Full and queen size mattresses are among the most popular bed sizes in the U.S. A full size mattress measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, while a queen is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. That might not sound like much on paper but in your bedroom, it makes a difference.
You'll find all the best mattresses sold online in 2025 in a full and queen size and you can save on both sizes in this year's Memorial Day mattress sales. So which should you choose?
While full mattresses are best for solo sleepers, queen beds have more room for couples — but they're also typically around $100-$300 more expensive.
In this guide we're exploring the pros and cons of full vs queen mattress sizes, including how body type, sleep needs and budget impact your choice. Let's get started...
Queen vs full size mattress: Key differences
A full mattress is a standard bed size measuring 54 inches wide x 75 inches long. Best suited to solo sleepers, you can fit two people in a full bed size (but it might be a squeeze.)
Queen mattresses are one standard bed size up from a full and measure 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. They're designed for couples but often used by solo sleepers seeking space.
Below we'll explore the key differences between full and queen mattresses:
Full mattress |
Queen mattress |
|
|---|---|---|
Width |
54" |
60" |
Length |
75" |
80" |
Best for... |
Solo sleepers |
Couples |
Recommended room size |
10' X 10' |
12' X 12' |
Price range |
$500 – $1,600 |
$700 – $1,800 |
Mid-range price |
$650 |
$900 |
What is a full size mattress?
A full mattress is one of the most popular bed sizes for solo sleeping adults. It has enough room for one person to stretch out without needing a large room to accommodate the bed frame.
A full is longer and wider than a twin mattress, which measures 38 x 75 inches. Twin mattresses are often used by children and teenagers.
However, if you're tall or have a bigger build, a full might seem constricting. Consider upgrading to a queen, or, if room space is an issue, try a twin XL. At 38 x 80 inches, a twin XL lacks the width of a full, but has extra length.
We recommend a minimum room size of 10 x 10 feet for a full size bed. This leaves space for furniture and walkways. Much bigger, and you might find the bed looks lost in the space.
It is possible to fit two people on a full size mattress, although you might find it a squeeze. For everyday use, we recommend upgrading to a queen.
But if you’re a couple who doesn’t mind cuddling, then a full size mattress could be right for you. Still, consider investing in one of the best cooling mattresses to prevent things from overheating.
And it's a great choice for a guest room, capable of accommodating single friends and any couples who might come to visit.
3 best full mattresses to buy today
What is a queen size mattress?
Queen is the most popular bed size in the U.S., and a queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. They're designed for couples but if you're a solo sleeper how loves space, this is also a good pick.
Two people can typically fit comfortably in a queen size mattress without getting in each other's way (and the Scandinavian sleep method can help even couples with different sleep preferences share a queen in harmony.)
However, couples with a bigger build, or those who like to cuddle up with the kids, might want to upgrade to extra space of a king. King mattresses measure 76 x 80 inches, adding 16 inches of width to stretch out in.
And if you're particularly tall, your best choice is a California king bed. These measure 72 x 84 inches, making them both wider and longer than a queen — no more feet poking out the end of the mattress.
We recommend a minimum bedroom size of 12 x 12 feet for a queen. This should be big enough that the mattress won't overwhelm the space, while still leaving room for walkways.
If you have the space (and budget) for it, a queen bed is also good for a guest room, especially for those who regularly host couples.
3 best queen mattresses to buy today
Queen mattress vs full size: which should you buy?
Buy a full size mattress this Memorial Day if...
✅ You sleep alone: Full size mattresses are best for solo sleepers as they have enough room for you to get comfortable in any sleep position. Plus, the smaller size means it isn't a work out any time you need to change the bed sheets.
✅ You're upgrading your guest room: A full size mattress is a good all-rounder for a guest room; comfortable for solo visitors with enough space when a couple drops by. The smaller build also means full size mattresses are easier to move than a queen, if your guest room doubles as storage space.
✅ You're on a tighter budget: You can typically save $100 to $300 opting for a full over a queen, making it a good money saver. And as they're a cheaper size, you can upgrade to a higher quality mattress without breaking the budget.
Buy a queen size mattress this Memorial Day if...
✅ You share a bed: Two people can sleep soundly in a queen size mattress without having to dodge elbows every time your partner rolls over in their sleep.
✅ You're a solo sleeper with a larger build: The extra width and length of the queen size bed will appeal to single sleepers who love to stretch out, but it also benefits those with bigger builds
✅ You're shopping for a master bedroom: When choosing a bed size, it's important to consider the room the bed will be in. Queen mattresses tend to be the ideal size for a master bedroom, as they won't dominate the space but still offer ample room for the sleeper.
