Full vs. Queen Size Mattress—Which Should You Choose?

Has the time come for you to buy a new mattress, but you’re not sure which size is best? Choosing the right size of bed can be the difference between sound sleep and restless sleep for the next five or more years of your life. But bigger isn’t always better; if you go too large, you might be wasting money and space in your home.

Many people struggle to choose between a full size mattress and a queen size mattress, especially if they haven’t had the chance to sleep in both recently. We’ll review the pros and cons of a full vs. queen size mattress to help you decide.

Full vs Queen Mattress Comparison Overview

Generally full and queen beds work for the same time of sleepers. The main differences are in price range and having to consider who is sleeping on the bed and their size. A queen mattress is a standard size for most people and couples. If one or more sleepers is large or tall, a queen may not be ideal. Full size mattresses are not ideal for couples – they’re better suited for single sleepers. A full-size mattress can work for teenagers and single sleepers.

There is one factor that distinguishes between these mattresses, and that is size. When it comes to mattress sizes, twin mattresses are the smallest, followed by full mattresses, queen mattresses, and then king mattresses.

When choosing the best mattress size for you, it is important to know its dimensions. These can help you determine which bed is the right size for your room and your personal needs. Here are the dimensions of the four most popular mattress sizes:

• Twin Bed Dimensions: 39″ wide by 75″ long
• Full Bed Dimensions: 54″ wide by 75″ long
• Queen Bed Dimensions: 60″ wide by 80″ long
• King Bed Dimensions: 76″ wide by 80″ long

As you can see, a queen mattress is both wider and longer than a full mattress. Typically, couples will opt for a mattress that is queen-size or larger. Full and twin beds are better suited for those who sleep on their own. Other factors, such as height and room size, should be considered when deciding on mattress size.

Related: Twin vs Twin XL, Twin XL vs Full

Full Size Mattresses Deep Dive

For anyone who has slept on twin-size mattresses, switching to full-size beds (also known as double beds) can seem like a luxury. A bit more width can make getting comfortable much simpler. But what about a full size mattress when compared to a queen mattress?

Pros of a Full Size Mattress

• Less expensive
• Lighter and easier to move
• Fits into small rooms

Cons of a Full Size Mattress

• Too short for tall people
• Too narrow for couples of those who sleep with animals

Who is the Full Size Bed Best For?

There are many different people for whom a full size mattress may be the best choice. Sleeping patterns, height, and space are the three primary factors.

First, a full bed is best for someone who doesn’t share their bed, and who do not plan to do so in the near future. 54” of width is not enough for most adults to fit comfortably together. Even sleeping with a child, dog, or cat can be uncomfortable on a full size bed. If you are buying a new mattress, a full is usually only a good option for solo sleepers.

Next, full mattresses are best for people who are no taller than 5’10”. Anyone taller may find their feet dangling off the edge—which is not the most comfortable position. If you are a tall person, either a twin XL or a queen is more likely to fit your whole body. Both twin XL and queen mattresses are 80” long, giving a full extra 5” in length.

Lastly, full size beds are sometimes the best choice for people who are tight on space. If your bedroom is small or if you live in a studio apartment, extra space can be the difference between a nice living area and one that is cramped. Full mattresses take up less space than queens while being big enough to fit most adults comfortably. Plus, going with a full will save you some money on the mattress, frame, and accessories.

Queen Size Mattresses Deep Dive

Queen mattresses are the most common mattress size in the United States, and for good reason. Whether you share your bed with a spouse, furry family member, or kiddo, a queen can provide ample space to spread out. However, this larger mattress is not the best choice for everyone, especially a single sleeper. So, what are a queen mattress’s pros and cons when compared to a full size mattress?

Pros of a Queen Size Mattress

• Better suited for people 5’ 10” or taller
• Wide enough for people who share their bed

Cons of a Queen Size Mattress

• Heavier and harder to move
• More costly
• Take up more space

Who is the Queen Size Bed Best For?

Queen mattresses are the most popular type of mattress in the United States because their 60 x 80 dimensions are well-suited for a wide variety of people.

The ample space offered by a queen bed is great for couples and for anyone who likes to share their bed with their kids or pets. They are also long enough for most tall people, which is especially important for people 5’10” or taller.

Some single people even go with a queen mattress. Not only can that extra sleeping space be helpful if you like to spread out, but it allows for more options in the future. If you think that you may want to couple up or get a pet not far down the line, it can be nice to know that your bed will be big enough.

This versatility has also made queen mattresses a popular choice for guest bedrooms.

Read More: King vs Queen Size Mattress

Still Unsure Which Bed is Right for You?

Sometimes there is no way to know what mattress size is best for you without giving them a try. There are a variety of ways that you can do this without fully committing. First, you can always ask friends or family to test out a mattress in their guest room or when they are out of town. If that isn’t an option, renting an Airbnb with a variety of mattress sizes can be an easy way to test them out.

Additionally, there are a lot of mattress retailers that offer a generous return policy. After you do your due diligence and find the mattress that you think is your ideal, make sure that the company you choose offers returns or exchanges. If you find that your bed is too large or too small, the right company will allow you to switch from one to another with little to no extra cost.

Questions to Ask to Decide Which Size is Best

There are a few questions you can consider when deciding between a full or queen size mattress:

• How many people are sleeping on the bed? Couples will be more comfortable on a queen. Individual sleepers can easily fit on a full as long as you aren’t extra tall or large framed. If you’re adding pets or children, you may want to consider a king.
• What’s your budget? Full size mattresses are cheaper than queens because they’re smaller.
• What can you fit in your bedroom? The bedroom size recommendation for a full size mattress is 8.5′ wide x 10.5′ long, while a queen size mattress bedroom recommendation size is slightly larger at 9′ wide x 11′ long.
• Are you tall or have a large body frame? A queen size mattress offers an additional 5″ in length and 6″ in width. While a full-size accommodates most individual sleepers, taller or larger folks may need a queen to sleep comfortably even alone.

Summary

Choosing the right size of mattress is the first step towards setting up your ideal bedroom. As a general rule, full size beds are best for single people who are no taller than 5’10”. For anyone who is tall or who shares their bed, a queen size mattress may be better for you.