Full vs. Queen: Key Differences + Size Comparison Guide

Key Takeaways

• A queen mattress is 60-by-80 inches, making the surface area of a queen 4,800 square inches. Queen mattresses are larger than full beds and are better suited for couples. 
• A full mattress is 54-by-75 inches, totaling a surface area of 4,050 square inches. Full beds work well for teenagers, single young adults, and small or guest bedrooms.
• To choose between a full vs. queen bed, consider your bedroom dimensions, number of sleepers, and sleep needs.

Everyone has different sleep needs, and one mattress size doesn’t fit all lifestyles. When comparing full vs. queen mattresses — two of the most popular sizes — it’s important to consider how they work for you. 

Full mattresses are smaller than queens in width and length. The queen’s extra space makes it the most popular bed size for couples, whereas a full fits better in small bedrooms.¹

On average, a good mattress lasts a decade, so do your research and choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we’ve compared full vs. queen mattresses for size, pricing, comfort, and other key factors so you can have full confidence going into your decision. 

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Full vs. Queen Bed Size Comparison

A full mattress is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, equating to 4,050 square inches of sleeping space. The dimensions of a full size bed frame measure 56-59 by 77-80 inches. 

For single sleepers, teens, and guest rooms, a full mattress is comfortable without being too big. While a full mattress can fit two people, the smaller dimensions can be uncomfortable for couples. 

A queen mattress is bigger than a full, measuring 60 inches wide and 80 inches long — totaling 4,800 square inches of sleeping space. Queen mattresses are one of the best bed sizes for couples because they offer more personal space compared to full mattresses.

The dimensions of a queen bed frame are 62-66 by 82-86 inches and fit best in medium to large bedrooms.

Full vs. Queen Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick full vs. queen comparison chart.

Differences Between Full and Queen Beds

While there are many types of mattresses, size is one of the most important things to consider. All mattress sizes follow the same standards, which makes it easy to note their key differences before deciding what size works for your bedroom. For full and queen size beds, the differences come down to their dimensions, comfort details, and price point.

Dimensions

The main difference between a full and queen mattress is the size. A queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. A full mattress is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. This makes a queen mattress 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than its full size counterpart. The surface area of a queen is 4,800 square inches, while a full is 4,050 square inches — a difference of 750 square inches.

Mattress thickness is not standardized but ranges between 8 and 14 inches for a full, and up to 19 inches for a queen. Firmness also depends on the type of materials used. The best mattress thickness comes down to your personal preference.

A full mattress can fit two people, but it may not be comfortable for some. A queen is the preferred option for most couples' sleeping positions due to its size, while a full is preferred for single sleepers. Mattress dimensions should fit your budget, comfort, accessories, and room size. 

Comfort

The best mattress size is one that provides optimal comfort. Consider your body type and how much space you want to share with your partner, including children or pets.

Full mattresses can provide comfort to single sleepers, but they can be less comfortable for couples. Couples need more space if they move in their sleep, own pets, or sleep lightly.

Queen mattresses are better for those who require extra space to stretch and sprawl out. We recommend a queen if you plan to share the space with your children or pets.

Accessories

The difference between full and queen size accessories is minimal. They’re two of the most popular mattress sizes for the average American, which means that bed accessories –– from pillows to blankets to comforters –– shouldn’t be difficult to find. 

The main difference is that queen size accessories cost more than full size ones. Queen mattresses need bigger sheets, bigger blankets, and more pillows. Full mattresses need smaller sizes and fewer accessories, though you can use standard size pillows for both mattress sizes.

Minimum Room Size

Bigger beds require bigger bedrooms. Full mattresses fit into bedrooms of 10-by-12 feet or larger — a common size for guest rooms and small bedrooms. Queen mattresses are a perfect fit for anything in the range of 10-by-10 feet to 12-by-12 feet, such as a primary bedroom.

When it comes to side tables, full mattresses provide ample space for two on either side of the bed. A queen mattress can make it difficult to fit two side tables depending on the size of the room. Knowing your room's size will help you decide on the right mattress.

Price

A queen mattress will be more expensive than a full mattress of the same quality because of its larger size. Mattress material type and quality are also a big part of the final price. Depending on these factors, full mattresses can range from $700-$2,800+, while queen mattresses typically range from $800-$3,000+. Consider how much you should spend on a mattress, but make sure the mattress you choose is right for you. 

Purple has three collections with mattresses available at different price ranges. While all are made with our proprietary GelFlex® Grid, we've designed unique models that promote deep sleep across varying budgets.

