Full vs. Queen Bed Size : What’s the Difference?

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A Full (or Double) bed and a Queen may not seem significantly different because the Full is just a little bigger than a Twin and slightly cheaper than a Queen; however, there are significant differences between the Full and Queen bed sizes. We’ve assembled a side-by-side comparison of these bed sizes to help shoppers determine which dimensions will be the ideal fit for them.

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Full vs. Queen Comparison | Full-Size Bed Overview | Queen-Size Bed Overview | Which Size is Best for You? | Additional Considerations

Full vs. Queen Comparison

For a quick summary of the differences between a full-size and queen-size bed, check out our comparison chart below.

Criteria Full-Size Mattress Queen-Size Mattress
Size 54″ x 75″ 60″ x 80″
Best for Children, young adults, shoppers on a budget Couples, individual sleepers who enjoy having extra room
Price $600 – $1,500 $800 – $1,700
Ideal room Smaller spaces, guest rooms Master bedrooms, guest rooms
Pros More affordable, easy to find accessories for Comfortably fits two people, easy to find accessories for
Cons Too small for most couples and taller sleepers More expensive, more difficult to move

full vs queen size mattress comparison graphic

Full-Size Bed

A Full-size mattress or bed is occasionally referred to “Double” or just “Full”. This mattress size is identical in length to a Twin bed (sometimes it’s measured at 74″ in length instead of 75″), which can make it too short for some adults. A Full tends to be a substantially better fit for individuals – a couple would only get a minuscule 27″ each –  which is the width of a crib. The Better Sleep Council says parents are increasingly choosing Full-size beds over twin sizes for teenagers’ and even younger children’s bedrooms.

full mattress dimensions

Width 54″
Length 75″
Width per person 26.5″

Pros

  • More affordable than a queen-size mattress
  • Comfortably sleeps one person
  • Fits into smaller bedrooms
  • Easy to find accessories for

Cons

  • Typically too small for couples
  • Can be too small for taller sleepers

Additional Full Mattress Sizes

The Full XL is identical in width to the Standard Full, but has an additional 5″ length that matches Twin XL, Queen and King-size mattresses, making it an ideal fit for taller individuals.

Width 54″
Length 80″
Width per person 26.5″

Queen-Size Bed

A Queen-size bed is 5” longer and 6” wider than a Full sized bed; so Queen beds are suited for both couples and individuals. On a Queen mattress, each couple gets about 30” of space to themselves, but because it can work for a single person or a couple, the Queen is undisputedly the most popular mattress size today. It is frequently a good mattress for a Guest Room or in smaller Master Bedrooms.

queen-size mattress graphic with dimensions

Width 60″
Length 80″
Width per person 30″

Pros

  • Comfortably sleeps two people
  • Can fill a large space
  • Fits taller sleepers
  • Easy to find accessories for

Cons

  • More expensive than a full-size mattress
  • More difficult to move

Additional Queen Mattress Sizes

Olympic Queen (or Expanded Queen) is an entire 6″ wider than a Standard Queen but has the same length (80″), meaning it could be an excellent option for couples who need additional room to sleep.

Width 66″
Length 80″

California Queens are waterbed mattresses and are incredibly difficult to find in today’s online space. Magically stumble upon this mattress and we recommend hopping on for the experience.

Width 60″
Length 84″

A Split Queen mattress is essentially a traditional Queen bed but divided down the middle, which could make it a suitable option for couples who prioritize individual sleeping space, but only have one bedroom.

Width 30″ (each half)
Length 80″

Which Size Is the Best?

Who will like the Full?

  • Individual sleepers who want more than just a Twin mattress. Two people could technically sleep on a Full/Double bed, but it would be an exceptionally tight fit – with each person only getting the width of a crib for themselves. For this reason, Full/Double beds are better matches for those who sleep alone and want additional space to spread out.
  • Shoppers who are on a budget. Full-sized mattresses, bed frames, and sleep accessories like bed sheets will all be significantly less expensive for a Full/Double than a Queen-sized mattress.
  • People who are working with a smaller space. It is wise to leave space around the mattress so that one can still move around in the bedroom or guest room. Make sure to select a mattress that allows other furniture while simultaneously leaving room to move.

