Full vs Queen Mattress
Wondering what the difference between a full and queen size mattress is? It’s a common question, because these two mattresses are close in size. However, they are different, so let’s dive into each of these mattress sizes, their pros and cons, and which one might be best for you.
Full Mattress vs Queen Mattress: What’s the Difference?
The difference between a full and queen size mattress is ultimately the dimensions: a full size mattress is generally 54 inches by 75 inches, whereas a queen size mattress is generally 60 inches by 80 inches. That means on a queen, you have six extra inches in width and five extra inches in length. While that may not sound like much, those few inches can make the world of a difference if you are tall or if you are sharing your bed with a partner or pet.
Full Mattress Overview
As mentioned above, a full size mattress is generally 54 inches by 75 inches. Full size mattresses are usually the same length as a twin size mattress, but wider — a twin is usually 38 inches by 75 inches, so you have 16 extra inches of width on a full versus a twin. Full mattresses are also sometimes called a double.
Full Mattress Pros:
- Big enough for a solo child or adult sleeper
- More affordable than a queen
- Easier to fit into smaller bedrooms
Full Mattress Cons:
- Cramped for a couple to share
- May not be long enough for taller sleepers
Queen Mattress Overview
A queen size mattress will generally measure 60 inches by 80 inches. They are actually the most common mattress size in the U.S., which makes sense because they are very versatile. In addition to a standard queen, there are some variations on the queen size, such as a short queen/RV queen (54 inches by 75 inches).
Queen Mattress Pros:
- Wide enough for a couple to comfortably share
- Long enough for taller sleepers
- Most common mattress size, so most beds, sheets, toppers, etc. are available in this size
Queen Mattress Cons:
- More expensive than a full
- Takes up more space in a smaller bedroom
How Much Does A Queen Size Mattress Cost?
Since a full size mattress is smaller than a queen, they generally cost less. You can usually expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 for an average queen size mattress — although there is a lot of price variation, depending on quality and materials. There are certainly queen mattresses available for less than $1,000 and for more than $2,000.
How Much Does a Full Size Mattress Cost?
On the other hand, a full size mattress can usually cost between $800 and $1,300 — although as with queen size mattresses, there are many options above and below that range depending on materials used.
Materials and Cost
In general, memory foam mattresses will be the least expensive option for either a full or queen size. Innerspring and hybrid models will cost slightly more than pure memory foam mattresses, as they use more expensive materials, like steel coils.
Latex foam mattresses will also generally be considerably more expensive than memory foam, as latex is a natural product that is more expensive to produce. And of course, any “smart” or high-tech airbeds will cost the most of any style.
Should You Get A Full Or Queen Mattress?
If you are deciding between these two mattress sizes, here are a few things to consider.
Price
As outlined above, queen size mattresses generally cost more than full size ones. However, because they are relatively close in size, the price difference isn’t always vast for different sizes of the same model. For example, many brands offer a queen size mattress for between $100 and $200 more than the price of the full size of the same model.
If your budget is a little more flexible, the queen size might be more worthwhile, as you will get a larger mattress without jumping up significantly in price. But if your budget is tighter or you are shopping for a bed made with higher-quality (and more expensive) materials, a few hundred dollars less for the full could make a big difference.
It really depends on your personal budget, as well as what other factors you are considering with your purchase.
Room Size
Queen size mattresses are larger than full size mattresses, so they will take up more space in your bedroom. If you have a fairly large room to work with, a few inches difference might not matter. But as anyone who has decorated a small bedroom knows, those inches can make all the difference in tighter spaces.
To get a sense of how each mattress size will fit in your bedroom, you may want to bust out the measuring tape and see just how much space you have. Will the rest of your furniture, such as a nightstand or dresser, fit comfortably with the extra inches a queen size adds? Keep in mind as you measure that you want room to breathe between the furniture in your bedroom — if everything is cramped together, it can make your bedroom feel even smaller than it is.
For shoppers who have particularly small bedrooms or are decorating a studio apartment, sacrificing some mattress surface area with a full size might be worth it to save floor space.
Couples
While many couples would love to have the room to spread out on a king size mattress, budgets and floor plans don’t always allow for these larger beds. Therefore, many couples look to full or queen size beds instead.
Generally, a queen size bed will fit a couple much more comfortably than a full size. Of course, many couples do share full size beds, but it is a much tighter fit — especially if you or your partner are particularly heavy or tall. Unless space or budget constraints necessitate a full, a queen size will be a better bet for couples overall.
Kids
For kids who want or need more space than a twin or twin XL allows, a full or queen size can be a great option, particularly if you are hoping for a bed to last a long time as your child grows.
Full size beds are more common for kids, as they tend to be less expensive and take up less space. It’s commonly the largest size available for mattresses that are specifically designed for kids. But if you have the space and the budget, a queen size works just as well for kids. A queen size also might be a good investment if you plan to turn your child’s bedroom into a guest room once they have moved out.
Taller Sleepers
If you are around six feet tall or taller, you have likely experienced your feet hanging off the edge of the bed. To avoid this, a queen size will be a better choice for tall sleepers than a full size, as they are five inches longer.
Mattress Sizes and Dimensions
Curious how a full and queen mattress compare to other popular mattress sizes? Here is a breakdown of standard mattress dimensions by size.
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ |
| King | 76″ x 80″ |
| Split King | 38″ x 80″ (each mattress) |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ |
Full vs Queen Mattress FAQs
Is a full bed the same as a queen?
No, a full and a queen size mattress are two different sizes. A full size mattress is 54 inches by 75 inches, whereas a queen size mattress is 60 inches by 80 inches.
Is a queen or full bed better?
It really depends on your needs whether a full or queen size mattress is better. A queen size is larger than a full, but also more expensive.
Is a full size bed enough for two?
This depends on personal preferences, but generally a full size will be a tight fit for two adults to share. A queen size will be more comfortable for co-sleeping, but many couples can and do sleep on a full size bed.
Is a full bed cheaper than a queen?
Yes, generally a full size bed is cheaper than a queen size of the same model. However, if you compare between mattress models and brands, there are definitely some queen models that are cheaper than other full models, depending on materials and quality.
Can I put queen sheets on a full bed?
Queen sheets will likely be a bit too large for a full size mattress. Because these two beds are close in size, you could likely make it work, as long as you don’t mind your fitted sheet being a little loose.
What is the best full size mattress?
There is no one-size-fits-all best mattress, as there are so many personal preferences and needs to consider. Take a look at our full size mattress to see some good options!
What is the best queen size mattress?
Since there isn’t one option that will work for everyone, check out our best queen size mattress page to see a variety of beds available in a queen size.
