Quick Answer: A king size bed is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long (193 x 203 cm). A queen is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long (152 x 203 cm). The king is 16 inches wider -- giving each sleeper 38 inches versus 30 inches on a queen. Both are the same length. The king suits couples who want personal space or sleep with children or pets; the queen works well for most couples and smaller rooms.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 9 minutes
King vs Queen Bed: Exact Dimensions
The most common question we get at Mattress Miracle -- after "what firmness should I get?" -- is the size comparison between king and queen. It is simpler than it sounds once you see it laid out clearly.
| Size | Width (inches) | Length (inches) | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Space Per Person (couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen | 60" | 80" | 152 cm | 203 cm | 30" (76 cm) |
| King (Standard) | 76" | 80" | 193 cm | 203 cm | 38" (96 cm) |
| California King | 72" | 84" | 183 cm | 213 cm | 36" (91 cm) |
The key fact: both queen and king mattresses are exactly 80 inches long. The difference is entirely in the width. A standard king is 16 inches wider than a queen -- that is the size difference between a queen and a king bed in simple terms.
To put that in practical terms: on a queen, each person in a couple gets 30 inches of sleeping width, roughly the same as a crib mattress. On a king, each person gets 38 inches -- comparable to a twin bed. That 8-inch difference per person is significant when one partner moves in their sleep.
Why Sleeping Width Matters
Research consistently shows that partner disturbance (being woken by a partner's movements) is one of the most common causes of disrupted sleep in couples. More width means less motion transfer felt across the mattress, and more physical space so movements are further from your partner's sleep zone. This is why couples upgrading from a queen to a king almost universally report better sleep quality.
Room Size Requirements: King vs Queen
The size difference between a king and a queen bed matters most in the context of your bedroom dimensions. In Canada, where newer construction often features smaller secondary bedrooms, the room size question is one of the most practical considerations.
| Bed Size | Minimum Room Size | Comfortable Room Size | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen | 10' x 10' (305 x 305 cm) | 10' x 12' or larger | Allows 2-3 feet clearance on each side and at the foot |
| King | 12' x 10' (366 x 305 cm) | 12' x 12' or larger | King is 16" wider -- smaller rooms feel cramped and limit dresser placement |
| California King | 10' x 12' | 12' x 14' | 4 inches longer than standard king; needs more foot clearance |
These are guidelines rather than strict rules. We have seen customers successfully fit a king in a 10' x 11' room by placing the headboard against the wall and accepting that accessing the far side requires more manoeuvring. But in general, if your bedroom is smaller than 12 feet wide, a queen will give you more liveable space around the bed.
Room Sizes in Brantford Homes
Many of the homes we service in Brantford, Paris, and the surrounding area were built in the 1950s through 1980s, when master bedrooms ran smaller than today's new construction. If your bedroom measures 11' x 12' or smaller, a queen typically fits better without the room feeling like a mattress showroom. If you are unsure, measure your room before coming in -- we can give you a practical assessment of which size makes sense for your space.
8 min read
King vs Queen: Who Should Choose Which?
The right answer depends on your sleeping situation, room size, and budget. Here is the practical breakdown we use at Mattress Miracle when customers ask us which to recommend.
Choose a Queen If...
- You sleep alone and want more space than a double/full
- You are a couple who sleeps close together and does not need maximum personal width
- Your bedroom is 10' x 10' to 12' x 12' or smaller
- Budget is a consideration -- queens cost roughly 30-40% less than comparable king models
- You move frequently -- queen-sized moving equipment is more widely available
- Your bedroom has existing queen-sized furniture, frames, or adjustable base
Choose a King If...
- You sleep with a partner and one or both of you move significantly at night
- You share the bed with children or pets regularly
- You or your partner is a light sleeper easily woken by movement
- Your bedroom is 12' x 12' or larger
- One or both partners is tall (over 6'2") -- consider California King for extra length
- You want each person to have the equivalent of a twin bed's width
Brad, Owner at Mattress Miracle (since 1987): "In 37 years, I have seen people go both ways on this, but the regret almost always runs one direction: couples who bought a queen to save money and regret not going king. You spend a third of your life in that bed. If your room is large enough and your budget allows, the king almost always wins long-term. The couples who buy a queen and then upgrade to a king within five years wish they had just started with the king."
King vs Queen Price Comparison in Canada
The size difference between a king and a queen bed translates directly to price. More materials, larger covers, and higher transport costs all contribute. Here is a realistic range for Canadian pricing in 2026, using our Restonic lineup as a reference point.
| Model | Queen Price (CAD) | King Price (CAD) | Difference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restonic ComfortCare | $1,125 | $1,455 | +$330 | 1,222 coils (queen) / 1,440 coils (king) |
| Restonic Revive Reflections ET | $2,895 | Call for king price | Varies | Flippable dual-sided |
| Restonic Luxury Silk & Wool | $2,895 | Call for king price | Varies | 884 zoned coils; natural fibres |
Beyond the mattress itself, bedding costs also differ. King-sized sheets, duvets, and comforters cost more than queen versions, and may be harder to find in specific styles. Factor in the full bedding cost when comparing the long-term investment of each size.
