King Vs Full Size Mattress: What Is The Difference?
Share
Fact checked
Reviewed by experts
Writers at Sleep Authority are supported by a research team conducting in-depth research about the topics. The editorial team reviews them for accuracy and facts to ensure the most authentic and accurate content is published. Sleep Authority does not offer any medical advice, and you should not rely solely on our content for your course of treatment. Consult your medical professional to discuss any health concerns, chronic conditions, treatment options, or diagnoses.
Updated
December 19, 2022
Quick read
5 mins to read
List of Content
While both beds, King vs full, are perfect for couples who likes to stretch out a bit more on the bed and want their territory while sleeping, the dimensions and widths of a king and a full bed are vastly different. Not only do the two beds differ in size, but so do the number of people who sleep in them and the level of comfort they provide. As a result, in this article, we’ll help you lowdown the distinctions between King vs Full mattress so that you best understand the two simultaneously.
What is the Difference Between King Vs Full Mattress?
A King size mattress is 22 inches broad and 5 inches longer than a standard full size mattress. Though king size mattresses are the largest common mattress sizes, measuring 76 inches broad and 80 inches long. The full size mattress falls in the middle, measuring 54 inches broad by 76 inches long. We’ve included a table below for your reference. Consider reviewing the below King vs full bed comparison chart to see which of the two mattress sizes best meets your needs.
| Parameters | King size Mattress | Full size Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 80 inches | 75 inches |
| Width | 76 inches | 54 inches |
| Recommended Room Size | 12 by 12 feet | 10 by 12 feet |
| Occupancy | Family with kids (2) / pets Couples Tall sleepers / Combination sleepers | Teenagers & college students Single adult sleepers |
| Price | $1000 – $1500 | $800 – $1200 |
To know more about the science behind the wellbeing of your sleep, beds, mattresses and pillow sizes, visit sleepauthority.com.
What Is a King Mattress?
As previously stated, a king size mattress is indeed the largest standard measurement available in most companies’ sizing charts. These are perfect for couples that desire more personal space when sleeping, with a width of 76 inches and a length of 80 inches.
A king mattress (also known as an Eastern king) fits nicely on a king bed, which may be found in master bedrooms at least 12 by 12 feet in size.
They are best suited options for:
- Family with two children or owning a pet
- Couples
- Sleepers who are tall
- Those who sleep in a combination of positions
These are large enough to accommodate two people plus a child or a pet. Because of this characteristic, the king mattress is a popular choice among parents who share a bed with their pets or children. The large sleeping area is also beneficial for active or combo sleepers.
Pros and Cons of a King Size Mattress
Pros:
- It has enough room for a couple or a family with young children to sleep comfortably.
- It’s a fantastic choice for tall people or those who want to sleep sprawled out.
- It can help you sleep better by reducing tossing and turning.
- It might be a wise long-term investment in terms of pleasure and sleep quality.
Cons:
- It may be too huge for certain people because of its bulkiness, making it challenging to roll around the bed.
- It can cost more than a queen or a full-size mattress.
- Finding covers and bedding that fit comfortably might be tricky.
Other Variants of King Size Bed
The king size bed is a popular and in-demand option worldwide. As a result, normal king mattresses come in various shapes and sizes to suit various needs.
California King Size Mattress
The California king size mattress is one of the most popular variants. Though it has the same amount of space as a standard king-size bed, the California king is four inches wider and four inches thinner. Cal King mattresses are typically 72 inches broad by 84 inches long. These are great for extra-tall sleepers since they are extra long.
Split King Mattress
The split-king mattress is another king version. This is not a different size but instead is divided into two parts. A split-king mattress gives about the same amount of room as a traditional king mattress while also allowing each person to tailor their bedding (for example, mattress stiffness) to their preferences. Because each spouse may move their side independently and pick their resting position, this design works well with changeable beds.
To accommodate the specific needs of particular persons, several mattress manufacturers provide split California king-size and giant king mattresses.
What Is a Full Mattress?
