Full vs Queen Mattress Comparison Guide

Full and Queen size mattresses are some of the most commonly bought mattress sizes on the market. 

If you’re in the market for mattresses fit for two people, you’re probably looking for a full or queen bed. Both full and queen-size beds are good options for couples who like to sleep together. However, there are considerable differences between the two that you should know.

Read on to learn more about full vs. queen mattresses in terms of dimensions, pricing, comfort, and other factors.

Full vs Queen Comparison Chart

Below is a short overview of our comparison between the two mattresses:

Key Differences Between Full vs Queen Mattress

Dimensions

The main difference between a full and queen mattress is the size. A queen mattress is a few inches wider and longer than a full mattress, being 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. On the other hand, the standard size for a full-size bed is 53 inches wide and 75 inches long. A queen size has a superior surface area at 4,800 square inches, while a full size has 3,975 square inches in surface area.

While the full-size mattress can fit two people, it may not be comfortable for some. It’s generally a popular option for single sleepers. 

Learn all mattress dimensions and differences.

Price

A queen-size bed will typically be more expensive than a full-size one. However, because the size difference is just 7 inches in width and 5 inches in length, the price difference between the two mattresses won’t be that big.

For example, Purple full-size mattresses start at $1199, while our Purple queen-size mattresses start at $1399.

Be familiar with how much you should spend on a mattress.

Comfort

When comparing the comfort of full vs. queen mattresses, consider your body type and how much space you want to share with your partner, including children or pets. 

For example, if you and your partner often cuddle and sleep soundly without moving much, then a full bed might work well enough. It’s also a more affordable pick if you plan to sleep on your own.

The queen bed is better if you need extra space to stretch and sprawl out. We highly recommend the queen size if you plan to share the space with children or pets.

Accessories

Full and queen are among the most common mattress sizes for the average American. This means that bed accessories – from pillows to blankets to comforters – shouldn’t be difficult to find. 

However, the dimensions of said accessories will affect how much you’ll spend. For example, you’ll pay more for bigger sheets for a queen-size bed. Getting a queen size also might mean you’ll want to have more pillows.

Room Size

Of course, bigger beds need bigger bedrooms. Full-size mattresses fit nicely into bedrooms of 10 by 12 feet or larger, like guest rooms or small bedrooms. Consider a twin or single bed if you have anything smaller than 10’ by 12’.

On the other hand, queen-size mattresses are a perfect fit for anything in the range of 10 by 10 feet to 12 by 12 feet, like a master bedroom.

Pros And Cons Of A Queen Mattress

Around 47% of American adults say they sleep on queen-size mattresses, making the queen the most common bed size. It has more space than most mattresses on the market without being as large as a king-size mattress. Because it’s roomy, a queen-size bed is probably the best option for couples.

Pros

• Plenty of space for couples, their pets, and children
• Easy to find accessories
• Fits comfortably in big bedrooms

Cons

• Usually heavier than a full
• Takes uo more space in a room

Pros And Cons Of A Full Mattress

A full mattress offers adequate space for one person to sleep soundly, but it can sometimes be cramped for an adult couple. However, if you are on the smaller side or don’t move much at night, it can be cozy enough for you and your partner. About 14% of Americans use full beds, and this could be a good option if you’re part of the 1 of 4 married couples that don’t sleep in the same bed.

Pros

• Relatively inexpensive
• More lightweight than most mattress sizes
• Common accessories
• Good for single people

Cons

• Not much space for a couple’s children or pets
• May not be comfortable for two adult sleepers

Full vs Queen Mattress: How To Choose The Best One

When it comes to choosing which of the two mattresses to buy, there are a handful of factors to consider. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How often do you move around your bed? 
• How much room do you want your bed to take? 
• How much are you willing to spend on bedding accessories?

Below, we break down some of the most important factors to think about:

Room Size

The room can get cramped if the bed takes up too much space. Check your room dimensions and get an appropriately sized bed so you can have more room to walk and add furniture.

Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, a full-size mattress might suit your needs better. Keep in mind that you won’t only be spending on the mattress but also on the accessories. A bigger mattress also means bigger and more expensive sheets, pillows, etc.

Number Of Sleepers

Take note of how many people or pets will be using the bed at the same time. Although both mattress sizes work for couples, you may need more space for you and your partner. A full-size bed will be too cramped if you plan to sleep with your partner, children, or pets.

Meanwhile, for a single sleeper, a queen size will most likely have plenty of unused space, which may not be worth it for the additional expense. If you’re a single sleeper who wants more space to sprawl out, a full or double bed could be the perfect fit. 

Body Size

It goes without saying that body size counts when choosing between beds. Queen-size mattresses are at least 5 inches longer than a full, making them great for taller sleepers. However, not everyone sleeps with their full height stretched out, so a full mattress could still suffice.

Firmness

For the most part, the choice of firmness depends on the weight and number of sleepers. For example, heavier sleepers up to 230 lbs may prefer firmer mattresses for their support.

At Purple, we offer two firmness levels for our full-size and queen-size beds: medium-firm and medium.

Full vs Queen Bed: Which Is Best For Me?

If you’re a single sleeper, the superior pick is full size. Couples can pick between both sizes as both can fit two people. The decision comes down to your personal preference, budget, room size, body size, and how many will sleep with you.

Overall, the full-size mattress is cheaper than the queen size at the cost of less space. On the other hand, you get more space for an extra cost in the queen-size mattress.

Looking for adaptive, cushioned, and breathable mattresses? Try a Purple mattress today to experience our proprietary GelFlex grid! We offer a 10-year warranty, a 100-night trial, free shipping, and free returns!

Frequently Asked Questions About Full vs Queen Mattress

Is a full the same as a queen?

A full-size mattress of 53 by 75 inches is not the same as a queen-size one that measures 60 by 80 inches. The queen size is more accommodating for couples and typically more expensive.

Is queen or full better?

There isn’t really a better option between the two – choose one according to your needs. For single sleepers or those on a budget, a full mattress may suffice. Couples will want to opt for the queen for more space and comfort. Remember to check our comparison guide the next time you’re choosing between a full vs. queen bed!

Is a full-size bed good for couples?

A full size can fit two people who are comfortable sleeping close together. This also depends on the size of the room you two will share. For smaller rooms, a full-size bed can provide enough room to sleep without eating up too much space.