Pillowcase Sizes: Standard, Queen and King Pillow Chart

A pillow that slumps inside an oversized case, or one stuffed so tight the zipper strains, usually comes down to a simple mismatch. Pillowcase sizes are not the same as pillow sizes: a case is cut a few inches longer and slightly wider so the pillow slides in and the open end can fold or tuck. A standard pillowcase is about 20 x 26 inches for a 20 x 26 inch pillow form plus room, a queen case is roughly 20 x 30 inches, and a king case is around 20 x 40 inches.

Knowing both sets of numbers helps you buy bedding that looks crisp and helps you decide how many pillows to line up across your bed. The chart and tips that follow cover the five common pillow types and the matching case for each.

Pillowcase Sizes and Pillow Dimensions Chart

The table lists typical bed pillow sizes and the pillowcase sizes made to fit them. Exact case measurements vary by maker, usually within 1 to 2 inches.

Some retailers label cases by the pillow they fit rather than by their own measurement. A package that says “standard” fits a 20 x 26 inch pillow even if the fabric itself measures 20 x 30 inches. Read the fine print for the actual pillow case sizes if you want a snug or relaxed look.

Standard and Queen Pillowcases Explained

The standard pillow is the most common size in the country and the one most bed-in-a-bag sets include. Its 20 x 26 inch form fits a 20 x 30 inch case with about 4 inches of extra length at the open end, enough to tuck in or let hang neatly.

Many sellers sell a combined standard queen size pillowcase, cut about 20 x 30 to 32 inches. That works because a queen pillow is the same 20 inch width and only 4 inches longer. On a standard pillow the case looks a little relaxed; on a queen pillow it fits close. Typical queen size pillowcase measurements are 20 to 21 inches wide by 30 to 34 inches long.

For queen pillows specifically, the pillow itself measures 20 x 30 inches. The standard queen size pillow size became popular because two of them span most of a 60 inch queen mattress without leaving gaps. If you want a tailored look, buy cases labeled for queen only, since the dimensions of a queen pillowcase in that case usually run 20 x 34 inches.

King Pillowcase Dimensions

King pillows are the longest standard sleeping pillow at 20 x 36 inches. King pillow dimensions were set so that two pillows cover the 76 inch width of a king mattress with a little overhang. The king pillow length suits people who move around at night or like to hug the pillow ends.

King pillowcase dimensions typically land at 20 x 40 inches, though some go to 42 inches for extra tuck. A king pillowcase on a standard pillow will look baggy and flap at the end, so stick with matched sizes when appearance matters. If you prefer a firmer, fuller look, choose a case closer to 40 inches; for an envelope closure that hides the pillow end, 41 to 42 inches works better.

Euro and Body Pillow Covers

Euro pillows are square, 26 x 26 inches, and usually go in a sham rather than a pillowcase. Shams have a decorative flange and a back opening instead of an open end. Euros are mostly decorative and sit against the headboard behind the sleeping pillows.

Body pillows run about 20 x 54 inches and need a long case around 20 x 58 to 60 inches. Side sleepers and pregnant sleepers often use them for support between the knees and along the torso. Because body pillow covers are sold less often in sets, buy them separately and check the length carefully.

How Many Pillows Fit Across Each Bed

Pillow count is about the mattress width. Use these widths as a guide:

• Twin (38 in) or twin XL: one standard pillow, optionally one euro behind it.
• Full (54 in): two standard pillows, which leaves a small gap, or one king for a single sleeper.
• Queen (60 in): two queen pillows fit almost edge to edge; two standard pillows leave about 8 inches of gap.
• King (76 in): two king pillows or three standard pillows; behind them, three euros make a full back row.
• California king (72 in): two king pillows with slight overhang, or three standard pillows.

If you like a layered, made-up bed, the common formula is euros in back, sleeping pillows in the middle and one or two smaller decorative pillows in front.

How to Measure a Pillow and Choose a Case

1. Lay the pillow flat. Do not squash it or stretch it.
2. Measure seam to seam. Run a tape across the width and along the length at the seams, not the fullest middle point.
3. Compare to the chart. A pillow within an inch of 20 x 26 is standard, 20 x 30 is queen, 20 x 36 is king.
4. Add length for the case. Look for a case 4 to 6 inches longer than the pillow for an open-end style, or 2 to 4 inches longer for an envelope closure.
5. Consider loft. Very thick pillows (6 inches or more) may need a case 1 inch wider to slide in without strain.
6. Check fabric shrinkage. Cotton can shrink 2 to 5 percent after the first hot wash, so a case that is already snug may become tight.

Fabric, Closures and Care Tips

Closure type changes how a case looks. Open-end cases are the simplest and most common. Envelope closures fold over the pillow end for a clean finish. Zippered cases keep the pillow fully covered and are useful for protectors. A good pillowcase set often includes two matching cases sized for one pillow type, so check that the label matches your pillows.

For fabric, cotton percale feels crisp and cool, sateen feels smoother with a slight sheen, linen breathes well and softens over time, and microfiber is inexpensive and wrinkle resistant. Wash cases weekly, more often in hot weather, and use a zippered pillow protector underneath to extend the life of the pillow itself.

Matching Pillow Size to Sleep Style

Size is only half the decision; the pillow you put inside the case should suit how you sleep. Back sleepers usually do best with a medium loft standard or queen pillow that supports the neck without pushing the chin forward. Side sleepers need more loft to fill the gap between ear and shoulder, so a firmer queen or king pillow often feels better, and a body pillow between the knees can ease hip strain. Stomach sleepers generally want a thin, soft standard pillow, or none at all, to keep the spine neutral.

Kids and teens often sleep comfortably on a standard pillow, and toddler pillows are smaller still at about 13 x 18 inches with their own cases. If you share a bed, it is fine for each sleeper to use a different pillow type as long as the cases match the pillows they cover. For a uniform look, choose cases from the same set in two sizes, such as queen for one side and king for the other, and line them up so the open ends face outward.

Troubleshooting Pillowcase Fit

The pillow slides around inside the case

The case is probably a size up, such as a king case on a queen pillow. Switch to a matched size or tuck the extra fabric under.

The case is hard to pull on

The pillow may have extra loft or the case shrank. Try a case 1 to 2 inches wider, or wash cotton cases in cool water.

Corners look empty

Fluff and rotate the pillow, or choose a case closer to the pillow’s exact size for a fuller look.

General Cost Ranges

Basic microfiber or cotton blend pillowcases often come in budget-friendly pairs, while long-staple cotton, sateen and linen cost more. King and body pillow covers are priced a bit higher than standard because of the extra fabric. Buying cases as part of a full sheet set is usually the best value, while specialty sizes like body pillow covers are typically sold on their own.