King vs Full Size Mattress: What Is the Difference?
Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Last Updated on Mar 29, 2023
Considering the number of options available on the market, it may sometimes get challenging to find a mattress that matches your purpose, especially when selecting between king vs full mattresses.
King Vs Full Mattresses Size Comparison
The difference between full and king mattresses is, king mattresses are 22 inches wider and 5 inches longer than full mattresses. While king size mattresses measure 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, they are considered the largest standard mattress sizes. The full size mattress lies in between with the dimensions of 54 inches wide and 76 inches long.
While both the beds are ideal for couples who want to stretch a little extra on the bed and have their own space while sleeping, a king and a full bed are miles apart from their dimensions and sizes. It's not only the measurements of the two beds that vary; the no. of the people occupying them also differs alongside the comfort they offer. Therefore, in this article, we'll be undermining the differences between King vs Full mattresses and help you comprehend the two at a go.
To know which one among the two mattress sizes complies best with your requirements, consider reading the following king vs full bed comparison table.
King Vs Full Mattresses Size Comparison Chart
| Parameters | King-size Mattress | Full-size Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 80 inches | 75 inches |
| Width | 76 inches | 54 inches |
| Recommended Room Size | 12 by 12 feet | 10 by 12 feet |
| Occupancy | Family with kids (2) or pets / Couples / Tall sleepers / Combination sleepers | Teenagers / college students / single adults |
| Price | $1349- $2549 | $899- $2099 |
What Is a King Mattress?
As we said already, a king size mattress is the largest standard size that most brands offer in their size charts. With a 76-inch width and 80-inch length, these are generally best recommended for couples who prefer more personal space while sleeping.
A king mattress (also called an Eastern king) fits well in a king bed, which can be accommodated inside master bedrooms, measuring at least 12 by 12 feet.
They are suitable choices for
- Family with kids (2) or pets
- Couples
- Tall sleepers
- Combination sleepers
These are spacious enough to make room for two sleepers plus a child or a pet. This feature makes the king mattress a go-to choice for parents who co-sleep with their children or pets. Also, the vast sleeping space comes in handy for active or combination sleepers.
Pros of a King Size Mattress
- It offers ample sleeping space for couples or families with small children.
- It is a great option for tall people or those who like to sprawl out when they sleep.
- It can help reduce tossing and turning throughout the night, promoting a more restful sleep.
- It can be a good investment for your long-term comfort and sleep quality.
Cons of a King Size Mattress
- Due to its bulkiness, it can be too big for some people, making it difficult to move around in bed.
- It can be more expensive than a queen or a full size mattress.
- It can be difficult to find sheets and bedding that fit properly.
Variations in King-Size Mattress
The king size bed is a popular and high-in-demand choice worldwide. As a result, you will find quite a few variations to the standard king mattresses to cater to different purposes.
California king size mattress
One of its most popular variations is the California king size mattress. Though it offers the same area as the traditional king-size, it differs in terms of its width and length from the former size – a California king is four inches longer and four inches narrower. Cal King tends to be 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. Being extra-long, these work best for extra-tall sleepers.
Split-king mattress
Another variant of the king is the split-king mattress. This one is not a different size but is split into two halves instead. A split-king mattress offers much the same space as the conventional king and provides each sleeper with an option to customize their bedside (for example, mattress firmness) as per their preferences. This design also works well with adjustable beds since each partner gets to move their side individually and choose their sleeping position.
Some mattress manufacturers also come up with split California king-size and oversized king mattresses to meet the exact requirements of certain people.
What Is a Full Mattress?
A full size mattress is neither too narrow nor too wide, which makes it lie more or less in the middle of all bed sizes. With 54 by 75 inches, it's considered chiefly ideal for single sleepers with compact rooms.
A full mattress pairs well with a full bed, which is ironically also called a double bed (in the sense that it doesn't have enough room to accommodate two sleepers).
It is best suited for
- Teenagers
- college students
- single adults, and
- those who live in limited spaces like studio apartments, hostels and likewise.
In short, if you're looking for a budget-friendly and space-efficient option for smaller rooms (measuring around 10 feet by 12 feet), a full size bed can come to your rescue. Being wider than twins, these will also allow you to stretch out or toss while still leaving sufficient room to walk around or add extra furnishings.
Pros of a Full Size Mattress
- Full mattress gives plenty of room to stretch out and move around while asleep.
- It is more affordable than king size mattresses, making them a more budget-friendly option.
- It can be a good choice for couples who want more space than a twin mattress but don’t need the extra size of a queen or king.
- It is a good option for kids or teenagers who are still growing and need more space to spread out.
Cons of a Full Size Mattress
- It takes up a lot of space in a room, so one may find it difficult to fit in their furniture and other belongings around it.
- It can be difficult to move a full size mattress from room to room, especially if you have tight corners or doorways.
Variations in Full-Size Mattress
Unlike a king-size mattress, full-size mattresses do not come with too many variations. However, the most prominent one is the full XL mattress, which shares the same width as a regular full-size one but has an extra length of five inches.
Full XL mattresses
Full XL mattresses offer an area of 54 by 80 inches, making them a better choice for taller people who need more legroom so that their feet do not hang outside the bed frame. However, you may have to get a custom-made full XL mattress since it is not one of the standard sizes and is not commonly available most of the time.
A full mattress is often collated with a queen size mattress, even though the latter is not its variation. This is because Queen mattresses are only half-foot wider than fulls, making them spacious enough to lodge two people and hence more suitable for couples.
Conclusion
Both king size and full size beds serve different purposes and target different sleepers. That being the case, it's ultimately up to you to decide which mattress dimensions shall be congruent with your purpose. This full vs king size bed guide attempts to clarify things for you to get going with your mattress shopping journey and find your best fit.
