Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor
Full-size beds, also referred to as “Double beds,” are generally bigger than a Twin and slightly smaller than the popular Queen-size mattress. The difference is in the overall surface area, length, and width.
However, a lot of people are unaware of the actual dimensions and how this could impact performance, price, and more. With this in mind, we’ve taken the liberty to break down the differences between a Full and Queen-size bed. Our goal is to make sure that you have all the necessary details so you can decide which one is right for you.
Full vs. Queen Mattress Comparison Chart
| Full Bed | Queen Bed | |
| Width | 54 inches | 60 inches |
| Length | 75 inches | 80 inches |
| Price | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Best For | Solo sleepers, guest rooms, smaller bedrooms | Couples, bigger bedrooms, taller people |
Mattress Experts Discuss Mattress Sizes
What to Consider When Choosing a Full or Queen Mattress
Dimensions
As you can see from the comparison chart, a Full-size bed measures 54 inches by 75 inches while the Queen size measures 60 inches by 80 inches. Since the Queen offers more length and width, it’s usually the better of the two for couples.
The advantage of a Full-size bed, though, is that it would provide you with a substantial amount of sleeping space without taking a whole lot from your room. Even though it’s not as compact as a regular Twin, it should comfortably fit within the majority of bedrooms.
Price
Regardless of the brand or build you go for, a Full-size mattress is always going to be cheaper than a Queen. The reason for this is straightforward – Full-size beds are comparatively smaller. Bedding for Queen-size mattresses is also going to be more costly than Full-size options.
Comfort
Full-size beds can provide a good amount of space for solo sleepers, especially if they like to spread out. However, if you sleep with a pet or are part of a couple, the extra space from a Queen bed will be preferred. Some couples may choose to go with a Full if they have limited space or a smaller budget, but keep in mind these don’t offer much room for two people to spread out.
Bedding
Accessories for Full-size beds are incredibly common, and you would be able to find different sets at prices that are fairly affordable. Finding accessories for your Queen-size bed should also be a breeze as this is one of the most commonly purchased sizes. In many cases, Queen-size products will likely cost more, but depending on the brand and product, the price difference may not be dramatically different.
Room Size
If you want to purchase a Full-size bed, the recommended room size should be about 10 feet by 12 feet. If you don’t have that, you should consider going down to a Twin-size in order to allow yourself additional breathing room around the mattress.
With a Queen size, your room should ideally be 12 feet by 12 feet — or even 10 feet by 12 feet. While a Queen bed could fit in a room that is 10 feet by 10 feet, you won’t get much extra space around it.
Full-Size Mattress Pros and Cons
Full-Size Mattress Pros:
- Less expensive than Queen sizes and up
- Takes up less space
- Easy-to-find bedding accessories
- Less cumbersome
Explore our picks for the Best Full Mattresses.
Full-Size Mattress Cons:
- Minimal space for couples
- May not be long enough for taller people
- More expensive than a Twin or Twin XL mattress
Queen-Size Mattress Pros and Cons
Queen-Size Mattress Pros:
- More space for couples
- It’s very easy to accessorize it
- It provides additional room for your legs
Discover the Best Queen Mattresses.
Queen-Size Mattress Cons:
- It’s more expensive than a Full size
- It’s heavier
FAQs About Full vs. Queen Mattresses
Is a Full mattress big enough for two people?
A Full-size mattress is generally around 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Therefore, if you share a Full-size bed with a partner, you would each get around 27 inches of sleeping space. This is less room than someone would get on a Twin-size mattress and wouldn’t give couples much space to spread out. If you plan on sleeping with a partner long term, consider looking at our list of the best mattresses for couples.
Taller couples may also want to consider the length of these beds as those who are 6 feet or taller may not have a lot of room to stretch out. However, if your bedmate and you like to sleep cuddled up, a Full size may be fine for both partners.
Is a Full mattress better than a Queen?
Full and Queen mattresses both have benefits and drawbacks, and when choosing between the two, it usually boils down to your personal preferences, amount of space, and budget. Queen beds are bigger, which makes them better for couples, but they are also more expensive. Full beds can be great when you are dealing with a small room or if you’re a solo sleeper who just wants more room to stretch out.
Can I use Full sheets on a Queen bed?
Although there may be some exceptions, you cannot use Full sheets on Queen beds. A Queen bed is wider and longer than a Full one. Therefore, Full sheets will come up short if you try to use them on a Queen bed.
How big is a Full vs. Queen bed?
The exact dimensions can vary from bed to bed, but generally, a Full-size bed is 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. With a Queen-size mattress, you will typically add about 6 inches to the width and 5 inches to the length, bringing its dimensions to 60 inches by 80 inches.
Conclusion
As you can see, the differences between Full-size beds and Queen-size ones can be substantial, especially if those few inches on top are what you’re looking for.
At the same time, the size of your mattress is also going to determine a few different components such as the overall comfort and how conducive that size is for your bedroom. If you have a smaller room, it’s wiser to go with a smaller option in order to leave enough space for other necessary furniture as well.
Jill Zwarensteyn
Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Combination Sleeper