When it comes time to buy a new bed, there is one main question to answer: what size bed is the best? Full and queen mattresses are popular bed sizes, each serving a different purpose. A full-size bed can be a great choice for a single adult or child, while queen-size mattresses easily accommodate couples. However, how exactly do these mattresses differ, and what should you consider before purchasing one?
When comparing the queen vs. full mattresses, this is what to consider.
Read more: Best Mattress of 2025
Full vs. queen-size comparison
The first consideration when comparing the best mattresses is size.
A queen bed is much bigger than a full bed. While a queen bed measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, a full-size bed only measures 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. This means that a queen-size bed is six inches wider and five inches longer in size than a full-size bed.
| Full mattress | Queen mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 74" | 80" |
| Width | 54" | 60" |
| Best for | Individual sleepers | Couples Those with children or pets |
| Recommended room size | 10' x 10' | 12' x 12' |
| Price range | $550 to $1,500 | $800 to $1,700 |
What to consider when choosing between a full mattress and a queen mattress
A queen-sized Helix Sunset Luxe Mattress in CNET's testing room.
Room size and room layout
The last thing you want to do is buy a mattress that will not fit your space. Before heading to the store, take the time to measure your space. A full-size bed is generally recommended for a room measuring 10 feet by 10 feet. A queen bed fits comfortably in a room measuring 12 feet by 12 feet. This gives you enough room to move around the bed without feeling cramped. Be sure to also measure your bed frame to ensure it will accommodate the room.
Use of the bed
Consider how the bed will be used. If you are putting the mattress in a guest room, you may not need a larger bed. However, if this is your main mattress that you will sleep on every night, you may want to opt for more room.
Cosleeping
It is also important to consider how many people will be sleeping in the bed. If you have more than one person in the bed, space can quickly become an issue -- especially if one of you likes to sprawl out. A full-size bed can be great for solo sleepers or those who sleep with a small child or pet. However, those who sleep with another adult may want to consider upgrading to a queen mattress to improve their sleep quality.
Aly Lopez, sleep writer, sleeps on her stomach.
Sleep position
Your sleep position also dictates how much space you need to sleep comfortably. If you like to sleep fully extended, such as on your back or stomach, you will require more room than a side sleeper. In this case, a queen-size mattress would be a better fit.
Comfort preferences
If you are tall, a full-size bed may be too short for you, as it is a whole six inches shorter than a queen. A queen-size bed will comfortably fit those over six feet tall, giving you the extra room you need to stretch out. A queen-size bed can also be a great option if you frequently move around in your sleep.
Bedding and accessories
Full and queen-size mattress bedding and accessories like box springs are readily available because both are popular mattress sizes. However, queen-size items typically cost more than full-size items because they require more material. If you are on a budget, full-size bedding and accessories will likely be cheaper than those for queen-size mattresses.
The Allswell is our favorite budget mattress. A full-size bed goes for $224, and you can snag a queen size for $317.
Budget
Not everyone has an open-ended budget for a mattress, so it is important to consider the cost. The best full-size mattresses tend to run between $550 and $1,500, while the best queen mattresses generally cost between $800 and $1,700. If you do not have a lot to spend, a full-size mattress may be the better fit for your budget right now. You can always save up and purchase a queen-size mattress later when you have more funds.
Ease of transportation
Once you purchase your mattress, you still have to transport it to your bedroom. When considering the easiest mattresses to move, a full-size mattress is much easier to transport than a queen. However, many mattress stores and online retailers will deliver your mattress to your home, eliminating the fuss of set-up. Just remember you will be responsible for moving the mattress if you decide to change locations later.
Full mattress
There are both pros and cons to a full-size mattress.
Full mattress pros
- Cost-efficient
- Can be combined to create a larger bed
- Perfect for bunk beds
- Easier to transport
Full mattress cons
- Not ideal for two adults
- Larger kids and pets won't fit with you
- Not ideal for larger rooms
Queen mattress
A queen size is the second-biggest mattress size after a king-size bed. It is about six inches wider and six inches longer than a full-size to create a ton more space. It does fall short of a king-size mattress, which is 16 inches wider. Both queen- and king-sized mattresses are the same length.
Just as there are pros and cons to a full-size mattress, there are also benefits and drawbacks to a queen-size mattress.
Queen mattress pros
- Ideal for larger rooms
- Plenty of room for co-sleepers
- Accommodates larger sleepers
- Easy to find bedding
Queen mattress cons
- Pricier than a full
- Can pose transportation challenges
- May be too big for some rooms
Full vs. queen mattress FAQs
Will full sheets fit a queen?
No, full sheets will not fit a queen mattress because queens are both longer and wider than a full-size mattress.
Can two people sleep on a full-size bed?
Yes, two people can sleep on a full-size bed, but it is best to sleep one adult with a small child. Two adults will likely be much more comfortable on a queen mattress.
What is the best full-size bed?
The best full-size mattresses include the Brooklyn Bedding Signature, Nectar Premier and Helix Midnight Luxe. However, the best mattress for you will depend on factors like material, sleeping position and firmness.
What is the best queen-size bed?
The best queen mattresses include the Brooklyn Bedding Signature, as well as the Layla Hybrid and Bear Original mattresses. We also recommend specialized mattresses like the Purple Restore Hybrid, a cooling mattress for hot sleepers, and the Saatva Classic for those who prefer a firmer construction.
How big is a full-size bed vs a queen?
A queen-size bed is six inches wider and five inches longer than a full-size mattress.
Is a full the same as a queen?
No, a full-size mattress is smaller than a queen-size mattress. A queen-size mattress is both six inches wider and five inches longer than a full-size bed.