The difference between an Olympic Queen and a Queen looks simple: 6 inches of width. But those 6 inches also affect your bed frame, your sheets, and how many mattresses you can choose from. Wider doesn't always mean better. To make the decision easier, we've turned it into 6 quick A or B questions. Your answers will point you to the right size.
Key Takeaways
- An Olympic Queen is 66" x 80", just 6 inches wider than a Queen and the same length.
- Two people sharing the bed each get 3 more inches.
- The issue isn't the mattress itself. There are fewer options to choose from, and frames and bedding are harder to match.
- For most people, a Queen or a King is the easier choice.
Olympic Queen vs Queen: The Key Differences
The only measurement that changes is the width, but that one change affects almost everything you buy for the bed. For other sizes, see our mattress sizes and dimensions guide.
| Queen | Olympic Queen | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 60" x 80" | 66" x 80" |
| Sleeping surface | 4,800 sq in | 5,280 sq in |
| Width per person (two sleepers) | 30" | 33" |
| Bed frames and headboards | Easy to find | Needs a frame made for a 66" width |
| Sheets | Plenty of choices | Needs 66" x 80" sheets, with fewer choices |
| Mattress options | Offered by nearly every brand | Offered by far fewer brands |
Queen or Olympic Queen? Answer These 6 Questions
Pick A or B for each question and keep count. Your first honest answer is usually the right one.
1. Does your bedroom have room for 6 more inches?
- A: Another 6 inches would make it tight to walk around the bed.
- B: Another 6 inches wouldn't get in the way.
2. Do you and your partner feel cramped on a 60-inch bed?
- A: Not really, or I sleep alone.
- B: Yes, we often feel cramped.
3. Do you want to keep your current bed frame and headboard?
- A: Yes, I want to keep my Queen frame and headboard.
- B: No, I'm willing to replace them, or I already have an Olympic Queen frame.
4. How easy do you want buying sheets to be?
- A: I want to find them anywhere, in lots of styles.
- B: I don't mind searching online for 66" x 80" sheets.
5. How many mattress options do you want to compare?
- A: I want to compare plenty of brands and prices.
- B: Fewer options are fine. The extra width matters more.
6. Could you move in the next few years?
- A: Possibly, so I want a bed that's easy to fit and furnish in a new home.
- B: I don't plan to move any time soon.
Your Result: Which Bed Should You Choose?
Count your answers, then find your result below.
Mostly A (4 to 6 A Answers): Choose a Queen
A Queen size mattress suits your room and how you want to shop. You can keep or easily replace your frame, buy sheets almost anywhere, and compare far more mattresses across different types, firmness levels, and materials. Though it's 6 inches narrower than an Olympic Queen, a Queen still has enough room for most couples.
Mostly B (4 to 6 B Answers): Choose an Olympic Queen
The extra width is worth the extra effort for you. Sleepmax doesn't make this size, so online marketplaces such as Walmart and Amazon are a good place to start your search for Olympic Queen mattresses, 66" x 80" sheets, and other bedding.
Listings change often, and many come from third-party sellers, so before you order, confirm the listed width is 66 inches, check that the sheet's pocket depth fits your mattress, and read the return policy. Make sure your mattress, frame, and sheets are all the same size.
A Tie (3 A and 3 B): Choose a Queen
When the answers are even, go with the simpler option. A Queen is easier to furnish now and easier to replace later.
Feel Cramped in a Queen? Upgrade to a King
If you're considering an Olympic Queen because your Queen feels too small, ask yourself whether 3 extra inches per person will really solve the problem. If your bedroom has the space, a King is the bigger upgrade, and it's much easier to furnish.
| Queen | Olympic Queen | King | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 60" x 80" | 66" x 80" | 76" x 80" |
| Width per person (two sleepers) | 30" | 33" | 38" |
| Sleeping surface | 4,800 sq in | 5,280 sq in | 6,080 sq in |
Prices are rough ranges and vary by brand, materials, and thickness.
Here's why a King is worth considering:
- More room for each sleeper. A King gives each person 38 inches of width. That's 8 inches more than a Queen and 5 inches more than an Olympic Queen.
- Easier to furnish. King frames, headboards, and sheets are standard products, so you won't have to search for a specialty size.
- More mattresses to compare. King is a standard size, so you have far more brands and models to choose from.
- A smaller price jump than you might expect. On our 12-inch pressure relief and cooling hybrid mattresses, moving from Queen to King adds $200.
Before you upgrade, measure your room. A King is 16 inches wider than a Queen, so make sure you'll still have space to walk around the bed. If a King won't fit, a standard Queen is still the simpler choice. Our Queen vs King guide can help you compare the two.
Every Sleepmax mattress in a box comes with a 365-night home trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping in the US, so you'll have plenty of time to decide if a King is right for you.
FAQ
Will Queen sheets fit an Olympic Queen?
Not properly. A standard Queen fitted sheet is made for a 60-inch width, which is 6 inches too narrow for an Olympic Queen, so the corners may not stay on. Look for fitted sheets labeled 66" x 80".
Will an Olympic Queen fit on a Queen bed frame?
It isn't a good match. A Queen frame is built for a 60-inch mattress, so an Olympic Queen would hang over by 3 inches on each side, and it won't fit at all inside a frame with raised side rails. Choose a frame made for a 66-inch width. For larger beds, it's also worth checking the center support under the mattress.
Is an Olympic Queen the same as a King?
No. Both are 80 inches long, but an Olympic Queen is 66 inches wide, and a King is 76 inches wide. A King gives you 10 more inches of width.
Why is Olympic Queen so hard to find?
It's a specialty size, and most mattress brands focus on standard sizes such as Queen and King. Fewer mattresses being made also means fewer frames and sheets made to match. You'll often see 66" x 80" sheets sold as RV bedding.
