Full vs. Queen Beds — How to Know Which Size Is Right for You
When you walk into a furniture store or browse the bedding aisle, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and lose track of all the different sizes. There’s an obvious distinction between a twin and king bed, but the difference of full vs. queen beds is a bit harder to spot. Below, we’ll explain how full- and queen-size beds vary and provide tips on choosing the best option for your space and lifestyle. You’ll also find a quick guide on where to buy the best mattresses, no matter which option you spring for (pun intended!).
What’s the difference between a full- and queen-size bed?
A full bed is smaller than a queen bed. A standard full-size mattress usually measures 54 x 75 inches, but dimensions can vary across different retailers. Casper’s full-size mattresses, for example, come in at 53 x 75 inches, and Beautyrest’s run 74.5 inches long.
A queen-size bed, on the other hand, typically comes in at 60 inches by 80 inches — six inches wider and five inches longer than a full. For reference, you can check out the standard dimensions for each mattress size below.
Twin: 38 by 75 inches
Twin XL: 38 by 80 inches
Full: 54 by 75 inches
Queen: 60 by 80 inches
King: 76 by 80 inches
California King: 72 by 84 inches
How to choose the right bed size
Full vs. queen bed size ultimately comes down to personal preference, but you can determine the best option for you based on the following:
The size and layout of your space
Your budget
Whether you’re a single sleeper or sharing a bed
What position you and/or your partner usually sleep in
Your height
For example, a full-size bed fits into tighter spaces, but could look awkwardly small in a large bedroom. Similarly, a queen-size bed may be more comfortable for couples or a relatively tall person, but a full-size bed can still be perfectly adequate for many people. Because they’re smaller, full beds and mattresses usually cost less than queens, too, making them a more budget-friendly option, even if you have room for a bigger bed.
Where to shop for full and queen mattresses
Regardless of the size you choose, a high-quality mattress can help you stay comfortable and get a great night’s sleep. Browse a few editor-tested full- and queen-size picks below for every kind of sleeper, starting at $819.
AT Full vs Queen Mattresses November 2023
Deemed the best overall mattress via Apartment Therapy’s Best List, The Chill Mattress from Cocoon by Sealy is ideal for couples, hot sleepers, and anyone looking for pressure point relief. This style — which starts at $819 for a full — combines proprietary memory foam and fabric-encased coils to help isolate movement and provide back and hip support. It also includes a built-in cooling cover to regulate temperature year-round, plus ships in a box for easy assembly.
Although it's a bit of a splurge, Senior Commerce Editor Alicia Kort recommends the Stearns & Foster Estate Mattress if you prefer more firmness. A layer of Intellicoil innersprings caters to all types of sleepers and positions, and you’ll never feel your partner moving around or getting out of bed. Choose your desired feel, too: Firm, Soft, Pillowtop Firm, or Pillowtop Soft.
For one of the best beds on a budget, our editors love the four-layer Casper Mattress, featuring ProSupport foam that contours to your body while you snooze. Its medium-firm feel has back or stomach sleepers covered, while a cozy knit cover tops off the 10-inch-tall design.
Sleep on your side? Then Pillow Cube’s Perfect Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers is for you. It’s divided into two zones to keep your hips and spine cradled, which helps relieve shoulder, neck, and back pain. The medium-soft mattress also touts a plush pillow cover and Firm Foundation base layer to maximize comfort and prevent sinking.
The reversible SweetNight Prime Memory Foam Mattress packs four feels into one bed, with a firm half and medium-firm half on one side, and a medium-soft and soft half on the other. Simply rotate or flip it to find your perfect comfort level. The memory foam bed-in-a-box is available in 10- or 12-inch thicknesses, too.
