What is the Difference Between Full and Queen Mattresses?

Let’s set the scene: you’re ready to purchase a new mattress for your home. Before you even step foot in the mattress store, ask yourself, ‘Which size mattress is best for me?” and “Which size would work best in my space?” 

You remember that queen mattresses are the most popular size but are unsure if one will fit well in that particular room. Then you notice the full size mattress. Is the full the same as a Twin XL mattress? Will that be big enough? What’s the difference between full and queen mattresses? This is so confusing!

While these two mattress sizes may look similar, they are not the same and can serve different functions in your home. The mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to help you distinguish the difference between full and queen mattresses and how to choose which size will suit your room best.

Difference 1: The size

We’ll start with the most obvious difference between full and queen mattresses: the size. If you were to place a full and a queen mattress side-by-side, you may not be able to determine the difference right away. Let’s look at a full. 

What is a full size mattress? Also referred to as a “double bed,” a full mattress is wider than a Twin XL mattress (although it is the same length) but is a bit smaller than a queen, making it a more compact option. So, how much bigger is a queen than a full? To answer that question, let’s take a look at the queen vs full dimensions.

At Texas Mattress Makers, a full mattress measures 53” in width and 75” in length, and a queen mattress measures 60” in width and 80” in length. While these numbers might look close, it’s shocking how much more space a queen can provide with a few extra square inches built-in. Queen mattresses also tend to be a little taller than full mattresses. 

Now that we’ve discussed the size difference between a queen and a full mattress let’s decipher what type of sleepers would benefit from which mattress. 

Difference 2: The sleeper

One of the most important factors when choosing between a full vs queen size is what type of sleeper or how many sleepers are ideal for each size. 

Who is a full-size bed good for?

The following types of sleepers would benefit from a full mattress:

• Single adults
• Children, teenagers, and college students
• Couples who don’t mind sleeping close together
• Single sleepers who share a bed with their pet
• Sleepers who live in an apartment or confined spaces
• Guests

Full mattresses are ideal for smaller sleepers and smaller spaces. They’re the perfect upgrade from a twin mattress as they provide more space but can still fit comfortably in all bedrooms. Speaking of small, full beds can be the best mattresses for kids because they can provide a little extra space, giving your child the opportunity to grow with them. Purchasing a full mattress as their first big boy or big girl mattress can be a smart investment as it can follow them through college (saving you money)!

So, can two adults sleep on a full mattress? They can certainly try, but we can’t guarantee they’ll be comfortable. While most adults can squeeze themselves and their partner onto a full mattress, there will be no room to move around. If you’re a sleeper that tosses and turns, a full mattress will be your partner’s worst nightmare. Not to mention, if you’re over 6 feet tall, your feet will likely be hanging off the end of the bed. For this reason, we typically recommend couples sleep on a queen size mattress. 

What is the advantage of a queen size bed?

The following types of sleepers would benefit from a queen mattress:

• Couples
• Couples with pets or children
• Guests
• Solo sleepers who want extra room
• Those who live in apartments with more space
• Homeowners 

In our opinion, queen mattresses are the most popular because they are the best bed size for couples. Because approximately 55% of mattress purchases are married couples and 56% are homeowners, the popularity of the queen mattress makes sense. Almost any sleeper can fit in a queen size bed and feel comfortable, with or without a partner next to them. 

You can find the best queen mattress for your needs at Texas Mattress Makers.

Difference 3: The price

Many factors are considered when pricing a mattress, including size, whether you buy online or directly from the mattress store, and the materials used to construct the mattress. While full beds usually cost a little less than queen beds, the costs don’t differ drastically — at least not at Texas Mattress Makers. 

How much does a queen mattress cost?

The average price of a queen mattress is around $1,100, and a good starting price point for a full mattress is around $650. If you are on a strict budget, we can find you a top-quality mattress in any size you need that will suit all of your preferences. Texas Mattress Makers customers have the benefit of missing out on overhead costs, no matter what type of mattress you purchase.

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Find Your Perfect Full or Queen Mattress at Texas Mattress Makers

The difference between full and queen mattresses really comes down to size, who they are best for, and price (depending on where you shop). Both sizes have their own set of benefits. The good news is that you can get either a top-quality full or queen size mattress for an incredible price at Texas Mattress Makers!

Whether you want to shop our selection or create a custom mattress, our experts can help you choose the right mattress size, type, and comfort level for your needs, budget, and preferences. Visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores to get your shopping journey started!

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Mattress Shopping Tips for Kids
• Expert Guide to Mattress Firmness
• How Much Does a Good Mattress Cost?
• How Do You Know When You Need a New Mattress?
• Do You Need A Bed Frame For Your Mattress?