Queen vs king mattress: which size should you buy?
Hi, we’re John and Mimi. “Queen or king?” is one of the first questions people ask us, and for good reason. Both are 80 inches long, but a king is 16 inches wider. That extra space changes how couples sleep, how the bed fits the room, and what sheets and frames you need. Here’s a plain comparison, plus our mattresses in both sizes at today’s prices: same factory models, lower price than other online retailers.
The short answer
- Queen is 60" × 80". It fits most bedrooms and most couples. It’s the most popular size, and sheets and frames are easy to find.
- King is 76" × 80". Same length, 16" wider. Each person gets about 38" instead of 30", which helps restless sleepers, kids or pets who join you.
- Pick queen if the room is small, you’re on a budget, or you both sleep still.
- Pick king (or split king) if you want more personal space, or you want each side of an adjustable base to move on its own.
Queen vs king dimensions
| Size | Inches (W × L) | Width per person (couple) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen | 60" × 80" | About 30" each | Most couples, most bedrooms, guest rooms |
| King | 76" × 80" | About 38" each | Couples who want space, kids or pets who share the bed |
| Split king | Two 38" × 80" | 38" each (separate mattresses) | Couples on an adjustable base who want each side to move alone |
Full size chart for twin through California king: mattress sizes and dimensions.
Will it fit your room?
Plan for about 2 feet of walking space on each side and at the foot of the bed, plus room for nightstands. A rough rule:
- Queen usually needs a bedroom around 10' × 10' or larger to feel comfortable with nightstands.
- King usually needs closer to 12' × 12' (or a long 10' × 14') so you can still walk around and open drawers.
Measure doorways and stairs too. A one-piece king mattress is wide; a split king arrives as two Twin XL halves and goes up stairs more easily. Every bed we sell ships brand new and factory-sealed, which is how we keep prices low.
Couples: queen, king or split king?
- Queen works when you both sleep fairly still and the room is tight. You each get about 30" of width, roughly a crib mattress.
- King gives each of you Twin XL width (38"). Better if one of you tosses, or a kid or dog climbs in.
- Split king is the same 76" × 80" footprint as a king, but two Twin XL mattresses and two Twin XL adjustable bases. Each side has its own remote. One of you can sit up to read while the other stays flat. More in our split king guide for couples.
Sheets, bedding and frames
Queen sheets are the easiest to find and usually cost less. King sheets cost more, and some styles (especially stretchy jersey or deep-pocket sets) are harder to stock in king. Frames, headboards and adjustable bases must match the size: a queen frame won’t take a king mattress. For a split king, most people use a standard king frame or headboard with two Twin XL bases underneath, plus a split-king sheet set or two Twin XL fitted sheets.
Queen vs king mattress prices today
Popular mattresses in queen and king (and split king where we offer it), at today’s prices:
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Queen | King | Split king |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8" Daisy Firm | Firm budget pick for guest rooms and stomach sleepers | 8BNV-Q |
$389 | $429 | — |
| 10" Rose Medium | Best-value everyday bed for most adults | 10BNV-Q |
$429 | $479 | $1,099 |
| 10" EcoCore Hybrid Premium | Pocket-coil bounce in a 10" profile | 10HSOY-Q |
$549 | $639 | $729 |
| 12" Copper Gel | Our most popular medium-firm memory foam | 12BNCOPPER-Q |
$529 | $609 | $719 |
| 14" ActiveAlign Zoned Hybrid | Thickest hybrid: zoned foam over pocket coils | 14REACTIVE-Q |
$689 | $839 | $1,299 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
Queen vs split king adjustable bases
A one-piece king base exists, but most couples who want adjustability go split king so each side moves alone. Queen is one base for the whole bed. Today’s prices:
| Pick | Best for | Model code | Queen | Split king |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e3 (SBKD3) | Head and foot lift, zero gravity, memory presets | SBKD3-Q |
$519 | $949 |
| e4 Premium | Adds massage, USB and under-bed light | SBKDP2-Q |
$709 | $1,229 |
| Glide | Glides toward the wall so nightstands stay in reach | SBKDG2-Q |
$829 | $1,359 |
Prices are today’s prices, read live from our catalog, with free FedEx shipping included.
10" Rose - Medium Firmness - 10BNV
Not sure on size yet? Start with the 10" Rose in queen. It’s our best everyday value, and if you later move up to a king, the same model is available in every size.
- Medium firm, works for most adults
- Bends well on an adjustable base
- Queen and king (and every other size) at today’s prices
From $329 (Twin) · Queen $429 · See sizes & details
12" Copper Gel Infused Cooling Memory Foam Mattress - Medium Firm, Back & Side Sleepers
If you already know you want more room, the 12" Copper in king (or two Twin XLs for a split king) is the mattress most of our couples pick.
- 12" copper-gel memory foam, medium firm
- Cooler feel than basic foam
- Available in queen, king and split king
From $409 (Twin XL) · Queen $529 · See sizes & details
Shop this guide
Queen if the room is tight; king or split king if you want more personal space.
- 10" Rose - Medium Firmness - 10BNV, from $329. Best-value everyday mattress in queen or king.
- 12" Copper Gel Infused Cooling Memory Foam Mattress - Medium Firm, Back & Side Sleepers, from $409. Our most popular feel, including split king for adjustable bases.
- e3 Adjustable Bed Base with Wireless Remote, Memory Positions & Zero Clearance, from $469. Queen base for one shared position, or split king so each side moves alone.
Questions we hear a lot
What is the difference between a queen and a king mattress?
A queen is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. A king is 76 by 80 inches: the same length, but 16 inches wider. That gives each person in a couple about 38 inches instead of 30.
Is a king better than a queen for couples?
Often yes if either of you is a restless sleeper, or if kids or pets join you. A queen still works well for couples who sleep fairly still and for smaller bedrooms. A split king keeps the king footprint and lets each side of an adjustable base move on its own.
Which size mattress is best for a small bedroom?
Usually a queen. Plan for about 2 feet of walking space on each side and at the foot. A king typically needs a larger room, closer to 12 by 12 feet, to leave room for nightstands.
Is a king mattress worth the extra cost?
It can be, if you want more personal space. King mattresses, sheets and frames cost more than queen, and some sheet styles are harder to find in king. Measure the room first so the extra width actually fits.
Can you put a king mattress on an adjustable base?
Yes. Most couples who want adjustability choose a split king: two Twin XL bases and two Twin XL mattresses that together make a king. Each side has its own remote. Questions? Text John at 805-617-6878.
Still deciding? Just ask us
Tell John your room size, how many people (and pets) share the bed, and whether you want an adjustable base, and he will tell you honestly which size fits. Text or call 805-617-6878, 6 AM to 9 PM Pacific, take the 60-second mattress quiz, or check the full size chart. See our Purchase Policy & Warranty for the details.
Written by John & Mimi Venti, MimiJohn. Standard US mattress dimensions; prices update automatically.