Difference Between a King & Queen Size Bed

Overall Space

• Nothing quite beats a king size bed for sprawl-ability. The space per person for sleeping is 38 inches, or the same width as a twin size bed. Because a king bed is 5 inches longer than a twin, that means you can't beat the king for having your own ample sleeping space. A queen size comes in at 30 inches per person, still a decent space for an adult of average size. A queen bed has 4,800 square inches of overall space, as compared to the standard or eastern king, which has 6,080.

Size

• In terms of size, the queen and king are similar except for the width of the bed. They both come in at a length of 80 inches. Width is where the difference lies. A queen is 60 inches wide, while a king has an extra 16 inches of space at 76 inches wide. A California king is 84 inches long and 72 inches. The overall space of the California king is actually less than an eastern, but for those who are exceptionally tall this might be more comfortable.

Cost

• A king size is always the most expensive of the bed sets. The main factor in bed expense is the quality, not necessarily the size. Whether it's a king or queen, the adage you get what you pay for fits when buying a mattress or bed set. On average, a queen set can be expected to run $150 to $300 less than a king, at the time of publication, according to STL Beds. This depends on the style and quality of the set itself. If a queen is adequate in size, it is a good idea to spend extra on a quality queen set than to purchase a larger king in a lower quality. In terms of bedding, king sheets, comforters and duvets are slightly more expensive than queen.

Convenience

• King beds take up space, plain and simple. They have a two-piece box spring or foundation construction that does make moving that portion easier, but a king mattress is bulky no matter what. If you have a small room, the bed can eat up the entire space. A queen is more manageable because it is less wide, leaving a bit more space on either side of the bed. However, the length is the same. The availability of bedding for both sizes is not a problem, and neither are head or foot boards because both are commonly purchased beds.