress sizes, we could consider that a Queen mattress is generally more affordable than a King one.

For example, if you’re sure about the material, manufacturer, and other aspects of the bed but don’t know which mattress size you should go for, a King mattress is going to cost you more. 

Also getting accessories like beddings and a mattress protector are going to cost you more for a King size.

If we’re talking price-wise, a Queen size bed is a winner in the King vs. Queen size mattresses debate.

If you plan on shopping for a new mattress on a budget, make sure to check out our list of best budget mattresses! 

Queen vs. King – Pros and Cons

As you can see, both of the mattresses in the King vs. Queen bed debate have advantages and disadvantages. 

Now that you know about the main differences between the two and the things to keep in mind when making your choice, it’s time to summarize the pros and cons for both of them. 

Queen Mattress

Pros 

• Comfortable for most couples and also singles who like a lot of sleeping space
• Sufficient length for taller people 
• More affordable
• A lot of available accessories 
• Simpler to transport 
• It can fit in most rooms 

Cons 

• Some couples might find it cramped 
• Not big enough couples that sleep with a child or a pet 

King Mattress

Pros

• Big enough for couples and even for couples who sleep with a child or a pet 
• Good for combination sleepers 
• Enough length for taller people 
• Looks great in a master bedroom 

Cons 

• It costs more than a Queen sized mattress 
• Harder to maneuver  

FAQ

What’s the Main Difference between a Queen and a King Size Bed?

The main difference between a Queen and a King size bed is their dimensions. 

While both beds have a length of 80″, the difference in their widths is considerable. A Queen bed is 60″ wide and a King one is 76″ wide. 

If we look at the extra space – 16″, this is a pretty significant number. This difference in dimensions can affect more things than just the spaciousness. It can also affect available accessories, comfort levels, who the bed will be the best for, recommended room size, price, etc. 

Should Couples Get a King Size Bed?

Choosing between King vs. Queen bed for couples can depend on many things. 

A Queen size mattress is a better option for smaller couples or those who don’t mind having less personal space. It’s also an excellent choice for those who have smaller master bedrooms.

On the other hand, bigger couples and those who like to have a lot of sleeping space for each sleeper will most likely sleep more comfortably on a King size mattress.

Additionally, couples who sleep with children or pets should also go for a King size mattress to have a good sleep quality. 

In the end, both can be comfortable enough for most couples, but the final decision mostly boils down to personal preferences. A California King mattress could also be a great choice for couples.

What Is a Split King?

A Split King is a form of a double bed. 

Double beds are created when you put two smaller mattresses together side by side to create one big mattress. 

These beds are usually used by couples who have different sleeping preferences to satisfy both of their needs. For example, if one of the sleepers prefers a firmer mattress with less bounce while the other prefers a soft mattress from memory foam they can sink into, they can create a double bed. 

If you aren’t sure which mattress firmness you should go for, we got you covered! Check out our mattress firmness guide.

Double beds can be created from many mattress sizes, both standard and non-standard ones. 

In the case of a Split King, it’s made from two Twin XL size mattresses put together to create a Split King mattress. 

This combination is interesting because it’s the only case of double beds where both the sizes that it’s made from and the final result are considered standard manufacturing mattress sizes. 

Keep in mind that this only works with Twin XL mattresses. If you use a regular Twin mattress, you could make a larger mattress, but it won’t be standard size.

Split King mattresses are also a significant plus for the King-sized bed in the King vs. Queen debate.

A Split Queen mattress can also be made, but from two non-standard mattress dimensions, unlike King size beds.

Other options for double beds also include a Split California King mattress and other similar sizes.

Final Thoughts 

That would be everything you should know about when it comes to the King vs. Queen bed size problem before opting for one of them. To keep it simple, a King might be bigger than a Queen area-wise, but at the end of the day, it all depends on your personal preferences. We hope this article helped you determine whether a Queen bed or a King one is the right choice for you!