Pillowcase Sizes And Dimensions Guide

Pillowcases are often overlooked when building your ideal sleeping setup, but the truth is that they can impact your overall comfort levels significantly. Luckily, finding the correct pillowcase for ultimate comfort and fit is relatively straightforward. 

Keep reading to learn more about different types of pillowcases, how to measure them, and how to choose the right one for you.

Pillow Case Sizes And Dimensions Chart

 

Why Pillowcase Size Matters

Pillowcase size matters because of one thing: comfort. Different kinds of pillowcases have various looks and feels that can impact your experience, but purchasing the wrong size pillow case for your pillow size has a more significant effect on your overall sleep. 

An excellent analogy of how the dimensions of pillowcases can influence your sleeping habits is what happens when you buy cotton or microfiber sheets that are too small for your bed. You have to stretch them out to fit, compromising the feel of both the sheets and the mattress. Similarly, you may find that even the softest synthetic pillow will feel firmer than you initially thought because you have to compress your pillow's inner filling for it to fit.

Furthermore, pillowcases that are too small won't be able to protect your pillow over time. Since they cover less of the pillow's surface, you're more likely to get stains and marks.

However, this doesn't mean you should just buy the largest pillowcase sizes available – this can lead to the unpleasant feeling of extra fabric flopping over your face as you sleep. So, find the correct size pillowcase for your bed to get the best sleeping experience.

Pillowcase Sizes And Dimensions

To build the sleeping area of your dreams, you have to mix and match different sizes. A regular bed can accommodate hundreds of pillow combinations, so it's important to know common bed pillow sizes and their functions. A pillow case will save you from washing your pillow often. 

Here's an accessible and easy-to-read guide to pillow sizes and their perfect pillowcase counterparts. 

Standard Size Pillowcase

Standard pillow dimensions: 20 x 26 inches or 51 x 66 centimeters

A standard pillow fits well on a full or queen mattress, and on a twin and twin xl size mattress, which means the vast majority of people will be using this size. Standard pillowcase sizes are designed to fit up to queen-size pillows, making them a versatile choice. 

Queen-Size Pillowcase

Queen pillow dimensions: 20 x 30 inches or 51 x 92 cm

Despite their name, queen pillows aren’t just designed for a queen-size bed. They feel right at home without taking up too much space on everything from a full-size mattress to a king-size mattress. 

Queen-size pillows use the same kind of pillowcase as standard cushions, so you likely don't even have to spend on a pillowcase upgrade.

King Size Pillowcase

King size pillows dimensions: 20 x 36 inches or 51 x 92 centimeters

King pillows are some of the biggest options on the market and cover the most mattress space, so they naturally require extra-large pillowcases. These coverings are roughly 10 inches larger than queen pillowcases.

Body-Size Pillowcase

Standard body pillow size: 20 x 54 inches or 51 x 137 centimeters

Body-size pillows are the biggest ones you can get at regular retailers, but they often come in odd shapes that require special types of pillowcases. Unfortunately, this type of pillow may sometimes come without a matching covering, so you may need to have them specially made or ordered. 

What Are Specialty Pillowcase Sizes?

Specialty pillowcase sizes are non-standard cushion coverings that don’t fit into any of the more traditional categories. So, if standard-size pillows don't do it for you, you're in luck – there are plenty of other options for every need, from travel to pregnancy. Here's a quick guide to the dimensions of specialty pillowcases.

Orthopedic

Orthopedic pillows come in all shapes, forms, and sizes, so there’s no one set of orthopedic pillowcase dimensions. 

Most pillow manufacturers usually develop special casings for their more popular models. We recommend checking with your local retailer to find out if they have a matching pillowcase before buying anything.

Euro

Dimensions for Euro pillows: 26 x 26 inches or 66 x 66 centimeters

European pillows are large, square cushions made for decorative purposes. Most people will use them to make a bed look cozier or fluff up the living room couch. 

Because European pillows are commonplace in modern homes, finding Euro-style pillowcases is extremely easy. You don't even need to go to a bedding retailer to find Euro pillowcases in a variety of colors – most home design and supply stores have them in surplus.

Throw

Like European pillows, square-shaped throw pillows are usually made for decorative purposes. These ornate square cushions come in different sizes and textures but can also be used as a bolster for daytime reading or extra support while in bed.

Travel

Travel pillows come in various forms and sizes, similar to the other specialty cushions on this list. For example, there are C-shaped travel pillows and rectangular ones, meaning you'd be hard-pressed to find a standardized set of dimensions for your pillowcases. 

How To Measure A Pillowcase

Knowing how to measure your pillow protectors can save you a lot of trouble when selecting bedding products both online and from in-person retailers. After all, you don't want to purchase throw pillows that don't slide easily into your favorite throw pillowcases.

Here's how to measure different pillowcases of all shapes and sizes.

For Removable Pillowcases

Getting the size measurements of a removable pillowcase is exceedingly easy. Just go through the following steps to get accurate dimensions for all types of standard pillowcases:

1. Remove the pillowcase from the pillow, and flip it inside-out to reveal the seam.
2. Use a soft measuring tape, and stretch it from one seam to the other. Be sure to align your starting and endpoints to avoid inaccurate measurements.
3. Repeat lengthwise or crosswise. Note its measures, including half-inches or centimeters. 

For Non-Removable Pillowcases

A few types of pillows come with a matching pillowcase sewn in, meaning you won't be able to remove the outer covering without destroying your cushion. Luckily, you can still get your decorative pillows' measurements by following these easy steps:

1. Measure the distance from one seam to the other with a soft measuring tape. Ensure the tape doesn't have too much slack when taking its measurements.
2. Repeat lengthwise or crosswise, depending on where you started. Note any half-inch measurements for the most accurate results. 

How To Choose The Right Pillowcase Size

Generally speaking, choosing the right conventional pillow cover is as simple as buying the same size as the cushion itself. For example, a queen-size pillow would be paired with a queen-size pillowcase, a king-size pillow would work with a king pillowcase, and so on.

That said, some cushions have non-standard dimensions that need custom-made pillowcases. For example, body pillows have specialized body pillowcases, meaning you only have one size option to choose from.

Be sure you know how to choose a pillow as well as a pillow case.

Your Guide To Pillowcase Sizes

Pillowcases are an often-overlooked but utterly essential part of building the ultimate sleeping experience. It's about more than just material or look – a pillowcase's size is also a primary consideration when buying a covering for your precious cushions. 

Luckily, there are many kinds of high-quality pillowcases in both standard and specialty sizes. So, take the time to do your research and find the perfect one for your couch or bed.

Pillowcase Sizes FAQs

Do pillowcases come in different widths?

Yes, pillowcases come in different widths. More often than not, pillows and their respective coverings vary in width and length but have a standard height of 20 inches. 

How do you measure pillow covers?

You can measure pillow covers by stretching a soft measuring tape out from seam to seam.

How much bigger should a pillowcase be than the pillow?

Pillowcases should be roughly ½ to 1 inch longer than the pillow length.