Pillow Size Guide – What Size is a Standard Pillow?

Pillows come in many shapes and sizes. While it’s nice to have variety, it often becomes a headache when you need to match your pillow size with your bed or pick a pillowcase. So, why not choose a standard pillow that matches most beds and pillowcases?

When it comes to versatility and simplicity, a standard pillow is the perfect choice. So, continue reading to learn about the standard pillow size and how to choose the right pillowcase.

What is a standard pillow?

A standard pillow can be found across many households in the US. It is the most common pillow size, measuring 20 inches wide and 26 inches long (51x 66 cm). However, if you're living in Europe, you'll likely encounter a different standard pillow size: 50 x 70 cm (20 x 27 in).

Due to its size, this type of pillow is suitable for most sleepers, despite their preferred sleeping position. It's also suitable for most bed sizes. However, the standard pillow was made for twin and full-sized beds. 

Different types of pillow sizes

Unsurprisingly, each region approaches pillow sizes differently, so there’s no single standard pillow size across the world. So let’s look at different pillow sizes for two major regions: North America and Europe. 

Pillow sizes in US and Canada

While you can encounter many different sizes of pillow in the US and Canada, there are five most common pillow sizes:

• Standard. This pillow is the smallest and the most commonly used sleeping pillow. It measures 20 inches by 26 inches and is best suited for twin and full-sized beds. 
• Jumbo. This pillow measures 20 inches by 28 inches and closely resembles the European standard pillow in size. Jumbo is also suitable for twin and full-size beds. For larger beds, it is best to use two jumbo pillows. 
• Queen. Queen pillows are slightly larger than standard pillows, measuring 20 inches wide and 30 inches long. It is the second most popular pillow in the US. It can be comfortably used for dull and queen beds. 
• King. King pillows are even larger, measuring approximately 20 inches by 36 inches. They are designed for king-size beds and can be used as a single pillow on these larger beds or as part of a pair.
• Body. Body pillows are extra-long and can vary in size but are typically around 20 inches by 54 inches. They are designed to provide full-body support and are often used during pregnancy or for people who like to hug a large pillow while sleeping.

Pillow sizes in Europe

While you can easily find pillows that conform to US Jumbo, queen, king, and body sizes, Europe has some other varieties to take note of. 

How to measure your pillow size

As you can see, pillows come in many size variations. While some of them conform to specific types, others are everything but standard. Different manufacturers often have different sizing standards, especially when it comes to US and EU pillow makers. 

So, to find the best pillowcase, you need to measure your pillow correctly. Here's how to do it:

1. Lay the pillow on a flat surface and use tape or a ruler to measure the pillow's width from seam to seam or edge to edge.
2. Measure the length of the pillow from the top to the bottom.
3. If you want to measure the thickness of the pillow, place it on its side and measure from the front edge to the back edge. This is often useful for thicker pillows like orthopedic or memory foam pillows.
4. Record the measurements.

How to pick a pillowcase for your pillow

Now that you know the size of your pillow, selecting the appropriate pillowcase should be a breeze. You need to consider two aspects: the fabric of the pillowcase and its design. 

Material

Cotton pillowcases are the most common choice. This material is easy to maintain due to its soft and breathable nature. This fabric is also widely accessible in most stores. However, there are some drawbacks. 

Cotton pillows may have low durability, especially if they are lower in quality. They also quickly absorb sweat and oils from your skin, which can lead to discoloration.

A great alternative to cotton material is linen. This fabric is a lot more durable and naturally hypoallergenic. With proper care, linen pillowcase allows you to benefit from the natural moisture-wicking properties and lasts a long time. 

Another option worth considering is satin or silk. These materials are smooth and reduce friction on your hair and skin. They also provide a very luxurious feeling, which also means a high price tag. 

Design

When choosing the right pillowcase, you need to consider your bedroom. Take a look at your existing decor, including the color scheme, furniture, and overall style. Pick a pillowcase design that complements and enhances your bedroom's aesthetic.

Your pillowcases should reflect your personal style and taste. Choose a design that resonates with you, whether it's a favorite color, pattern, or motif. If you love floral patterns, go for a floral design. If you prefer minimalist and solid colors, a cinnamon pillowcase may be best. 

Consider how your pillowcase design will coordinate with your bedding. For example, if you have a patterned comforter or duvet, you might choose a solid-color pillowcase that matches one of the colors in the pattern. Or you can use gingham pillows for your solid-colored bedding.

The final stitch

The standard pillow is the most popular in the world. However, the sizing may differ depending on your region. The US standard pillow is 20 in x 26 in (51 x 66 cm). Meanwhile, the European equivalent is slightly larger – 20 in x 27 in (50 x 70 cm). 

This pillow offers a great variety of fillings, fabrics, and designs to choose from. Once you have found the pillow type that best suits your needs, it is recommended that you select several pillowcase options and rotate them frequently. We suggest you take a look at the Magic Linen pillowcases section and choose your favorite designs that are perfectly suitable for standard pillows.