Full vs. King Mattress Sizes

Written by Zulekha Nishad

Last Updated November 28, 2024

Are you trying to decide between a Full and King mattress for your bedroom? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we're going to give you an in-depth look at the key differences between Full vs. King mattresses.

latex mattress

We'll cover everything from sizing measurements to physical space considerations, ultimately giving you all of the information necessary to make a well-informed mattress purchase decision that works best for both your budget and lifestyle.

full vs king mattress - what's the difference

Key Takeaways:

  • Full size mattresses measure 54 x 75 inches. They are cost-effective and ideal for single sleepers, teenagers, and smaller bedrooms.
  • The limitations of a Full size mattress include potential discomfort for taller individuals and a cramped feel for couples.
  • King size mattresses measure 76 x 80 inches. They provide ample space for couples and families, allowing undisturbed sleep and accommodating family activities.
  • A King bed requires a big room, are hard to move, and costs more than a full bed.
  • The choice between Full and King size mattresses depends on factors such as bedroom dimensions, the number of sleepers, long-term plans, and budget considerations.

What is a Full Size Mattress?

A Full mattress, also known as a Double mattress, measures 54 X 75 inches. It's a step up from a Twin but falls short of the sleeping space offered by larger sizes like Queen and King. Full size mattresses are a preferable choice for teenagers, single adults, and guest rooms due to their compact size.

Pros of Full Size Bed

Best for single sleepers - If you're someone who sleeps alone, a Full size bed is a fantastic choice. It provides a comfortable and spacious sleeping area that's perfect for one person. You won't feel overwhelmed by the excess space of a larger mattress, and you can easily stretch out, change sleeping positions, or add extra pillows for a cozy sleep experience.

Ideal for smaller bed rooms - For those with limited bedroom space, a Full size bed is a lifesaver. In smaller rooms, fitting a larger mattress like a King or Queen can be pretty challenging. A Full bed offers the luxury of a larger bed without overcrowding your bedroom, leaving more floor space for furniture or other essentials.

Cost-effective - If you're on a budget, a Full size mattress is a wallet-friendly option. Not only are the mattresses themselves more affordable, but the bedding and accessories like sheets and comforters tend to be less expensive for this size, compared to their larger counterparts. This can lead to significant savings over time.

Easier to move and transport - These mattresses are more manageable when it comes to moving them from one room to another, or even between homes. You won't need a small army to help you maneuver your mattress up narrow staircases or through tight doorways.

Cons of Full Size Bed

Too short for taller sleepers - If you're over 6 feet tall, your feet might hang off the edge of the bed, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep. In such cases, a Queen or King mattress might be a more suitable choice.

Less space for couples - For couples, a Full Size bed can feel cramped, especially if one or both partners are active sleepers. With limited space, you might find yourself frequently jostling for room, resulting in a less restful night's sleep. The lack of space can make it challenging to sleep comfortably without interfering with your partner's sleep quality.

Variations of a Full Mattress

While Full size mattresses are a practical choice, they also come in variations to cater to different needs. One such variation is the Full XL.

full xl mattress

A Full XL mattress offers the same width as a standard Full size (54 inches) but adds an extra 5 inches in length, measuring 80 inches long. This extension in length makes it an excellent choice for taller individuals who enjoy the additional legroom.

What is a King Size Mattress?

A King Size mattress, on the other hand, is the largest of the standard mattress sizes available. It measures 76 X 80 inches, providing sufficient sleeping space for couples or families who prefer a spacious sleep environment.

what is a king bed

Pros of King Size Bed

Great for couples - With plenty of room to spare, there's no more fighting for space or inadvertently elbowing your partner in the middle of the night. The King offers ample space for each person to sleep comfortably, undisturbed by their partner's movements.

Perfect family bed - It's an excellent option for parents with young children who sometimes join them in bed. The King provides room for the whole family to snuggle up, read bedtime stories, or simply spend quality time together.

Bedding and accessories are easy to find - King Size mattresses are incredibly popular, which means finding bedding and accessories is a breeze. You'll have a wide selection of sheets, duvets, comforters, and bedspreads to choose from. This makes personalizing your sleeping space and enhancing your bedroom's aesthetics a simple task.

