Queen vs King

The main difference between a Queen and a King mattress is in their dimensions: while being both 80 inches in length, King measures 78 inches wide, which is 18 inches more than a 60-inch wide Queen mattress.

But the question is:

Does this impact the comfort levels? And if so, how exactly? 

That’s what we’re about to find out in this detailed Queen vs King size comparison!

Key takeaways 

• King-size bed dimensions are 80” by 78” while queen-size’s are 80” by 60”.
• Most people prefer queen-size mattresses for being budget-friendly while king-size mattresses are more comfortable.

The Similarities Between King and Queen Sizes

Except for the same length, King and Queen mattresses have a couple more things in common.

First, both of these sizes were introduced to the market by the same company, Simmons, and were launched in the late ’50s (some sources mention 1958).

The appearance of larger mattresses on the market had two causes:

First, with the growth of wealth, people in the Post-War economy started to buy larger houses, and the industry responded by making larger beds that will look better in larger bedrooms. 

Second, due to improved quality of life, the Americans started to gain weight, so they needed more space to move around during sleep. Thus, a larger bed was an obvious step to a more comfortable shut-eye.

Finally, despite bearing some differences in size, they have the same weight limit: 250-300 lbs per side or 500-600 lbs for the entire bed. It is more than enough to accommodate two adult sleepers, even those who are overweight (although we recommend that you choose the King size in this case).

Sinkage, Bounce, Pressure Relief, For Sex, Motion Isolation difference between Queen and King

For factors like sinkage, bounce, pressure relief, suitability for sex, and motion isolation, I didn’t notice any special difference between these two mattress types. These factors usually depend on the material that makes up the bed and not its size. So, if you’re concerned about that, you should check the materials and mattress type instead.

Queen vs King Size Differences

Mattress Weight

King and Queen mattresses have a substantial difference when it comes to mattress weight. Both of the mattresses are pretty heavy, but some King mattresses can reach up to 180-200 lbs, which is the weight of an average adult. So if you encounter the need to rotate your mattress or transport it elsewhere, you might need another pair of hands.

An average Queen mattress weighs between 130 and 180 pounds depending on its thickness. Hybrid models or innerspring mattresses tend to be heavier because of coils, and the lightest mattresses are usually made of polyfoam and don’t have a lot of layers.

Now, let’s take a look at the differences between Queen and King. 

Recommended Room Space

Obviously, beds of different sizes need different amounts of room space to comfortably fit in and allow enough space for other furniture as well. A Queen mattress, which measures 60” x 80”, can fit most standard bedrooms that are at least 10 x 10 feet (1). It takes 33.3 sq.ft of space, which is roughly one-third of the whole area, and allows you to arrange other furniture pieces around the bed without making the room look cramped. Speaking of a King mattress, it measures 78” x 80”, which is equal to 42.2 sq.ft. If you plan to place a King bed in a standard 10 x 10 master bedroom, it will take almost half of the space. Given the fact that you also need other pieces of furniture and at least 2 feet of space around the bed to ensure you’ll move freely, the standard bedroom won’t be enough for a mattress this big. That’s why King mattresses are recommended for larger bedrooms, starting at 12 x 12 feet.

Comfort Level

While both King and Queen mattresses can accommodate two average-weight adults, the level of comfort may differ. A King mattress offers 39 inches of space per person, while Queen offers 30.  Also, if you share a bed with a partner and one of you loves to sprawl across the bed or is a heavy sleeper, the other one might feel squashed or cramped on a Queen bed. But King will allow you both to make yourselves comfortable on your own half of the bed.

“King mattresses also come in split options. This allows you and your partner to choose the preferred firmness level and purchase two independent Twin XL halves instead of a one-piece mattress.”

Now, it’s important that you understand that a Queen mattress can also comfortably accommodate two adults. Even heavier sleepers may enjoy it. So, eventually, it comes down to how much space per person you want to have. Also, note that if you have a kid or a large dog that sometimes wants to sleep with you, King is surely more suited for that.

Market Demand

Not a crucial but still interesting difference between King vs Queen sizes is that they have a different market demand. In fact, the popularity of Queen skyrocketed after the launch, and it remains the most popular mattress size due today. According to 2018 statistics, 41.4% of the mattresses shipped in the US were Queens. Kings, on the other hand, had only 17.8% of the market share. But what does high market demand mean, you might ask?

Well, first of all, it’s stable mattress prices. There are many mattress brands out there, and a high market demand means high competition for the client’s attention between them, which keeps them from raising the prices.

Second of all, you’ll more easily find cheaper bedding and accessories for a Queen bed than you’d do for a King one. Most brands in the sleep niche have Queen sheets, mattress toppers, or other sleep products of the Queen size in their line-up. With the King size, you might have to put a bit more effort to find the desired product. 

The last time I wanted to buy sheets and mattress toppers for a king-size mattress, I had to spend much more time doing research on different products because most brands providing it weren’t prominent brands, so it took me much more effort.