Do you think a Full-size mattress is the best option for you? Check out our favorite Full mattress below:

Best Full-Size Mattress

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Mattress Review

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Full-Size Mattress

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Mattress Review

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Saatva Mattress Review
Best Full-Size Mattress

Saatva Mattress

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Who will like the Queen?

  • Couples who sleep together. In a Queen-size bed, each person gets roughly 30″ of space apiece, making it significantly more comfortable than a Full/Double for couples.
  • People who have space to fill. People with Master bedrooms – which tend to be larger than Guest Rooms – will find the Queen to be a better fit than a Full. Queen beds typically fit both Master bedrooms and average size bedrooms well, which makes them a popular option. Larger Master Bedrooms may benefit from a bigger bed like a Queen (or even a King), which can help balance the aesthetic of the room.
  • People who can afford the bed plus additional accessories. Not surprisingly, a Queen bed with mattress, matching sheets, mattress protector (yes, you will want one) and additional accessories will all cost incrementally more as shoppers progress to a bigger size. It’s wise conserve your budget when purchasing a new bed so that there is also money remaining to purchase the necessary accessories.

man and woman test mattress firmnessIakov Filimonov/Shutterstock

Do you think a Queen-size mattress is the best option for you? Check out our favorite Queen mattress below:

Best Queen-Size Mattress

WinkBed Mattress

WinkBed

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type hip pain
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Queen-Size Mattress

WinkBed Mattress

WinkBed

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type hip pain
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
WinkBed
Best Queen-Size Mattress

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type hip pain
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Things To Consider

Potential buyers may be considering a Queen-sized bed or hoping to save space (and money) by opting with a Full size mattress. Either way, doing the research in advance is imperative – measuring and planning out the space will ensure that the final decision will be the perfect bed for the situation.

  • Measure the space and leave room significant room for movement. Those who are considering the jump from a Full/Double to a Queen-sized bed, check to make sure it fits appropriately it in the bedroom. Yes, this may seem obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to get caught up in an impulsive shopping moment and wind up with a bed that doesn’t fit. An article from Th!ngz Contemporary Living says that the majority of designers will recommend 30″ of space around the bed for movement.
  • Ensure that the new bed can be moved into the room. Undoubtedly, the Full/Double bed will be substantially easier to move than a Queen. Even especially strong individuals who can handle the mattress themselves shouldn’t necessarily do it. Always ask for help when moving furniture. Queen-sized mattresses (especially heavier foam ones) may need the help of two people to move.

Overall

Whether it’s a Guest Room or smaller Master Bedroom, there are pros for choosing both a Full/Double bed or a Queen. Couples may be more inclined to go with a Queen for the additional space – but it will also come with an additional cost. This choice will be personal to each of us but can be made must less stressful by simply taking measurements and planning out the room in advance.

Featured image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

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Katie Golde

Katie Golde

Senior Digital Content Manager/Managing Editor​

About Author

Katie Golde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and previously served Managing Editor and Head of Sleep Research for Mattress Clarity. She handled the daily operations of the site and you’ll still see her in plenty of reviews, from mattresses to travel pillow and bed pillow reviews – plus the occasional How-To video. In addition, Katie reported, writed, and edited sleep health and sleep industry news for the site.

Since joining the Mattress Clarity team in 2016, she has reviewed hundreds of sleep products, like bed pillows and mattresses and written over 200 sleep-related stories for the site. She probably knows more about bamboo sheets and bed pillows than any one person should.

Katie has been writing about wellness-related topics, including sleep, for the last eight years. The first sleep story she wrote covered the best and worst foods to eat before bed. Her previous work can be found in print and online publications like Discover Magazine, USA Today, Bustle and The Huffington Post.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in Journalism with a focus on Interactive Publishing from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism as well. During her graduate studies, Katie focused on health and science reporting and she received the G.D. Crain Award for demonstrating leadership, management, and entrepreneurial excellence during her final innovation project.

Education & Credentials