Full Mattress vs Queen Mattress Size: Which Is Right For You? (2024)
Updated: October 7, 2024
Brook Bell
Sleep Content Strategist
Are you trying to choose between a full mattress and a queen mattress? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common crossroads for anyone looking to upgrade their sleep experience.
Whether you’re flying solo or sharing your sleep space, the size of your mattress plays a huge role in how well you snooze. Let’s dive into the details of full vs. queen mattresses and find out which one will be best for your sleep needs.
Looking for other mattress sizes? Check out our guide to mattress sizes in Canada.
What size is a full (double) mattress?
A full (or double) mattress measures 53 inches wide by 75 inches long. This is the go-to mattress size for solo sleepers craving extra room or guest bedrooms aiming for comfort without crowding.
Picture this: a cozy, compact mattress that fits perfectly in a snug room, offering plenty of space for you to stretch out but not so much that it swallows your entire bedroom.
A double bed is ideal for guest rooms, teenagers’ rooms, or anyone who loves to starfish without sharing. It works best in a space measuring at least 10 feet by 10 feet.
READ MORE: What’s the difference between a full mattress vs double mattress size?
What size is a queen mattress?
A queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Having a queen mattress gives you that extra wiggle room, making it a favourite for couples or anyone who enjoys a little extra luxury in their sleep.
Perfect for master bedrooms and anyone who likes to spread out or share their bed with a partner or even a pet, the queen mattress is like a spacious sleep hug.
Given its larger size, a queen-size bed works best in a room that measures at least 10 feet by 12 feet. This gives you more than enough space to move around comfortably while still having square footage for furniture like nightstands and dressers.
On the hunt for the best queen mattress?
Read our ranked list of the top queen-size mattresses in Canada.
Read Now
What’s the difference between full vs. queen mattress size?
A queen mattress is 5 inches longer and 6 inches wider than a full mattress. This may not look like much difference between a double bed size vs queen size, but in the land of sleep, every inch counts. These extra inches can mean the difference between cozy and cramped, especially for couples or taller individuals.
What mattress size should I choose?
Deciding between a double and a queen bed boils down to a few key factors like cost, your room size, sleep habits, and future planning. Keep these considerations in mind when you’re deciding between a queen-size vs double-size bed.
Room Size
When choosing between a queen-size vs double-size bed, measuring your room and considering your lifestyle, furniture size, and personal space preferences is crucial. This ensures your bedroom remains a comfortable, functional sanctuary that meets all your sleep and relaxation needs.
An ideal room size for a full (or double) mattress, which measures 53″ x 75″, would be at least 10 feet by 10 feet. This allows enough space for the bed, nightstands, and dresser without the room feeling cramped. If you place the full mattress in the middle of a 10′ x 10′ room, it will leave about 2.75 feet of space on either side of the bed and 3.75 feet at the foot. This is usually enough space for most bedroom layouts.
However, if you prefer larger furniture or more walking room, it might feel a bit tight. If you have a room smaller than 10 feet by 10 feet, you should check our mattress size guide to find other options that better suit your needs.
A queen mattress, measuring 60″ x 80″, fits best in a room that’s at least 10 feet by 12 feet. This slightly larger room accommodates the bigger bed while still providing ample space for bedroom essentials like nightstands, a dresser, or a workspace. If you position a queen mattress in the center of a 10′ x 12′ room, it will leave about 3.5 feet on either side and 5.3 feet at the foot of the bed.
When determining the bed’s position, it’s also important to consider the placement of doors, windows, and closets to optimize the layout. If a queen or double bed won’t fit, you may need to consider a different mattress size.
Cost and Availability
Generally, full mattresses are more budget-friendly than queen mattresses due to their smaller size. If you’re tight on a budget, a full-size mattress might be the way to go. However, considering long-term useability—a queen might be a better investment if it fits your needs better.
Both full and queen mattresses are widely available. However, due to their popularity with couples, you might find a broader selection of bedding and accessories for queen-sized beds.
Whether you’re leaning towards a full or queen, Douglas offers a high-quality mattress at for a full size and $799 for a queen size. If you’re looking for a hybrid mattress, you might prefer the affordable luxury of Logan & Cove Choice at and $999 for a queen.
Sleeper’s Height and Sleep Position
If you share a bed with a partner, a queen-size mattress is a must. Even if you sleep alone, the extra length of a queen mattress can make all the difference if you are over 6 feet tall or love to sprawl out. You might also appreciate the additional width a queen offers if you toss and turn in your sleep.
On the other hand, if you are shorter than 6 feet and don’t take up too much room in the bed, you might be happiest with a full mattress. The same is true if you normally stay in the same position all night. This will make the best use of available space and help you hang onto more square footage in your bedroom.
Future Planning
Any anticipated changes to your lifestyle should also guide your decision between a double bed vs a queen bed size. For instance, if you sleep alone and plan to stay that way for a while, you may want to consider starting with a full-sized bed. A double bed is also a good choice for children who currently share a bed but will eventually want separate beds in the future.
However, if you sleep beside someone else or are looking for more comfort and room to spread out, a queen-sized bed might be a better choice. This is also a good option if you have rapidly growing teenagers.
A queen mattress would not only provide more room as they grow, but could also be taken to their first apartment. The extra comfort and support for your teen’s growing body would help ensure a better night’s sleep, too.
(Not sure what kind of mattress is right for you? Check out our guide to types of mattresses to help you decide on the right option.)
FAQ
How much bigger is a queen bed than a full bed?
Because a queen mattress is 5 inches longer and 6 inches wider than a full mattress, a queen-size bed frame will be similarly longer and wider than a full-size frame. Actual bed frame size will vary depending on the style you choose. This makes a queen bed better suited for taller individuals (5’9″ and up) and larger rooms (10′ by 12′ and up).
Is a full bed big enough for 2 people?
A full bed best fits a single person, or one adult and one child. Two adults may be able to share a full-size bed for a night, but may notice poorer sleep quality since there’s not much room to change positions. Adults taller than 5’9″ or so will also be less comfortable, given the shorter mattress. Consider a queen mattress instead if you want a bed with enough room for two people.
Is a full size better than a queen?
The best bed size is the one that’s right for your sleep needs. A full-size mattress is shorter and narrower than a queen, which is ideal for a smaller room. However, you might find you want the extra stretch-out space that a queen bed provides. Pick the mattress size that fits your bedroom, sleeping requirements, and budget.
Is full the same as double?
Yes, a full mattress is the same as a double mattress. These terms are used interchangeably and mean the same thing. If you buy double mattress sheets, they will fit your full-size bed (and vice versa).
Choosing between a double vs queen mattress isn’t just about size; it’s about finding your perfect sleep solution. The decision usually boils down to a few key factors, like your room size, sleep habits, sleep partners (if any), and future plans.
If you’re tight on space or shopping for a younger person’s room, a full might be just right. But if you’re settling into a more permanent space or sharing your bed, consider upgrading to a queen for that extra comfort.
Whether you lean towards the cozy embrace of a full mattress or the spacious luxury of a queen, the key is to choose a size that promises comfort, support, and sweet dreams.
Ready to shop? Let MattressReviews.ca help.
Our goal is to provide the information you need to find the mattress that’s right for you. Get started with some of our most popular mattress shopping resources:
We use independent, third-party engineering firms (commissioned by us) with the APEGA stamp of approval to conduct mattress testing on our behalf, using publicly available data. We review and test all mattresses on over 40 criteria we think are important to you, including price, country of manufacture, sleep trial, warranty, features, materials used, motion isolation and edge support ratings, customer satisfaction reviews, returns, and refunds.