Cons of King Size Bed

Too big for some bedrooms - It's essential to have a spacious bedroom to accommodate this mattress comfortably. Smaller rooms might find the King Size bed overwhelming and limit the space available for other essential furniture.

Difficult to move - King Size mattresses are notably heavy and cumbersome. Moving a mattress of this size can be a challenging task, especially when navigating through narrow hallways or staircases. Transporting a King Size bed often requires extra help and careful planning.

Expensive - The luxury of a King Size bed comes at a cost. They tend to be pricier compared to smaller mattress sizes, both in terms of the mattress itself and the associated bedding and accessories. It's essential to consider your budget when opting for a King Size bed.

Variations of a King Mattress

While the Standard King Size bed is a popular choice, there are variations to consider:

California King Mattress

california king size mattress

California King mattresses are slightly narrower than the Standard King but add extra length. It's a great choice for taller individuals who need more legroom and is particularly popular on the West Coast.

California king bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 72 X 84 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 182.88 X 213.36 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 6 X 7 feet

Texas King Mattress

texas king mattress dimensions

The Texas King is renowned for its extra-long and extra-wide dimensions. This mattress provides an extravagant sleeping experience, ideal for larger bedrooms and those who relish their space.

Texas king bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 80 X 98 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 203.2 X 248.92 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 6.66 X 8.1 feet

Wyoming King Mattress

wyoming king size mattress dimensions

The Wyoming King is even larger than the Texas King. It's perfect for those who want an opulent sleeping experience without any compromise.

Wyoming king bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 84 X 84 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 213.36 X 213.36 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 7 X 7 feet

Alaskan King Mattress

alaskan king mattress size dimensions

If you're looking for the grandest of all mattresses, the Alaskan King is your best choice. This behemoth provides the most luxurious sleeping space you can imagine, making it a true sleep palace.

Alaskan king bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 108 X 108 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 274.32 X 274.32 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 9 X 9 feet

natural and organic latex mattress topper

Full vs. King - Mattress Size Dimension Chart

PARAMETERS FULL KING
WIDTH 54 inches 76 inches
LENGTH 75 inches 80 inches
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED ROOM SPACE 9 feet 6 inches X 10 feet 6 inches 12 X 12 feet
BEST FOR Teens, single adults who likes to sprawl out, or guest rooms Couples, Co-sleeping families, Pet parents
PRICE RANGE $400 to $1500 or more $1500 to $3000 or more

How to Choose Between King and Full Mattresses?

king vs full mattress - how to choose between the two

Your choice between a King and Full mattress should be based on a combination of factors, including the size of your bedroom, the number of sleepers, your long-term plans, and your budget. Let's discuss each of them in detail.

Bedroom Dimensions

Your bedroom's dimensions play a pivotal role in your decision-making process. If you have a smaller bedroom, a Full mattress is an excellent choice as it occupies less floor space. This allows you to incorporate additional bedroom furniture and move around comfortably.

It's generally recommended to have a room size of approximately 9 feet 6 inches by 10 feet 6 inches for a Full mattress.

Conversely, if you're considering a King mattress, you should prioritize a larger room size due to its substantial dimensions.

The minimum recommended room size for a King mattress is around 12 feet by 12 feet or larger. This ensures that the King mattress fits comfortably in the room while still leaving ample space for other bedroom furnishings and providing easy maneuverability.

Number of Sleepers

Consider who will be sharing the bed with you. If you're a single sleeper or a couple who enjoys sleeping in close proximity, a Full mattress may be sufficient.

However, if you have a partner who tosses and turns or if you have a family and pets who occasionally join you in bed, a King provides more room to accommodate everyone comfortably. It can prevent disturbances caused by movement during the night and ensure that everyone gets a good night's sleep.

Long-Term Goals

Think about your long-term plans. If you're single and have no immediate plans for a family, a Full mattress might meet your current needs.

On the other hand, if you're in a committed relationship or planning to start a family, investing in a King-sized mattress is a wise choice. It can save you from the hassle and cost of needing to upgrade to a larger mattress in the future.

