Both are 80 in long, but a King (76 in wide) is 16 in wider than a Queen (60 in) - 38 inches of width per sleeper against a Queen's 30. The King is the more spacious bed; the Queen is the more flexible one.
King: maximum width for couples, co-sleeping, or pets; needs a room of about 12 x 12 feet.
Queen: the most popular size, fits rooms around 10 x 10 feet and more budgets.
Bedding is not interchangeable between the two sizes.
A King and a Queen are the same length but not the same width. A Queen measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. A King measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Both are 80 inches long, so the only real difference is width: a King is 16 inches wider, which amounts to 6,080 square inches of surface area against a Queen's 4,800. Shared by two people, a King gives each sleeper 38 inches; a Queen gives each 30. The King is the more spacious bed. The Queen is the more flexible one, fitting more rooms and more budgets.
Feature | Queen | King (Eastern King) |
Width | 60 inches | 76 inches |
Length | 80 inches | 80 inches |
Total surface area | 4,800 sq in | 6,080 sq in |
Space per sleeper (two people) | 30 inches each | 38 inches each |
Best for | Solo sleepers, couples with limited space | Couples wanting maximum room, co-sleeping with kids or pets |
Minimum room size | About 10 x 10 feet | About 12 x 12 feet |
Availability | Most popular size; widest selection | Widely available |
Queen size, in brief
The Queen is the most popular mattress size in the United States, and for good reason. At 60 by 80 inches, it comfortably fits a single sleeper who likes room to move, and it works for couples who do not need, or cannot fit, a King. It suits bedrooms around 10 by 10 feet, and its bedding and frames are the easiest to find in any size.
King size, in brief
A King is 16 inches wider than a Queen while keeping the same 80-inch length. That width gives each of the two sleepers the equivalent of their own Twin XL, making it the better choice for couples who move at night or share the bed with children or pets. It needs more floor space, ideally a room of at least 12 by 12 feet, and a wider frame to match.
Which one should you choose?
The deciding factor is usually the room, not the bed. If your bedroom is around 10 by 10 feet, a King will crowd it, and a Queen will fit comfortably. If you have 12 by 12 feet or more and want the most space two people can get in a standard size, the King is worth it. For a single sleeper, a Queen is almost always enough. For couples who wake each other up, the King's extra width is the single biggest upgrade in a standard mattress.
A note on split Kings
Couples with different firmness preferences, or who use an adjustable base, can choose a split King: two Twin XL mattresses side by side that together equal King dimensions. There is no equivalent split Queen, which is one more reason couples who want independent adjustment size up to a King.
King and Queen at Avocado
Avocado offers both Queen and King across its line of certified organic mattresses, built with the same materials and support system and compatible with our adjustable bases. Whichever size fits your room, the contents of the mattress are the same.
Frequently asked questions
Is a King just a wider Queen?
In length, essentially yes. Both are 80 inches long. A King is 16 inches wider, 76 inches against 60 inches, which adds shared width but no extra room for a tall sleeper's legs.
Is a King worth it over a Queen?
For couples who want maximum personal space, or who share the bed with kids or pets, yes. For a single sleeper or a smaller bedroom, a Queen is usually enough and easier to fit.
How much bigger is a King than a Queen?
A King has 6,080 square inches of surface to a Queen's 4,800, about 27 percent more, all of it in width.
What room size do I need for a King vs a Queen?
Plan for at least 10 by 10 feet for a Queen and at least 12 by 12 feet for a King, with walking space on the open sides.
Can I use Queen sheets on a King?
No. The sizes are not interchangeable. A King needs sheets sized for 76 by 80 inches.
Which is more popular, King or Queen?
The Queen is the most popular mattress size in the United States, with the widest selection of bedding and frames.
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