Pricing

Finally, the last difference between these two mattresses sizes is the price.  The Queen size typically has the best value for money. And due to its overall popularity, you can find a decent Queen mattress in any price ca

tegory, starting at $150 and up to high-end models with a $1,200-1,500 price tag. What you should know about King mattresses is that they’re usually the most expensive. Mainly, it’s because King beds require more resources to be manufactured. Generally, the difference between Queen and King mattresses of the same brand will be in the range of $50 to $400, depending on the price category of the mattress. So, which mattress size, in your opinion, will make a better fit for your room? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Ease of Transport

If you plan to move out of your house or if you’re waiting for the delivery of a new mattress to your apartment, you should expect the king-size mattresses to take a lot of effort to carry. They are much bigger and won’t easily fit through many doors, and you’ll find yourself trying different angles to move them around. Plus, you definitely need someone else’s help for doing so. 

I always manage to move our queen-size mattress around with my partner. We don’t require any other help because the mattress moves smoothly through different doors and rooms. However, I remember once I had to lend a helping hand to move a king-size mattress, and I’ll never forget what a pain that was.

Factors to Aid Your Buying Decision

Here are a few things to consider when on the market for a king or queen size bed:

Number Of Sleepers

If you sleep alone, a king-size mattress will be an investment you can use for your entire life, and if you have a larger family or co-sleepers, the extra space will come in handy.

Consequently, it will help to consider the number of sleepers who will be using the bed.

I sleep with my partner on our queen-size mattress, and as far as the personal space goes, I can say that each of us gets enough space to sleep on our own side without having to risk falling off the edges.

Sleeping Position and Body Size

Your sleeping position determines how much space you need on your bed for a comfortable night's rest. If you are a side or stomach sleeper and like to keep a small distance from your partner, you will need a lot of room on your bed. 

If you sleep on your back or prefer to be close to your partner, you don't necessarily need one unless you have another reason for buying a king-size bed. 

Some people sleep better alone, and others aren't bothered by the lack of space while sleeping next to their partner, so this decision is ultimately up to you and may not be necessary if your intentions are clear.

My partner and I both have different sleeping positions and weights. I am a 6.5 ft tall back sleeper and side sleeper, and my partner is a stomach sleeper. Each of us manages to spread out on the mattress if necessary, and nothing has ever stopped me from getting the space that I need on a queen-size mattress.

How Much Storage Space Do You Have?

Your bed size is dependent on the size of your bedroom. If you have enough space in your room, a king-size mattress can be the best choice for your future comfort and convenience.

The opposite is also true: If you don't have enough space in your room, it is not wise to buy a king-size bed because of the difficulty in moving it around. 

Even when it's time for you to move out, you won't be able to sell a king-size mattress as easily as other smaller sizes, so keep this in mind before making such an investment.

Also Read: Olympic Queen Mattresses

Customization Within Sizes

You and your partner can customize both king and queen mattresses to meet individual sleeping preferences. 

For instance, a split king/queen mattress is split in half, allowing each sleeper to choose their preferred type of mattress on their side of the bed. 

Also, you can buy adjustable beds, which offer the luxury of raising or lowering the upper body and legs. This, of course, is independent of your partner's sleep preferences.

Also Read: Alaskan King Beds

Which One Is the Right Choice for You? Pros and Cons

To help you understand which mattress size would work for you the best, let’s take a look at their strong sides and drawbacks. 

So, here are the pros of Queen-sized mattresses:

• affordable pricing (in most cases);
• widely available and easy to come by in countless mattress type variations (as this is the most popular mattress size);
• relatively easy to move (especially when compared to King);
• don’t require an extra-spacious room while offering enough space for two adults.

Moving on to the most common disadvantages of Queen mattresses:

• might not feel roomy enough for some couples, especially taller and larger users (or those who enjoy the starfish position when sleeping);
• may not be spacious enough for couples who practice co-sleeping with their child;
• it might take longer to get in and out of bed.
• takes longer to clean in case of a stain or bad smell.

Now, let’s take a look at the main advantages of King mattresses:

• allow for a lot of room for two adults and even a child or a pet, extra-spacious;
• suited for larger sleepers;
• look expensive and luxurious in a large bedroom, can become a statement piece of furniture in your home;
• there are more bedding options available for this size.
• it’s easier to quickly jump in and out of bed.
• it’s easier to clean since it’s smaller than king-size mattresses, and you have less space prone to getting dirty.

As for the cons of using King mattresses, they include:

• pricier than the Queen size;
• bulkier and more challenging to move;
• require larger rooms and might not work for smaller apartments;
• accessories tend to be costlier too.

My Personal Experience and Preferences

I have tested lots of mattresses in both sizes, king and queen. I prefer queen mattresses more because they are easier to move around, have the most value for the money based on my usage, and really, the extra space that the king-size mattresses give me and my partner isn’t worth the extra money. Queen size mattresses give us just enough space to move around freely on the bed.

FAQ