King vs. Queen Bed: What’s the Difference?

Discover the differences between king and queen beds. Compare dimensions, pros, and cons to make an informed choice. Queen beds offer space for couples and fit well in smaller rooms, while king beds provide more room for families and larger bedrooms. Consider factors like room size and budget when deciding between the two sizes.

King- and queen-size beds are both great options for couples and families. But there are still a few factors you should consider before buying. If you’re debating between a king vs. queen bed, we’ve put together this guide to help you out. 

Learn how king vs. queen bed dimensions differ, the benefits and drawbacks of each of these mattress sizes, and get answers to your most frequently asked questions. 

Queen vs. king bed dimensions

A standard queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, while a standard king-size mattress measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. So while both mattresses are the same length, the king is 16 inches wider. 

Both mattresses will comfortably fit two people—but if you have kids and pets who like to pile into bed with you, then you may find the narrower width of a queen a little too cramped. Conversely, you may find a king-size mattress is too large if your bedroom is on the smaller side. 

Queen vs. king bed pros and cons

Pros of a queen-size mattress

  • It’s good for couples and solo sleepers. A queen-size mattress is an outstanding option for couples and solo sleepers alike. Each sleeper gets about 30 inches of space to themselves. This gives couples plenty of room to move around. If you’re a combination sleeper—someone who switches positions throughout the night—then you should have enough room in a queen-size bed so you won’t disturb your partner.
  • It fits comfortably into most primary bedrooms. A queen-size mattress will fit nicely into primary bedrooms sized 10 feet by 10 feet up to 14 feet by 14 feet. You should have plenty of room to decorate your bedroom with furniture and other items without it feeling cramped.
  • It’s less expensive than a king. A queen-size mattress costs less money than a king because it’s slightly smaller. So if you’re a couple who’s on a budget, then this could be an excellent choice for you. 

[SHOP QUEEN-SIZE MATTRESSES]

Cons of a queen-size mattress

  • It’s not as roomy as a king. Naturally, a queen-size bed doesn’t offer as much room for couples and/or families as a king-size bed. You’ll have 16 inches less width in a queen-size bed than you would in a king.
  • It won’t work in smaller bedrooms. If you have a very small bedroom, then a queen-size bed is still sizeable enough to cramp your space. You should only choose a queen-size mattress if your bedroom is, at minimum, 10 feet by 10 feet.

Pros of a king-size mattress

  • It offers more space than a queen. A king-size bed provides more room for couples. Each sleeper gets about 38 inches of space to themselves. If one of you is a restless or light sleeper, the added sleep space can help keep disturbing the other to a minimum. 
  • It provides ample room for kids and pets. Due to its large size, a king mattress allows plenty of space for children and pets.
  • It’s great for large bedrooms. Its larger size can help fill space in a large-size bedroom. With a king-size mattress, your bedroom will preferably be somewhere around 14 feet by 19 feet in size. 

[SHOP KING-SIZE MATTRESSES]

Cons of a king-size mattress

  • It takes up a lot of space. A king-size bed won’t fit in studio apartments or small bedrooms. The ideal bedroom size for a king-size bed is 14 feet by 19 feet, although it will technically fit inside a room as small as 10 feet by 12 feet.
  • It can be tough to navigate. You may find yourself unable to fit it up the stairs or get it through doorways. In this situation, you may want to consider a split king, which is comprised of two twin XL mattresses, as this will be much easier to fit up a narrow staircase. 
  • It’s more expensive than a queen. Because a king-size bed is the largest bed size, it’s a higher price
    than other mattress sizes—and you’ll have to spend more on things like a headboard and bedding.

Queen vs. king bed comparison chart

We put together this handy comparison chart to help make your decision between a king vs. queen bed a little easier. 

ComparisonQueenKing
Width60″76″
Length80″80″
Surface area4,800 sq. inches6,080 sq. inches
Min. recommended room size10′ x 10′10′ x 12′
Who it’s best forCouples or adults with smaller bedroomsCouples who want more space

FAQs

How much bigger is a king than a queen bed?

A standard king measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. A standard queen, meanwhile, measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. That means a king is 16 inches wider than a queen—although they both offer the same length. 

Which bed is better: king or queen?

Neither mattress size is better than the other, but you may prefer one over the other. A king-size bed is a good choice for couples with kids and/or pets as well as couples with large primary bedrooms.

A queen-size bed is a good choice for solo sleepers or couples with slightly smaller primary bedrooms. However, keep in mind you won’t get quite as much space as you would with a king. 

Get a high-quality queen- or king-size mattress at Saatva

Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress

Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.

Loom and Leaf Memory Foam Mattress

Premium memory foam, handcrafted in the U.S. with eco-friendly materials. Breathable organic cotton, cooling spinal gel, and layers of high-density support foam assure a cool, comfortable night's sleep.

Zenhaven Latex Mattress

Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It's naturally hypoallergenic too.)

Find the best queen and king mattresses at Saatva

Saatva offers a wide range of high-quality king-size and queen-size mattresses so you can easily find your perfect match. 

All of our mattresses are handcrafted with premium materials to help you experience your most comfortable sleep. Plus, our mattresses come with a 365-night home trial and lifetime warranty. 

Take our mattress quiz to find out which Saatva mattress is right for you. 

Was This Article Helpful?
Yes No

Related Stories