Pillow Case Sizes and Dimensions Guide

Pillow Case Sizes and Dimensions Guide

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Last Updated on Mar 13, 2023

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    Do you know what adds to your good night's sleep? It’s the lush comfort that you receive from your pillowcase. Yes, heard it right. Just like you spend numerous hours of your weekends hopping from one bedding showroom to another, wishing to get the best bed sheets, pillows, mattresses, and more, you need to spend a little of that time selecting the best pillowcases. The trick doesn’t only lie in picking a comfortable pillow case but also in the correct pillow case sizes. You will find half your pillow unfolding from the cover when choosing smaller pillow case sizes. On the other hand, picking bigger pillow case sizes will accumulate most of your pillow. 

    Pillow cases are saviors when it comes to saving us from those unwanted ketchup stains, dirt, and sweat accumulated on our heads, your child’s midnight pee, and whatnot. Still wish to continue with those deplorable pairs of pillow cases? Probably not. Therefore, continue gaining knowledge about the correct pillow case sizes and dimensions guide and pick yourself some nice pillows and some pillow cases as well.

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    Pillow Case Sizes Chart

    We all seem to understand better with the help of a clean and illustrated chart. Similar to the case of understanding the different pillow case sizes with the help of the dimensions guide provided underneath. This table throws light on the standard size pillowcases, queen pillows, king size pillowcases, and body pillowcases.

    Pillowcases TypesWidth (in inches)Length (in inches)
    Body20 inches54 inches
    King20 inches36 inches
    Queen20 inches30 inches
    Standard20 inches26 inches

    Standard Size Pillowcase

    20 inches × 26 inches | 51 × 56 cm 

    If you are a college or university-going student residing in a dorm or hostel, or a single adult, you probably own a twin, or twin XL, or full bed. A standard pillowcase size measures 20 inches wide by 26 inches long. These pillow cases sizes are multi-purpose and economizing in the sense that they can fit queen-size mattresses effortlessly as well. The extra length offered by these standard pillow cases is curated specially for queen size mattresses to fit aesthetically.  

    Since the standard pillow case size is quite compact, it seamlessly fits into any twin or twin XL mattresses. If you own a queen size mattress, you can perfectly fit two standard pillowcases side by side and enjoy sleeping with your spouse or kid. The twin, twin XL, and full bed sizes generally come with one standard pillow case but the bigger sizes like queen, king, or Cal King come with two.

    Queen Size Pillowcase

    20 inches × 30 inches | 51 × 76 cm

    If you are a couple then chances are high you own a queen size bed. Even for some couples having a kid, a queen size mattress suffices pretty well. The queen pillowcase size measures 20 inches wide by 30 inches long which is 4 inches longer than the standard pillowcase sizes. The extra span is expected to fit two queen pillows smoothly side by side.  The queen size pillows even fit entirely in a king or Cal King bed. 

    Despite being slightly more compact in size, a good factor to consider is that queen pillows also sometimes work out with standard pillow case sizes faultlessly. The reason is that both standard and queen pillowcases are longer in measurement. If you are a restless sleeper, it is recommended that you doze off on a standard or queen size pillow that will attend to your head’s turns and tosses.

    King Size Pillowcase

    20 inches × 36 inches | 51 × 92 cm

    King size mattresses are quite popular among a family of four or three. King size pillowcases measure 20 inches wide by 36 inches long, and as can be seen, it is 10 inches longer than the standard pillow case sizes. The king size pillowcases will be enormous for any other pillows because of the elongated size. Therefore, if you own a twin or even queen size pillow, these pillowcase sizes will not fit. You can place two king size pillows side by side on the 76-inch width king size mattress and enjoy your sleep. In fact, these pillowcase sizes also suit a Cal King bed

    If you are someone having a queen size mattress, you might consider placing two king size pillows side by side but it will be too cramped. Moreover, if you are a combination sleeper and own a queen-sized mattress, it’s better to stick to only queen-sized pillows.

