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Mattresses

Published March 16, 2022

12 min

King vs Queen Bed: What Is the Difference?

Which larger mattress size fits your needs?
 Nectar Editorial Team Author Image
Nectar Editorial Team
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Table of contents
Difference Between Queen and King Size MattressesQueen & King Size Mattresses Comparison ChartWhat is a King Bed?What Is A Queen Bed?Factors to Consider When Deciding Between King or Queen BedKing vs. Queen Bed Size VariationsConclusionFrequently Asked Questions
A good night’s sleep impacts your overall health, well-being, mood, productivity, and efficiency. Most people focus on choosing the right mattress, selecting the proper pillow, and creating the right environment to ensure an appropriate sleep. Sadly, you may overlook a vital factor of choosing the right bed, which is essential for getting good sleep. Prospective buyers often are choosing between a king vs queen bed. If you're facing the same decision, read on to understand the differences.

Difference Between Queen and King Size Mattresses

When deciding between a king vs. queen bed, the first thing that comes to the mind of people is the difference in their sizes. A king mattress is 16 inches wider than a queen mattress but they both have the same length. While a king measures 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, a queen measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. Couples often need more space and hence prefer a king size bed. Similarly, individuals who sleep alone but prefer to spread their limbs while sleeping may find the queen size entirely appropriate. Queen beds are suitable for petite people, compact sleepers, or people with small bedrooms . Here's a comparison of a queen mattress with a king mattress to show the key differences:https://media.residenthome.com/contentful/wp-migration/xxx-king-vs-queen-bed-illustration-768x576.webp?w=768&h=576

Queen & King Size Mattresses Comparison Chart

ParametersQueen MattressKing Mattress
Length80 inches80 inches
Width60 inches76 inches
Surface Area4800 square inches6080 square inches
Price$1,049- $2,249$1,349- $2,549
Occupancy1 taller adult and a pet2 adults
Ideal forTaller adults, couples, or people with petsCouples
Recommended Room Size10 feet by 14 feet 13 feet by 13 feet

What is a King Bed?

King beds are the best for people who loves to have lots of room. It's also ideal if you love to co-sleep or have more personal space. King beds definitely give you all the royal vibes, but if you have one in a small room, it may look cluttered. Even though it comes with a platter full of pros; it has its own cons as well. Have a look at those before you buy it.

Pros

  • They offer considerably greater sleeping surface.
  • They are an excellent choice for couples.

Cons

  • They're not easy to move and cost more.
  • They can make small bedrooms seem crowded.

What Is A Queen Bed?

While some people may prefer a king, a queen is another great option. A queen size bed is also a popular choice of couples. And why not? It gives ample leg room, allows couples to have 30 inches of personal space each, snuggle and sleep together, as well as fit in a smaller room. But, with all these benefits come certain drawbacks as well. Let’s have a look.

Pros

  • Their compact size makes them suitable for small bedrooms.
  • They are ideal for people who sleep alone and move around a lot.

Cons

  • They offer less sleeping surface.
  • They are not ideal for people with restless sleeping partners.
Understanding these pros and cons can make the process of choosing the right mattress size easier for buyers.

Factors to Consider When Deciding Between King or Queen Bed

Buyers need to consider various factors while deciding the best option between queen vs. king bed. Explore our guide below for making a perfect purchase.

Comfort

The mattress' comfort level is one of the key considerations that buyers should focus on while deciding between queen and king beds. The more comfortable a mattress is, the more relaxing sleep the owner can enjoy.Given the bigger size of king beds, they are considered a more comfortable choice for plus-sized individuals or people seeking more room to sprawl out while sleeping. Queen beds are better for people who sleep alone or are smaller in size.

Price

The cost is something buyers should consider while comparing the king vs. queen mattress. People can find both king and queen beds with diverse price tags in the market, making it even more important to clearly understand the maximum amount they can spend.In general, king size beds are more expensive than queen beds. For some, the added space of a king bed can make it worth the extra cost. This price difference is generally no more than a few hundred dollars and results from the fact that queen beds are significantly smaller than king-size beds. A queen can cost you anything between $1,049- $2,249, while a king (especially, of a premium range) can cost you between $1,349- $2,549.

Size of the Room

https://media.residenthome.com/contentful/wp-migration/xxx-king-vs-queen-bed-room-layout-illustration-768x576.webp?w=768&h=576The size of the bedroom also impacts the choice between queen or king bed. Placing a king size bed in a small room can leave little space for movement and make the room look crowded, while a queen bed may seem inadequate in a very large bedroom.The ideal size of the bedrooms for these particular mattresses should be considered. A queen is perfect for a room which measures a minimum of 10 feet by 14 feet; and a king goes well with a room measuring 13 feet by 13 feet. It would leave enough space around the bed for sleepers to lay down and get up comfortably.