Because a full size mattress would be neither too slim nor too wide, it falls somewhere in between of all bed sizes and dimensions. Full mattress is primarily designed for single sleepers in small spaces, measuring 54 by 75 inches.
A full mattress goes nicely with a full bed, which is also known as a double bed (even though it doesn’t have sufficient space to sleep two people).
Full mattress is best suited for:
- Teenagers
- students in college
- adults who are single, and
- All who live in small areas, such as studio flats or hostels.
If you’re searching for a cost-effective and space-saving solution for smaller rooms (about 10 feet by 12 feet), a full size mattress can answer. Because they are wider than twins, you will be able to spread out or toss even while having enough room to walk about or add more furniture.
Pros and Cons of a Full-Size Mattress
Pros:
- While sleeping, a full mattress provides plenty of areas to spread out and move about.
- Full mattress is less expensive than king-size mattresses, making them a more cost-effective alternative.
- It’s a fantastic option for couples that need more room than just a twin mattress but don’t want the extra length or width of a queen or king mattress.
- Full mattress is an excellent choice for growing children or teens who want extra space to stretch out.
Cons:
- Full mattress occupies up lots of space in a bedroom, so you can have trouble fitting your furniture and other possessions around it.
- Moving a full-size mattress from place to place can be tricky, particularly if you have sharp corners or doors.
Other Variants of a Full-Size Mattress
Full-size mattresses, unlike king-size beds, do not have as many options. The complete XL mattress, which has the same breadth as a typical full-size mattress but is five inches longer, is the most noticeable.
Full XL Mattresses
Full XL mattresses have a 54-by-80-inch surface area, offering them a better alternative for taller persons who require extra legroom, so their feet don’t hang beyond the bed frame. However, because it is not one of the normal sizes and is not always readily accessible, you may have to acquire a custom-made full XL mattress.
Note: While the latter is not its variant, a full mattress is sometimes confused with a queen size mattress. This is because queen mattresses are just a half-foot wider than full beds, allowing them to accommodate two people and making them more ideal for couples.
Things to Consider While Buying a King or a Full Size Mattress
Not just the factors mentioned above but also various other factors are considered when choosing a mattress. A few of them are mentioned below-
Room Size
The average room size needed for a standard king size bed is 12 feet by 12 feet. Whereas full size beds comparatively need a smaller room sized 10 feet by 12 feet. Be mindful that your room doesn’t look like a dungeon if you have other elements to fill it in with, like furniture, some walking space, and placing of a pet/crib after the placement of the bed.
Price
The price range for king vs full size mattresses is determined by their size, accessories, materials, and brand. Compared to a traditional full size bed, king size mattresses are heavy on the pocket and may charge more than expected. This is mostly because of their size, manufacturer, and materials used. So, if you are low on finances, then opt for a full size bed instead.
Height
The height plays a crucial role in picking a mattress. And this implies equally in king and full size mattresses’ case as well. King size bed is a key player for those who 6 feet+. With 80 inches in length, king-size mattress is best suited for taller people. In contrast, with a length of 75 inches, a full size mattress can accommodate people who are of average height– 5’10 feet and below.
Conclusion
Both king and full size beds have diverse functions and cater to different sleepers. As a result, it’s eventually up to you to determine which mattress dimensions are appropriate for your needs. This full vs. king size bed comparison will help you get started on your mattress purchasing adventure and discover the best fit.
This website does not offer medical advice nor professional medical services; rather, it is provided solely for educational, informational, and/or entertainment purposes. Individuals seeking medical advice should consult a licensed physician. The information provided should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition, disease, or injury. When you have a medical condition, you should always talk to licensed doctor or other certified medical professional. You should never delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment based on the contents of this website. Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may have a medical emergency. The contents of this website are provided “as-is”, Sleep Authority and its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, contributors disclaim any warranty of the information contained herein. Please contact using contact form to report any errors, omissions, misinformation, or abuse.
Sleep Authority is brought to you by Resident, the company that brings you Nectar, DreamCloud, Awara, Wovenly, Bundle, Home Well Designed and Level Sleep.