    Body Size Pillowcase

    20 inches × 54 inches | 51 × 137 cm

    The longest of all pillow case sizes, the body size pillow measures 20 inches wide by 54 inches long. The body pillowcases you will be buying will completely depend upon your body pillow size. It might happen that the body pillow you own doesn’t come with exact matching body pillow sizes. In that case, you have to go that extra step in searching for those body pillow case sizes. 

    In the market, the standard body pillow size cases resemble the shape of the alphabet I, or a long pillow case size in simpler visuals. Now, to use a body pillow, you need to tuck one end under your head, and the other end needs to go under your legs by curving it. Though, the standard body pillow generally comes with a pillow case. But if you own or are looking for a different body pillow, then as already told, you need to locate those pillow case sizes.

    Other Specialty Pillowcase Sizes

    Specialty pillows are available in plenty, and finding pillow case sizes relevant to them is also possible. Specialty pillowcase sizes don’t adhere to the regular pillow dimensions as mentioned above. Since they are exclusive, as can already be understood from their name, they follow different shapes, sizes, and purposes. Euro, orthopedic, throw, travel, and pregnancy pillows are some examples of it. 

    Euro Pillow 

    The pillows  that you generally encounter at certain places, specially kept for watching TVs or simply leaning against the wall, are Euro pillows. As evident from the name, Euro pillows are products of Europe, and are mostly famous there. Euro pillow case sizes measure 26 inches wide by 26 inches long and are square and large in size. You will even find Euro pillows used for decorations on sofas or beds. 

    It may happen that once you buy a Euro pillow, you don’t feel like dressing it up in some pillowcase. Though it may be used solely, putting it inside the perfect pillow case sizes will avert dirt, sweat, dust, and so more.

    Travel Pillow 

    You might have already located numerous travel pillows till now. Yes, travel pillows are cute and tiny C-shaped ones you find while on flights or buses, or trains. Though there is also another shape of travel pillow found, a rectangle. The C-shaped travel pillows don’t generally come in pillowcases as they already have a built-in one that is non-removable. Therefore, finding matchable pillowcase sizes is also not possible. On the other hand, the rectangle travel pillows are mainly for toddlers, and the pillowcase sizes are available in abundance. 

    Throw Pillow 

    Throw pillows are often considered for decoration purposes. If you are a home decor enthusiast, you might already own one. Finding throw pillowcases is not a challenging task because these are found in every other bedding store. It is square in shape and is also used for the purpose of heightening some of your body parts as well. 

    Orthopedic 

    Orthopedic pillows are used for proper body positioning. They help relieve medical conditions like sleep apnea, back pain, and insomnia. With orthopedic pillows, no size fits all. These pillows come in various sizes to fulfill everyone’s requirements. These can be used under your head and neck or your legs. 

    Due to their unique shapes, it’s challenging to find a fitting orthopedic pillowcase. Ask the pillow brand if the pillow comes with a case or sell a suitable pillowcase. 

    Pregnancy Pillows 

    Under specialty pillowcase dimensions also come pregnancy pillows. Pregancy pillows are quite similar to body size pillows where the person’s growing body, especially the stomach is accommodated. It makes sleeping during pregnancy time more comfortable. Pregnancy pillows appear in diverse forms, and it all depends on your needs. Wedge, total body, full length, bean, and inflatable are some types of pregnancy pillows. Though a bit uncommon, you need to be rigorous while searching for pregnancy pillowcases as these pillow case sizes are quite diverse.

    Do Pillows Always Need a Pillow case?

    It is always recommended to use pillow cases to guard your costly pillows from disturbing elements like dirt, dust, sweat, allergens, and more. Since pillows are products for everyday use, getting them dirty is common as well. Below are some points that will convince you to find those perfect pillow case sizes and put your pillows in them:

    • It acts as a barrier to dust, dirt, and body sweat, etc
    • It protects them from wear and tear, making them last longer.
    • It allows you to give your pillows and room an interesting look. For example, you can select a pillow cover matching your living room.

    It’s important to use pillowcases as they protect your pillows from dirt, allergens, and stains. Buying the right size pillowcase ensures it doesn’t fall off repeatedly and doesn’t flatten over time. After you find the right pillow case sizes, you can look for other factors, including color and design, as per your preference.

    This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
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