Sleeping Partner

Keeping your partner's sleeping positions and preferences in mind is also essential for choosing the right bed. Generally, queen size is considered a good size for couples. However, it's not ideal for couples who want more space individually.Family members with small children or pets will prefer king size beds, as they provide adequate space for the entire family. These beds are also suitable for those who want undisturbed sleep.

Sleeping Position

The sleep positions define how people place their bodies while sleeping. Different people prefer different sleep positions to maximize their comfort. The best sleeping position promotes proper body alignment along the spine. Buyers need to consider this fact while choosing suitable bed sizes.People who sleep on their back or side often require more space and find king beds more comfortable. However, people who sleep on their stomachs do not generally need much space, making the queen bed an ideal choice for them.

Body Dimensions of Sleepers

The body dimensions of the sleepers and their partners also play a critical role in choosing a bed. Investing in a king mattress is the right choice for people with an above-average height and a plus-sized body. A queen bed may accommodate their size properly, which might cause them discomfort while sleeping.A queen mattress is also not the right choice if even one of the partners is small in size, while the other is above average. In most cases, bulky people need more space, making investing in a king size bed a better option.

How Much You Move

Some people tend to change positions often while sleeping. Others prefer to sleep while sprawling across the entire sleeping surface. Queen beds may prove too small for such sleepers and prevent them from enjoying a good rest.On the other hand, solo people whose movement during sleep is minimal may find the king size beds too big and spacious. Queen size beds are also a better option for people who need more open space around their beds to ensure safe movement at night.

King vs. Queen Bed Size Variations

There are several variations of the king and queen size mattresses available in the market to match the different needs of buyers.

Split Queen Mattress

This bed comprises two individual mattresses of the same size. The combined size of the two mattresses matches exactly that of a standard queen mattress. The separate mattresses ensure greater flexibility and comfort for individual sleepers.

Olympic Queen Mattress

These mattresses are slightly bigger than the traditional queen beds and measure 66" x 80”. They are the best choice for people seeking bed mattress sizes somewhere in the mid-range of king and queen beds.

Split King Mattress

These mattresses are made of two twin XL mattresses with the same length as a standard king mattress, but only half its width. They provide individual sleepers with greater freedom to sleep closer to their partner within their own space.

California King Mattress

This mattress is bigger than a king mattress and measures 72“x 84”. It's the best option for taller people as it provides ample space to accommodate them comfortably.

Split California King Mattress

This is the split version of the California king mattress and is suitable for people with more than above average height. Taller couples with different sleeping habits should invest in these mattresses.

RV Queen Mattress

These mattresses are slightly shorter than a regular queen mattress and measure 60” x 75.” However, they are big enough to comfortably fit two average-sized adults.

RV King Mattress

The mattress size of an RV king vary just slightly compared to a regular king bed. They are about 5” shorter, and measure 72”x 80” while still being long enough for tall people to sleep comfortably.

Texas King Mattress

These mattresses are the second largest in the category of oversized mattresses and measure 80”x 98.” They are primarily suitable for tall people who crave extra legroom.

Wyoming King Mattress

These are the smallest oversized mattresses and have a length and width of 84” X 84”. The 12” extra space of these beds makes them large enough to accommodate three adults or even a small family comfortably.

Alaskan King Mattress

This is the biggest of all types of mattresses available on the market and measures 108”x 108.” It outmeasures the regular king size mattress by a good 24” and can sleep a large family quite comfortably.

Conclusion

Both king and queen size mattresses offer specific benefits that make them an excellent choice for certain sleepers. Apart from considering the pros and cons of a queen or king mattress, buyers should also evaluate their sleeping habits and other factors discussed above to make the best choice. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bigger is a king bed than a queen? The size difference between a queen and king bed is that king-size mattresses are 16 inches wider than queens. A king-size mattress measures 76 inches wide (5 feet) and 80 inches long (6 feet, 8 inches), whereas a queen-size mattress measures 60 inches wide (6 feet, 4 inches) and 80 inches long (6 feet, 8 inches). Which is better in a king vs queen bed for couples? Most couples tend to buy queen beds because they are 7” wider and 5” longer when compared to full-sized beds and are ideal for both individuals and couples, as each of them gets 30-inches of space to themselves. Again, it comes down to personal preferences. If you prefer space while sleeping, king beds are the best way to go. What is the most popular bed size? Queen size beds are the most popular beds on the market. Queen size mattresses measure 60 inches in width and 80 inches in length. It is also considered the best choice for couples. Can I put a king mattress on a queen frame? You can put a king mattress on a queen frame if the frame can be adjusted to king size. Otherwise, the width would not fit, and you will have to buy a new frame. What is the difference between a full vs queen? A standard queen-size mattress measures 60 inches in width and 80 inches in length. The surface idea of a queen-size mattress is about 4,800 square inches. However, a standard full-size mattress measures 53 inches in width and 75 inches in length. Its surface area is about 3,975 square inches. Hence, a full mattress is 7 inches narrower and 5 inches shorter than a queen-size mattress .