Our full mattresses start at (full sizes not available in all mattresses):

• $1,199 for our PurpleFlex™ mattress
• $2,849 for our Purple RestorePlus™ hybrid mattress

Our queen mattresses start at: 

• $1,299 for our Essential Collection
• $2,399 for our Restore Hybrid Collection
• $5,495 for our luxury Rejuvenate Luxe Collection

Full vs. Queen Bed: Pros and Cons

Full and queen mattresses each come with pros and cons. About 14% of Americans use full beds, an option often preferred by the 1 in 4 married couples who don’t sleep in the same bed.^1,2

The right mattress depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. We’ve curated a list of pros and cons so you can assess the best option for you. 

How To Choose Between a Full or Queen Bed

When it comes to choosing your mattress size, there are a handful of factors to consider. Below, we list some of the most important factors that should inform your decision.

1. Count the Number of Sleepers

How many people or pets will be using the bed simultaneously? Although both mattress sizes can work for couples, you may need more space to suit your lifestyle.

For couples, a queen mattress can provide adequate room while leaving space for your children and pets. A full bed may be too cramped if you plan to sleep with your partner, children, or pets.

For single sleepers, a queen can be too spacious and may not be worth the extra expense. In this case, a full or double bed might be perfect, but if you plan to upgrade soon, opting for a queen now may save you money and energy in the long run. 

2. Measure Your Room Size

Rooms can get cramped when a bed takes up too much space. Measure your room dimensions in order to determine an appropriately sized bed. Ideally, your bed should fit with enough room to walk easily and add furniture.

If your bedroom is 10-by-10 feet or larger, you can comfortably fit a full mattress. You can fit a queen mattress in a 10-by-11-foot room and still have plenty of space. Measure your room to help determine what size bed you should get.

3. Consider Your Body’s Size

Body size counts when choosing between beds. Queen mattresses are at least 5 inches longer than a full, making them the preferable option for taller sleepers. If you’re shorter, a full mattress may be a fine option. Queen mattresses are comfortable for people up to a maximum height of 6 and a half feet. Full size mattresses will be comfortable for sleepers up to a maximum height of 6 feet. 

The extra 6 inches in width of a queen allows for a higher mattress weight limit, making queens more suitable for heavier individuals. You can adjust these measurements to account for your children and pets.

4. Consider Your Age

Older sleepers might need a mattress that suits their mobility needs and sleep patterns. A full mattress can provide enough room for a single sleeper who moves a lot. But older couples should consider a queen mattress that provides ample space for movement.

Mattress thickness is also important for older sleepers. Because there is no standard for this measurement, this has to be assessed on a mattress-by-mattress basis. For comfort, older sleepers should opt for a mattress and bed frame with a combined height of 24 inches. For example, a 12-inch mattress pairs with a 12-inch bed frame for a comfortable knee height.

5. Think About Movability 

Queen mattresses can be cumbersome when it comes to moving, but full mattresses don’t lessen the burden by much. You will need a pickup truck or large van to move a mattress of either size.

If you enjoy rearranging your room, a full mattress can be easier to lift and place, while the dimensions of a queen mattress can be more limiting.

6. Choose Your Firmness

Firmness levels are the same between full and queen mattresses. At Purple, we offer a variety of firmness levels for our full and queen beds. While the right mattress firmness suits your personal preferences, it’s important to recognize the distinction between a firm mattress and a mattress that provides support.

7. Look at Your Budget 

A full mattress is typically the less expensive option compared to a queen mattress. A bigger mattress means you will pay more for sheets, pillows, and other mattress accessories. Since both queens and fulls are typical mattress sizes, their accessories are easy to find in most stores.

Build quality and materials can impact budgets the most — the price difference between a queen and a full is minimal when they use the same materials. Remember that a mattress is an investment for your health as much as your comfort.

Is a Queen Better Than a Full?

If you’re asking yourself, “Should I get a full or queen bed?,” then you should know that the better option between a queen or full mattress depends on your preferences. Follow the table below to help you determine if a queen and full bed is right for you.

You now understand the key differences between a full and queen mattress — all that’s left is making a choice. Choosing the right mattress size means you can sleep soundly knowing you won’t have to replace your mattress for many years to come. After all, Purple builds mattresses that last 10 years or more. 

At Purple, we offer a 10-year warranty, a 100-night trial, free shipping, and free returns on all our mattresses.

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