Budget

Your budget is a significant consideration when choosing between a Full and a King mattress. Full mattresses are generally more budget-friendly compared to Kings, which are considered a premium option.

If your budget is tight, a Full mattress might be the more practical choice.

Keep in mind that there are various mattress brands and models available, and prices can vary significantly, so it's essential to explore different options and look for the best value for your budget.

Other Standard Mattress Sizes

If you find that neither Full nor King is the best fit for your needs, you have the flexibility to explore alternatives among these standard options. This includes:

Twin Mattress

twin mattress dimensions

The Twin mattress, also known as a Single mattress, measures 38 X 75 inches. It's a compact size suitable for children, young teenagers, and adults who have limited space. Commonly used in children's bedrooms, bunk beds, and guest rooms where space is at a premium, twin beds are not recommended for taller individuals due to their relatively short length.

Twin size bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 38 X 75 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 96.5 X 188.0 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 3.16 X 6.25 feet

Twin XL Mattress

twin xl mattress dimensions

The Twin XL mattresses are similar in width to the standard Twin, measuring 38 inches wide, but it add extra length, measuring 80 inches long. This extra length makes it an excellent choice for college dorm rooms, as it comfortably accommodates taller individuals. It's also suitable for teenagers and single adults who need more legroom.

Twin XL size bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 38 X 80 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 96.5 X 203.5 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 3.16 X 6.66 feet

Queen Mattress

queen size mattress dimensions

The Queen size mattress is one of the most popular choices, measuring 60 X 80 inches. It's an ideal size for couples and individuals who desire more room to stretch out comfortably. The Queen is versatile and fits well in most bedrooms without overwhelming the space. You'll commonly find Queen mattresses in master bedrooms and guest rooms.

Queen size bed dimensions

  • Dimensions in inches: 60 X 80 inches
  • Dimensions in cm: 152.4 X 203.2 cm
  • Dimensions in feet: 5 X 6.66 feet

Conclusion

To wrap things up, if you’re trying to decide between a Full or King mattress, be sure to consider all the factors. Analyze your bedroom size, check your budget, and focus on what is most important for your sleep needs.

At the end of the day, your decision should revolve around what makes you feel comfortable and satisfied with making such an investment. After all, you deserve to get the best quality rest possible! So why not make an informed choice that works best for you? It may take a bit of research and shopping around but in the end finding the best mattress size that fits your lifestyle will be well worth it.

natural and organic pillows

FAQs

King latex mattress vs. Full latex mattress- What's the difference?

The main difference between a King latex mattress and a Full latex mattress lies in their sizes. A King mattress boasts significant dimensions, measuring an expansive 76 x 80 inches, providing ample space for a comfortable night's sleep. In contrast, a Full mattress is more modest in size, measuring 54 x 75 inches, making it a practical choice for those with limited space or specific sleeping preferences.

The difference in size not only affects the sleeping area but also influences factors such as maneuverability, room aesthetics, and the overall sleeping experience.

Is a Full Bed Same as a Double Bed?

Yes. A Full bed is commonly synonymous with a Double bed, as they share identical dimensions, measuring 54 inches in width and 75 inches in length.

Is a Full Bed Big Enough For Two Sleepers?

A Full size bed may not provide enough space for two sleepers, especially if they prefer more personal space while sleeping. It's more suitable for a single sleeper.

Do Two Full Mattress Make a Standard King Size Mattress?

No, two Full mattresses do not make a Standard King Size mattress. A King mattress measures 76 X 80 inches, and combining two Full mattresses side by side would result in a width of 108 inches, which is much wider than a King. To create a King-sized mattress, it's best to invest in a King mattress or go for the Split King option.

Related blog posts:

1. Mattress Sizes Chart and Bed Dimensions Guide

2. California King vs. Queen Mattress

California King vs. Queen Mattress

3. Twin vs. Twin XL Mattress

Twin vs. Twin XL Mattress

4. Full vs. Queen Mattress

Full vs. Queen Mattress

5. Twin vs. Full vs. Queen Mattress

Twin vs. Full vs. Queen Mattress

Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.

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