Can You Use a Queen Mattress on a Full Frame?

*This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclaimer for additional details.

So, you are looking to change your mattress, and instead of opting for a full bed like your current one, you are looking to get a queen mattress.

Of course, you realize queen mattresses are bigger than full-sized mattresses. But does that mean you have to get an entirely new bed frame?

Can you use a queen mattress on a full frame? Ordinarily, one cannot use a queen mattress on a full frame because queen-size mattresses exceed the dimensions of these bedframes. Queen mattresses are 80 inches long and 60 inches wide, while full bed frames are 75 inches long and 54 inches wide. So, fitting a queen into this type of frame is not feasible.

Queen size comfortable bed and black and white pillows

However, if your bed frame is adjustable, you might be able to use a queen mattress.

So how can you make this work? This article will cover answers to questions you have about using a queen mattress on a full-sized bed frame.

Table of Contents

Will a Queen Mattress Fit On a Full Bed Frame?

Under typical circumstances, a queen mattress will not fit on a full bed frame. The reason is pretty straightforward: queen mattresses are of a larger size than full bed frames.

So, they cannot be mounted into the bedframe correctly no matter how hard you try. This is especially true if you have a full bed frame that cannot be adjusted.

However, if you have an adjustable bed frame, there is a chance that a queen mattress will fit on it.

The usual adjustable bed frames can be altered to suit different sleeping positions. However, the ones we refer to here extend to support mattresses of various sizes.

With these types of adjustable frames, if you are wanting to fit a queen mattress, all you have to do is extend this frame as directed by the manufacturer. And that’s it.

How Much Bigger Is a Queen Than a Full?

A regular queen mattress measures 60 inches in width and 80 inches in length. Full beds, on the other hand, measure 54 inches in width and 75 inches in length.

So, a queen is 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full mattress.

A queen bed frame would be at least 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the mattress. So, a typical one would be 82 to 85 inches long and 62 to 65 inches wide.

The same applies to a full bed frame; full bed frames would be around 77 to 80 inches long and 56 to 59 inches wide.

While full mattresses are suited for two people, they offer more comfort when only one person sleeps on them. Besides that, they are better suited for people 5’5” tall and below.

Queen mattresses, on the other hand, offer more personal space when two people sleep on them. And the extra 5 inches in their length makes it possible for taller people to sleep on them.

Can You Use a Full-Size Box Spring With a Queen Mattress?

You can use a full-size box spring with a queen mattress.

As you may already know, a queen mattress is a larger size than a full mattress. So, if you are using a full-size box spring with a queen mattress, it will not fit perfectly.

The mattress will overhang by some inches. To some people, the overhang may not be a problem. But to others, it could be pretty uncomfortable. Besides, an overhanging mattress may wear faster due to inadequate support.

On the flip side, if the box spring has an adjustable frame, then you may just be able to fit the queen mattress in it properly.

Interior of light bedroom with queen size bed and big windows

5 Tips for Using a Full-Size Box Spring Under a Queen Mattress

If you intend to use a full-size box spring under a queen mattress, the following tips will come in handy for you:

Get a bed frame with enough depth to accommodate your box spring. With a bed frame, you can extend the box spring and remove or reduce the overhang.
If you are getting a bed frame to lengthen your box spring, avoid metal frames. Metal frames will deform the box spring.
If you are getting a standard box spring for your queen mattress, ensure that it has support. This will keep it from sinking at the center.
You can get a split box spring for your queen mattress in place of the standard-type box spring. Split-type box springs can be adjusted to match the size of a queen mattress. So, they offer more flexibility over standard box springs. However, like standard ones, split box springs should have center support.
When using a full-size box spring, you can provide foundation for your queen mattress using MDF wood. All you have to do is get a pair of MDF boards 5-8 inches thick. Then place one of these boards below the box spring and one on top of it.

Final Thoughts

You should not use a queen mattress on a full frame unless the frame can be adjusted to fit a queen-sized mattress.

Placing a queen mattress on a full-sized bed frame is a recipe for uncomfortable sleep. But beyond that, you could damage the mattress or lose your warranty.