Anyone who’s ever shopped for a bed knows that there are seemingly endless size options. For many of us choosing between a king or a queen size bed is quite a dilemma. And while you might think that bigger is always better, that’s not necessarily the case when it comes to beds. In fact, depending on your needs, a smaller bed might actually be a better fit. So, how much bigger is a king size bed than a queen size bed? Here’s a look at the numbers.
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Queen Size Bed Dimensions
A queen size bed is pretty big, measuring 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. That’s why it’s popular among couples who want to sleep comfortably together as well as with individuals who want to sleep in a spacious bed.
King Size Bed Dimensions
A king size bed is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, making it noticeably larger than a queen size bed. As a result, a king size bed is an attractive option for couples who want plenty of space to themselves.
How Much Bigger Is a King Than a Queen Bed?
Sharing the same length as queen beds, king size beds are significantly larger than a queen size bed with their 16 inches of extra width. This equates to king beds having 126.67% of the sleeping space of queen beds. All that extra room can make a big difference in terms of comfort, especially for people who want to have more space or like to move around while they sleep
King vs. Queen Bed Comparison Chart
| Queen | King | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 60″ x 80″ / 152.4 cm x 203.2 cm | 76″ x 80″ / 193.04 cm x 203.2 cm |
| Surface Area | 4,800 square inches / 30,967.68 square cm | 6,080 square inches / 39,225.73 square cm |
| Cost of Mattress | Cheaper | Usually $200+ more expensive than a comparable queen |
| Ideal Users | Couples or people with small bedrooms | Couples or people who want more space |
| Ideal Room Size | Smaller primary bedrooms | Larger primary bedrooms |
| Room Preference | Master bedroom | Smaller master bedroom or smaller rooms like a guest room |
Factors to Consider When Deciding Between a King or Queen Bed
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a king or queen bed. It all comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Price
When comparing king and queen mattresses, the cost is definitely something to keep in mind. You can find both sizes of beds at a wide range of price points, so it’s important to know how much you’re willing to spend.
King-size beds are usually more expensive than queen beds. For some people, the extra space a king bed provides is worth the cost. The price difference between the two types of beds is usually only a few hundred dollars, due to queen beds being smaller than king size beds.
Your (And Your Partner’s) Height and Body Type
Your height and body type, as well as your partner’s, are essential considerations to take into account when choosing a bed. If you or your partner are tall or plus-sized, a queen bed may not be able to accommodate you comfortably, and it might be worth investing in a king bed. The extra width of a king bed will help to ensure that you both have plenty of space to stretch out and won’t have to worry about feeling cramped.
Your Preferred Sleeping Positions
When it comes to deciding between a king or queen bed, one important factor to consider is your preferred sleeping position. Do you sleep on your side, stomach, or back? Do you like to sprawl out or stay nestled up close to your partner? What position does your partner like to sleep in? Your answers to these questions can help you determine which bed size is right for you.
For example, if you sleep on your side, you may want a queen bed so you have enough room to move around without disturbing your partner. On the other hand, if you sleep on your stomach or back, you may be more comfortable with a king bed so you can stretch out. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a bed size that will allow you and your partner to sleep comfortably without having to worry about disturbing each other.
Restlessness of Sleepers
If you’re trying to decide between a king and queen bed, one factor you may want to consider is how restless you or your partner are during sleep. A king bed can provide more room to move around, which can be helpful if you tend to toss and turn at night. That way, you’re less likely to disturb each other and can both get a good night’s sleep.
On the other hand, if you and your partner aren’t restless sleepers, you may find a queen bed to be more than sufficient.
Children and Pets
One thing you don’t want to forget to think about when deciding between a king or queen bed is whether or not you have children or pets. A king size bed is significantly larger than a queen size bed, so if you have young children or pets who might sleep with you, everyone may be more comfortable and sleep better in a king size bed. So it is important to think about your specific situation and make the best decision for all involved.
Bedroom Size
The size of the bedroom is a big factor in deciding between a queen or king bed. If you have a small room, a king-size bed might leave little space for movement and make the room feel crowded. On the other hand, if your bedroom is large, a queen bed might seem too small.
There is no definitive answer to the question of how big your bedroom should be to accommodate a queen or king size bed, as it depends on personal preferences. However, most experts agree that having at least two feet of space around the bed is ideal, as it allows for easy movement and prevents the feeling of being cramped. Remember to factor in any furniture you have in your bedroom when you’re trying to figure out if a bed will fit.
Ease of Moving the Bed
The ease of moving the bed is another thing you want to keep in mind. With its lighter weight and smaller dimensions, a queen bed is typically easier to move than a king bed. If you think you may need to move the bed frequently or if your home has narrow hallways or small doorways, you might want to opt for a queen.
Conversely, if you don’t plan on having to move your bed very often and your home is laid out in a way that makes it easy to get a bed into your bedroom, a king bed might be the way to go.
FAQs
Do Couples Need a King Size Bed?
While some couples swear by having a king bed, queen beds are a great option for many couples. They’re more affordable than king beds, and their size makes them a good fit for smaller master bedrooms and guest rooms, making queen beds the most popular size of bed today.
Couples who sleep well on queen beds do well with each person having 30 inches of space to themselves and often enjoy cuddling or sleeping close to their partner at night.
On the other hand, sleeping close together might make some people feel too hot or uncomfortable and if one or both people are larger in stature it can make this problem worse. A queen bed may also not be the best choice If one of you is easily disturbed while you are sleeping and the other person is a restless sleeper. Plus, if you plan on sharing your bed with a pet or children, a queen bed, which might feel great when it is just the two of you, a queen bed can suddenly feel cramped, especially if one or both of you like to spread out while you sleep. If your bedroom and budget allow it, opting for a king bed might be the way to go if any of these scenarios describe your sleeping situation.
In the end, the answer to this question depends on the couple in question and their specific sleeping situation.
Should You Get a Queen or a King Size Bed if You Will Be Sleeping Alone?
There’s no right answer when it comes to deciding between a queen or king size bed if you’ll be sleeping alone. It really depends on how much space you prefer while you sleep.
That said, the majority of people find a queen-sized bed to be perfectly comfortable when sleeping alone, regardless of whether they move around a lot during the night or just like to have some extra space to spread out. Even taller individuals often find that a queen bed is a good fit, as they can always lay diagonally to gain a few extra inches of leg room if necessary. Assuming you can make do with the smaller-sized queen bed you will save yourself a few hundred dollars which can be spent on something else.
Of course, if you are a really tall person and are truly determined to get an extra-long mattress you may want to look into a California king bed, which is actually longer than a standard king size bed and will offer you the extra leg room you need.
Final Thoughts
Queen beds are a great option for many couples and most individuals. Plus, if you’re tight on space, or working with a smaller budget, a queen size bed might be an ideal option.
If you have a little more to spend, you might consider the king-sized bed. They are usually a bit more expensive than a queen-size, but the extra 16 inches of width can give you more room to stretch out, which depending on your sleep preferences, can be especially helpful for couples or people who often share their beds with children or pets.