Queen Mattress vs. California King Mattress: What’s the Difference?

By McKenzie Hyde Certified Sleep Coach

Last Updated On January 23rd, 2024
Queen Mattress vs. California King Mattress: What’s the Difference?

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding Queen and California King Sizes: A queen measures 60 inches by 80 inches, making it one of the most popular choices for single sleepers. It offers enough space for personal comfort and is suitable for couples, although it provides only 30 inches of personalized space per sleeper. A California king measures 72 inches by 84 inches, making it one of the largest mattress sizes available. It is longer and narrower than a standard king mattress, ideal for taller individuals.
  • Pricing and Room Space Recommendations: Queen mattresses range in price from $500 to $3,000, depending on features and materials. They are recommended for bedrooms that are at least 10 feet by 10 feet, allowing for furniture and walking space. California king mattresses vary in price from $700 to over $4,000, depending on technologies and materials. They are recommended for larger master bedrooms, ideally measuring 13 feet by 13 feet.
  • Other Mattress Sizes: If neither queen nor California king sizes suit your needs, there are other options available, including twin, twin XL, full, and king mattresses. Each size is designed to meet different preferences and room requirements.

Looking for a new bed may mean choosing a different bed size. For master bedrooms, a queen or California king size mattress could be the best choice. We provide a mattress guide, which discusses both mattress sizes to determine the right size for you.

What’s a Queen Size Mattress?

A queen size mattress is one of the most popular mattress sizes amongst single sleepers, measuring at 60 inches by 80 inches. Queen size beds give more room to stretch out and are an excellent option for any type of sleeper. Couples might find a queen mattress comfortable, but it won’t offer as much room as a king or California king mattress—only 30 inches of personalized space.

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Pricing

The cost for a queen size mattress ranges between $500 to $3000 depending on what special features and materials are included in the mattress. For example, a queen bed which contains all-natural materials will cost more. Plus, mattresses smaller than a queen will cost less, because they use fewer materials.

Below, we offer a breakdown of our Amerisleep mattresses in queen size.

MattressPrice
AS1$899
AS2$1099
AS3$1299
AS3 Hybrid$1499
AS4$1299
AS5$1899
AS5 Hybrid$2199
Amerisleep Organica$1299

Recommended Room Space

For a queen bed, we recommend a bedroom at least 10 feet by 10 feet, allowing for furniture and walking space. A bedroom with even spacing reduces the stress of a tight space and enables better sleep.

Pros

  • Plenty of space—extra width and length
  • A great option for any sleeper
  • Most popular with single adults

Cons

  • Difficult to maneuver due to large size
  • Might be too small for some couples

What’s a California King Size Mattress?

A California king size mattress (also known as a western king) is 72 inches by 84 inches—it’s one of the largest mattresses sizes available on the market. California king size mattresses have the same area as king size beds, except a Cal king mattress is longer and narrower, making it a great option for taller sleepers.

Queen vs California King Mattress

A California king bed is also available as a split cal king, providing individual sleep preferences without compromising on comfort—better sleep and less nightly disturbances.

Pricing

A California king mattress varies in price, between $700 to over $4000, depending on sleep technologies and types of materials. Features like zoned support and organic cotton mattress covers will cost more. In contrast, smaller beds cost less because they use fewer materials.

Below, we offer a breakdown of our Amerisleep mattresses in California king size.

MattressPrice
AS1$1199
AS2$1399
AS3$1599
AS3 Hybrid$1699
AS4$1599
AS5$2199
AS5 Hybrid$2399
Amerisleep Organica$1599

Recommended Room Space

While a master bedroom 10 feet by 12 feet is a good size, a room measuring 13 feet by 13 feet is better—more space for walking and furniture and an aesthetically-pleasing look.

Pros

  • Taller couples
  • Plenty of sleeping space
  • Adjustable base compatible
  • Perfect for large master bedrooms

Cons

  • May be too big for some master bedrooms
  • Bulky and difficult to move

Other Mattress Sizes

If a queen or California king size mattress isn’t for you, other sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, and king, might be what you’re looking for.

Twin Mattress

Twin size mattresses measure 38 inches by 75 inches—the smallest, most compact mattress size in the industry. Twin beds are the perfect option for kids, accommodating their growing bodies, and can be stacked in bunk bed frames to allow more play space. Twin mattresses are also good options for guest rooms and studio apartments.

Twin XL Mattress

Twin XL size mattresses are similar to the twin size, except 5 inches longer at 38 inches by 80 inches. The extra length gives more legroom, enough space for tall people to stretch out. Twin XL beds are most commonly found in college dorm rooms and an excellent option for guest rooms and studio apartments.

Full Mattress

A full size mattress, or double bed, measure 56 inches by 75 inches—wider than a twin with more room to sprawl out, perfect for combination sleepers who regularly toss and turn at night. Full size beds may be too small for couples, but they’re great for teenagers and single adults.

King Mattress

A king size mattress, a.k.a. an eastern king, is 76 inches by 80 inches and, like the Cal king, the largest standard mattress size available. King size beds are the perfect choice for couples; the extra width provides 38 inches of personal space.

King mattresses are also available in split king form—customized comfort and support for better sleep for both sleepers. For maximum individual comfort, partners can even have separate blankets for couples on a split king, though others may prefer one for a uniform look.

See also:

FAQs

Is a California king bigger than a king?

A California king and king size have the same area; however, a California king mattress is longer and narrower than a standard king size. Sometimes it’s called a Western king to complement the traditional king’s name of Eastern king.

Why is it called a California king?

The California king mattress, or western king, was first developed in Los Angeles, creating a bigger, more luxurious bed for larger homes.

Is a California king bigger than a queen?

A California king size is longer and wider than a queen mattress—measuring 72 inches by 84 inches.

Is a Queen or California King Size Mattress Right for You?

When on the hunt for a new mattress, a queen or California king size could be the right choice for you. Either can accommodate larger room sizes, and both are compatible with adjustable bed frames, depending on the mattress type.


About the author

McKenzie Hyde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer specializing in sleep health and the mattress industry. With a Master of Arts degree in literature and writing from Utah State University, McKenzie combines her passion for writing with her in-depth knowledge of sleep science. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, including best sleep practices for students, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and choosing the right mattress for back pain relief. McKenzie's dedication to delivering accurate and informative content makes her a valuable contributor to the field of sleep health.

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