Full vs. Queen Mattress: Differences, Dimensions and Who's It Best For

The size of your bed is not a decision to make lightly. It is, after all, where we spend a large portion of our time, so it's important that it's big and comfortable enough to host you each night.  

A king bed may be too big but a twin size too small. A queen and full mattress are two of the most popular mattress sizes you can buy, but there are some pretty significant differences between a full and queen bed. 

Before you buy your next bed, this is what to know about full vs. queen mattress dimensions.  

Read more: Best Mattresses

Full mattress vs. queen comparison

One of the biggest differences between a queen and a full bed is the size. A queen bed is both wider and longer than a full-size bed, giving you much more space to move around, but it also limits the free space within your bedroom. 

To help with the measurements of your room, these are the dimensions for full bed vs. queen bed sizes.

Full mattress

A full-size mattress is the smallest bed size after a twin mattress. It is an inch longer than a twin, and it is much wider than both a twin and a twin XL mattress. A full mattress is much shorter than a twin XL, which shares the width of a queen-size mattress.

There are both pros and cons to a full-size mattress. 

Full mattress pros  

• Ideal for bunk beds
  
• Can be pushed together for a bigger bed
  
• More affordable
  
• Easy to move around
  

Full Mattress cons   

• Not ideal for couples 
  
• No room for kids or pets
  
• May be too small for some rooms
  

Queen mattress

A queen size is the second-biggest mattress size after a king-size bed. It is about six inches wider and six inches longer than a full-size to create a ton more space. It does fall short of a king-size mattress, which is 16 inches wider. Both queen- and king-sized mattresses are the same length.

Just as there are pros and cons to a full-size mattress, there are also benefits and drawbacks to a queen-size mattress.    

Queen mattress pros 

• Ideal for a master bedroom
  
• Room for co-sleepers
  
• Fits tall sleepers
  
• Common size for bedding accessories 
  

Queen mattress cons  

• Won't fit all bedroom sizes
  
• More expensive
  
• More difficult to move
  

What to consider when choosing between a full mattress and a queen mattress

When comparing a full vs queen-size mattress, these are a few major factors to consider that can aid in your purchase.  

Room size and room layout

First, consider the size of the room. If you want to buy a queen mattress, you will need far more room than a full size. Do you want a lot of room to move around? If so, a full mattress may be the better pick. Be sure to leave enough room to move around the bed. We recommend 24 inches around each side. 

Use of the bed

How you plan to use the room will also help determine the size you need. Are you buying a mattress for your master bedroom or a smaller guest room? A full-size bed is likely large enough for a guest room, while a queen may be better suited for a master bedroom.

Cosleeping

The number of people in the bed is another critical consideration. If you share the bed with a partner, a queen is likely to be a better fit for two grown adults. A full-size bed is best suited for solo sleepers or those who sleep with a small child or pet.   

Sleep position

How you sleep also matters. If you are a back or stomach sleeper, you sleep fully extended, so the extra space and legroom that a queen mattress provides would be well-used. If you are a side sleeper, a full-size mattress would easily accommodate a curled-up position. 

Comfort preferences

Your height is another consideration. Taller people may find a full-size bed too short. If you are over six feet tall, a queen bed will provide far more room than a full-size bed, giving you six extra inches of length. If you happen to move around a lot in your sleep, a queen-size bed will give you the width you need to feel comfortable. 

Bedding and accessories

Because they are popular bed sizes, most manufacturers offer both full and queen-size accessories so they are not hard to find. Price is a different matter, however. Keep in mind that bedding accessories, like pillows, blankets and sheets, are all likely to be cheaper for a full bed vs queen due to the smaller size. 

Budget 

Budget can also determine which size mattress to buy. The cost of a mattress runs the gamut, ranging anywhere from $300 to more than $3,000. We find that the best full mattresses cost from $550 to $1,500, while the best queen mattresses range in price from $800 to $1,700. Because it is smaller, a full-size mattress will cost less than a queen-size bed. 

Ease of transportation

Finally, keep in mind that you will need to transport the mattress to your bedroom. Some mattress stores and online retailers will offer delivery to your address. Regardless of whether you have to transport your mattress to your home, you will still need to make sure it fits inside the doorframes of your home. 

Full vs. queen mattress FAQs