All Canadian Mattress Sizes at a Glance
While the king versus queen comparison is the most common question, it helps to see where both sizes sit within the full Canadian mattress size chart.
| Size | Inches | Centimetres | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin (Single) | 38" x 75" | 97 x 191 cm | Children, guest rooms, bunk beds |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | 97 x 203 cm | Tall teens, college/university residences |
| Double (Full) | 54" x 75" | 137 x 191 cm | Single adults, guest rooms |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 152 x 203 cm | Couples, single adults who want more space |
| King (Standard) | 76" x 80" | 193 x 203 cm | Couples wanting maximum width |
| California King | 72" x 84" | 183 x 213 cm | Tall sleepers (6'2"+) who prioritise length |
What About California King?
The California King often comes up in the king versus queen discussion, especially for taller Canadians. Here is the key distinction: a California King is actually narrower than a standard King (72" vs 76" wide) but 4 inches longer (84" vs 80"). It is not an upgraded king -- it is a different shape.
Choose a California King only if:
- You or your partner is 6'2" or taller and regularly find your feet hanging off an 80" mattress
- Your bedroom is long enough (the extra 4 inches matters in tight rooms)
- You are comfortable with the narrower width (4 inches less per person than a standard king)
California King sheets and bedding are harder to find in Canada than standard king bedding. Many customers overlook this -- it is worth confirming your preferred bedding is available in California King before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Is a king size bed bigger than a queen?
Yes. A king is 16 inches wider than a queen: 76 inches versus 60 inches. Both are the same 80 inches long. In centimetres, a king is 193 x 203 cm and a queen is 152 x 203 cm. The king provides 8 more inches of width per person when shared by a couple.
Is a queen bed bigger than a king?
No. A queen is smaller than a king in terms of width. A queen is 60" wide and a king is 76" wide -- the king is 16 inches wider. Both are 80 inches long. The only mattress larger than a king in standard Canadian sizing is the California King (which is 72" x 84", narrower but longer).
How much bigger is a king than a queen?
A king is 16 inches (about 41 cm) wider than a queen. In total surface area, a king has 6,080 square inches versus a queen's 4,800 square inches -- that is 26% more sleeping space. Each person in a couple gets 38 inches on a king versus 30 inches on a queen, an 8-inch difference per person.
What size room do I need for a king bed?
A king bed ideally requires a bedroom at least 12 feet wide by 10 feet long. This allows for 2-3 feet of clearance on each side of the bed and comfortable access all around. In tighter spaces (11' x 10'), a king can physically fit but leaves little room for nightstands or walking around the bed comfortably.
Can I see king and queen mattresses in person near Brantford?
Yes. Mattress Miracle on West Street in Brantford has both queen and king mattresses on the showroom floor, including our Restonic ComfortCare and Revive lines in both sizes. You can physically lie on them and compare the width difference for yourself -- which is always more informative than a measurement on paper. We are open Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, and Sun 12-4. No appointment needed.
What are the dimensions of king size pillows, and how many do I need for a king bed?
A standard king size pillow in Canada and North America measures 20 inches wide by 36 inches long. This is the most common pillow size used with king beds, and king-size pillowcases are sized to fit (typically 20 by 40 inches with a 4-inch tuck-in allowance). For a king bed (76 inches wide), two standard king pillows placed side by side cover 72 of the 76-inch width - close but not fully spanning the bed. If you want the pillows to span the headboard edge-to-edge, three standard king pillows fill the 76-inch width more completely, though two is the standard for sleeping purposes. Some manufacturers produce "super king" pillows at 20 by 40 inches to span the full width with two, but these are less commonly available in Canada. For decorative pillow arrangements, many interior designers use two king pillows for sleeping backed by Euro shams (26 by 26 inches square) standing upright, which creates the full-headboard visual effect without needing extra pillows. The fill and firmness of king pillows should match sleep position: side sleepers typically need a higher-loft, firmer fill (down alternative or latex) to fill the larger distance between ear and shoulder on a king-sized arrangement; back and stomach sleepers often prefer medium or low loft. Talia says: "Most king bed owners I see use two king pillows but wish they had a third. For a fully dressed headboard look, you want three sleep pillows plus your shams." Browse our pillows collection for king-size options, or read our pillows for a king bed guide for detailed sizing and count recommendations.
Sources
- Sleep Foundation. (2024). Queen vs. King: Which mattress size rules? sleepfoundation.org/mattress-sizes/queen-vs-king
- Sleep Health Foundation. (2022). Sleep and partner disturbance. Review of evidence on co-sleeping and sleep quality.
- Dautovich, N.D., McNamara, J., Williams, J.M., Cross, N.J., & McCrae, C.S. (2008). Tackling sleepiness and fatigue caused by sleep restriction: An examination of sleep duration and daytime functioning. Journal of Sleep Research, 17(1), 104-108.
- Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (2023). Housing in Canada: Bedroom dimensions in new construction. CMHC Research Insights.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Still deciding between king and queen? Come in and lie down on both. That 16-inch difference feels different in person than it does on paper. We carry both sizes in multiple models and we are happy to help you find the right fit for your room and your sleep style. Family-owned since 1987, no pressure.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441 1/2 West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle -- 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON -- (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Come in and let our team help you find the right mattress for your needs. No pressure, no commission.
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- Queen Comforter Size: Dimensions and What Fits
- Shop Mattresses at Mattress Miracle
- King Size Bed Versus Queen: Which Is Right for You?
- Full Size Bed vs King: Which Is Right for Your Bedroom and Budget?
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Shop our full lineup at Mattress Miracle in Brantford: king mattresses and queen mattresses. Free local delivery, 60-night comfort trial, and expert phone guidance at 519-770-0001.