Full Size vs Queen Bed: Which One to Choose?

By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
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Last updated: September 14, 2023
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The difference between a full size bed and a queen is not noticed by many people sleeping alone. Any couple can let you know that there is a huge difference when it comes to avoiding the midnight elbow that randomly occurs. The extra room can result in increased quality of sleep on a nightly basis. Not only will this improve your physical health, increased sleep can improve your mental health as well.

Full size vs queen beds are going to differ in size as well as price. Both can be viable options for an individual of a certain size or even a couple depending on their sleeping habits. The following will help compare these different sizes to help clarify what type of mattress you should be looking for.

What is a full bed?

Full Size vs Queen Bed: Which One to Choose?

Full beds go by double beds as well which is larger than a twin mattress. This is the size below a queen mattress that many people upgrade to after they have outgrown their twin mattress. These are great for teens or adults but can become a bit cramped when sleeping with another person. Guest bedrooms are often outfitted with these mattresses as they are an affordable alternative to other mattress sizes.

Dimensions

With the dimensions of 54 inches in width and 75 inches in length, the full bed is a huge upgrade from a twin mattress. The length can lack for those that might be very tall due to feet hanging off of the end. People that are taller than 6 feet 3 inches should consider a longer bed as nobody wants to keep banging their heads on the headboard.

Pros

  • Perfect size for a guest and can allow for a room to feel larger than when purchasing a king or queen mattress.
  • Less expensive than larger mattresses.
  • Finding sheets will be quite easy as this is a commonly owned mattress size.
  • Perfect size for a single dorm room.
  • For unplanned guests, this mattress can be easily moved to any room.

Cons

  • The length can lack for those that might be very tall due to feet hanging off of a bed is extremely uncomfortable.
  • Couples find these beds too small oftentimes depending on how they sleep.
  • The mattress can also take up too much space in a small room.
  • A larger guest might not find this bed comfortable.

Who is it for?

The full bed is for a single person that is of average size. Couples of smaller statures can fit on these beds but if they do not like touching when sleeping, it simply is not an option. A person that lives alone in college could save money on a full bed when compared to the much pricier king or queen sizes. A family that has a guest bedroom that is used as an office will benefit from a full bed. This will not take up too much room for a bed that is rarely used so the room, in turn, is more versatile.

What is a queen bed?

Full Size vs Queen Bed: Which One to Choose?

The queen bed is the most popular bed in the United States. The size sits between a full bed and a king size mattress. Many families decide to upgrade from a twin directly to a queen as the price difference is not as significant as you would think. The demand for these size mattresses allows for a competitive market that drives prices down.

Dimensions

The queen mattress is 80 inches long and 60 inches wide.

Pros

  • Most popular option in the US for couples and individuals overall.
  • Finding sheets for queen beds couldn’t be easier.
  • Long enough for those that might be taller than the average person.

Cons

  • A queen mattress can prove difficult to move alone due to its weight especially when moving up or down the stairs.
  • The cost is more than that of a full bed and for those watching the budget, it is not a priority for people using it as a guest bed.
  • Could be too large for a shared dorm room if not willing to arrange in a bunkbed style.

Who is it for?

The queen mattress can be enough for nearly any single person unless they are an NBA all-star. Most couples will find this a better option than a full bed which will leave more space in the bedroom than a kind bed. People with California Kings understand how much space a mattress can truly take up in a smaller bedroom.

A child upgrading to a queen mattress will not need to make another transition if they hit an immense growth spurt. Being able to sprawl out as a teen with numerous pillows during those extended naps cannot be undervalued.

Full vs Queen size bed comparison

Full Size vs Queen Bed: Which One to Choose?

Full vs queen size beds differ just in size the accessories required for comfortable sleeping. The difference might not seem like a lot with a 5-inch difference in length and a 6-inch difference in width. Those that sleep on different mattresses can easily tell the difference as a full bed might not be great for taller individuals.

Dimensions

  • The full size bed is 75 inches long and 54 inches wide.
  • The queen bed is going to be 80 inches long and 60 inches wide.

Width per person

  • For a couple, a full size mattress is going to offer 27 inches worth of width. The length shouldn’t be impacted unless there is a bed hog or sleeps diagonally.
  • A queen mattress is going to offer 30 inches per person worth of width.

Weight

  • A full size is going to weigh 56 pounds.
  • A queen is going to weigh 71 pounds.

These weights can differ, but these figures are on average.

Comfort

The comfort of the bed will depend on the top or firmness of the bed along with things like memory foam mattress pads. Having enough space and room is essential for comfort as well.

Price

Full size beds can be more expensive than queens depending on features. On average, queens with the same features are almost always more expensive.

Size of room required

  • A full size bed will require around 10-foot by 10-foot room to be comfortable.
  • A queen can fit in the same as a full size, but 12 by 10 is recommended.

Accessories

Accessories are going to be far easier to find for a queen bed versus a full bed. The most popular size in the country is never going to lack sheets or mattress covers. Frames can easily be found for either size mattress online, but it could take shopping around for a stylish frame.

Quick comparison

Full size bed Queen size bed
Dimensions 75 inches long by 54 inches 80 inches long by 60 inches
Weight 56 pounds 71 pounds
Popularity 3rd most popular option Most popular option in US
Pros Great for a single sleeper Perfect for couples
Cons Small for couples More expensive than full mattresses

In conclusion

Full size vs queen beds can impact your sleep directly and in turn, impact your quality of life. Take the time to truly consider both sizes and enlist the help of your significant other. Many partners might care about the firmness of the bed far more than increasing or decreasing the size. A bed is an investment that you could be sleeping on for years so do not take this decision lightly. For those with back or other joint problems, investing in an orthopedic mattress might be the wisest decision.

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