Queen vs King Mattress: Size Comparison Guide (Which One Is Bigger?)
When choosing a mattress, size matters more than people think. The difference between a queen and a king mattress can affect how well you sleep, how much space you have to move, and whether your bedroom feels comfortable or crowded.
This guide focuses only on size comparison—no fluff, no marketing talk. By the end, you’ll clearly understand how much bigger a king mattress is than a queen and which one makes sense for your space.
Queen vs King Mattress Size (Quick Answer)
A king mattress is wider than a queen, but both have the same length.
- Queen: 60 inches wide × 80 inches long
- King: 76 inches wide × 80 inches long
That means a king mattress gives you 16 extra inches of width compared to a queen.
Queen vs King Mattress Dimensions Table
| Mattress Size | Width | Length | Total Surface Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen | 60 in | 80 in | 4,800 sq in |
| King | 76 in | 80 in | 6,080 sq in |
Size difference:
A king mattress has 1,280 square inches more sleeping space than a queen.
Width Comparison: Queen vs King
The biggest difference is width, not length.
| Comparison | Extra Space |
|---|---|
| King vs Queen Width | +16 inches |
| King vs Queen Length | Same |
To visualize it:
- A queen gives each sleeper about 30 inches of personal width
- A king gives each sleeper about 38 inches of personal width
That’s a huge comfort upgrade if two people share the bed.
Queen vs King Mattress: Side-by-Side Size Breakdown
Queen Mattress Size
- Width: 60 inches
- Length: 80 inches
- Best for: single sleepers, couples, average bedrooms
King Mattress Size
- Width: 76 inches
- Length: 80 inches
- Best for: couples who want space, kids or pets in bed, large bedrooms
How Much Bigger Is a King Mattress Than a Queen?
Here’s the difference in simple terms:
- 16 inches wider (over 1.3 feet)
- Same length
- About 27% more surface area
If you feel cramped on a queen, a king will feel noticeably more spacious.
Room Size Needed: Queen vs King Mattress
Mattress size affects how your room feels.
Minimum Recommended Room Sizes
| Mattress | Minimum Room Size |
|---|---|
| Queen | 10 ft × 10 ft |
| King | 12 ft × 12 ft |
A king mattress can overwhelm a smaller room, while a queen fits more easily with nightstands and walking space.
Queen vs King Mattress: Who Should Choose What?
Choose a Queen Mattress If:
- Your bedroom is under 12×12 feet
- You sleep alone or with one partner
- You want more floor space
- You’re upgrading from a full mattress
Choose a King Mattress If:
- You want maximum sleeping width
- You share the bed with a partner, kids, or pets
- Your bedroom is large
- You move a lot while sleeping
Queen vs King Mattress for Couples
For couples, the main question is personal space.
| Mattress | Space Per Person |
|---|---|
| Queen | 30 inches |
| King | 38 inches |
If one person tosses and turns, a king mattress reduces sleep disturbance.
Queen vs King Mattress for Height
Both mattresses are 80 inches long, so height comfort is the same.
- Sleepers up to 6 ft 4 in usually fit comfortably
- Taller sleepers may want to look at longer options (not covered here)
Visual Size Comparison (Real-World Example)
Think of it this way:
- A queen mattress is slightly wider than a loveseat
- A king mattress is almost as wide as two twin beds placed side by side
That extra width is what most people feel immediately after upgrading.
Queen vs King Mattress: Size Comparison Summary
| Feature | Queen | King |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 60 in | 76 in |
| Length | 80 in | 80 in |
| Extra Width | — | +16 in |
| Best Room Size | 10×10 ft | 12×12 ft |
| Space Per Sleeper | 30 in | 38 in |
Final Verdict: Queen vs King Mattress (Size Only)
If your goal is saving space, a queen mattress is the better choice.
If your goal is more sleeping room, a king mattress clearly wins.
The difference isn’t small—16 inches of extra width can completely change sleep comfort.
