A mattress is one of the most important items you’ll ever buy. Investing in a comfortable mattress and sheet set will help ensure you sleep well and feel your best.
You’ve likely heard the terms “king” and “queen” when it comes to beds, but what do they actually mean? Which one should you buy and why?
We discuss the main difference between king and queen beds and what to consider before getting a new mattress.
King vs. Queen Bed Dimensions
King and queen beds are different sizes. Queen beds measure 60 inches by 80 inches, whereas king beds are 76 by 80 inches.
Queen and king beds are both 80 inches long, but king beds are significantly wider. That’s why queen and king mattresses and sheet sets are not interchangeable.
King vs. Queen Comparison Chart
| Queen Mattress | King Mattress |
|---|---|---|
Length | 80 inches | 80 inches |
Width | 60 inches | 76 inches |
Surface Area | 4800 square inches | 6080 inches |
Recommended Room Size | At least 10 x 10 feet | At least 10 x 12 feet |
Recommended Bedroom Type | Secondary bedrooms | Primary Bedrooms |
Recommended Occupancy | Singles, couples | Singles, couples, couples with kids/pets |
Fitted Sheet Size | 60 x 80 x 17 | 76 x 80 x 17 |
Flat Sheet Size | 96 x 108 | 112 x 108 |
Considerations When Buying a Queen vs King Size Bed
Buying a mattress is a big decision. That being said, it’s important to consider the following before you make your final selection.
Comfort
For the amount of time we spend sleeping, it only makes sense to have a comfortable bed. If you like to sprawl out, a roomy bed would be the optimal choice. But, if you sleep more snuggly or curled up, you might prefer a tighter space. It all depends on what makes you feel more well-rested.
If you share your bed with anyone else, it’ll be key to choose a bed that’s comfortable for everyone and can accommodate everyone’s sleeping styles.
Number of Sleepers
Having a bed to yourself means you can choose a new bed that caters to you and only you. But, if you share a bed with a partner, or have kids or pets that like to sleep next to you, you’ll need to take them into account when choosing your bed size.
In a queen bed, both people get 30 inches of width, but in a king, each person will get 38 inches. The eight extra inches that a king bed gives may make a big difference when it comes to everyone’s comfort, especially if you’re looking for a bed that will hold two people plus kids and pets.
If you and your partner have different sleeping styles and want different sheets on each side of the bed, a split king bed may be the best option.
Room Size
King beds are recommended for 12’ x 12’ rooms or larger. If your bedroom is smaller, or if you need to leave space for other furniture pieces like nightstands, a king bed may be too big. For a primary bedroom, however, a large bed can be a luxurious and contemporary way to offset empty space.
Queen beds are best for rooms 10’ x 10’ and up.
Movability
The bigger the bed size, the more difficult it will be to store it, move it, assemble it, and break it down. A king size bed will be harder to fit through doors and move up and down stairs than a smaller bed.
If you move frequently, a smaller bed is a better option.
How Much Time You Spend in Bed
If you tend to work from bed, take a lot of naps, or spend a lot of your downtime in bed, this should be taken into consideration. You might want a bigger bed if you use your bed for more than just bedtime.
Likewise, if your partner uses their bed throughout the day, it may make sense to buy a larger bed to accommodate their lifestyle and habits.
Price
The bigger the mattress, the higher the price. The same is true for bed frames and sheets—king sizes cost more than queen sizes.
If you’re switching mattress sizes, keep in mind that you may also need to buy new or additional bedding to fit.
Frequently Asked Questions about King vs Queen Size Beds
How much bigger is a king bed than a queen?
A king bed is 16 inches wider than a queen bed. A king bed is 76 inches wide, whereas a queen bed is 60 inches. Both beds measure 80 inches long.
The added width means king beds have 1,280 more square inches of space, making them ideal for primary bedrooms or people who prefer a roomier bed.
Is a king vs queen bed better for couples?
That’s up to each couple to decide. Some couples may prefer extra sleeping room, so a king size bed would be a better fit. Others who don’t mind sleeping more closely together may do just fine with a queen bed.
What is the difference between king vs split king?
A split king bed is the same size as a king bed, but the mattress is split down the middle. A split king bed mattress is actually two twin XL mattresses put together, which add up to be the exact dimensions of a king bed, 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Because the mattress is split, you can choose different firmness levels on each side of the bed, and style each side with its own set of sheets. You will often want to buy a split king sheet set for this type of bed.
What is the difference between a king vs california king?
A California king mattress is longer and slightly slimmer than a king mattress. A California king measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, whereas a king is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Because of this, you should opt for a california king sheet set for an ideal fit.
The extra four inches of length that a California king gives makes it a great option for taller people. The recommended minimum room size for a California king is 13’ x 13’ or 14’ x 12.’
What is the difference between a queen vs full size bed?
The main difference between a queen and full size bed is size. A full size bed is smaller than a queen and measures 54 by 76 inches. By comparison, a queen size mattress is 60 by 80 inches, meaning a full size sheet set will be too small for a queen size bed.
Certain bedding, like bed blankets and pillow cases, may work for both a queen and full size bed. However, top sheets and fitted sheets are not interchangeable between queen and full size.
What size sheets do I need for queen vs king size beds?
Fitted sheets for a queen size bed measure approximately 60 inches by 80 inches, plus some extra pocket depth to make them easy to put onto a mattress. Fitted sheets for a king size bed measure 76 by 80 inches, with extra pocket depth as well.
Queen size flat sheets measure 96 by 108 inches and king size flat sheets measure 112 by 108 inches. Both measure larger than their respective mattresses to account for overhang, tucking, and other types of styling. In a similar vein, our queen and king fitted sheets come with a 17” depth, which means they’ll fit perfectly and snugly on your mattress.
For the best night's sleep, our king sheets and queen sheets are made from the highest quality organic threads for a softness that’s unmatched.