Pillow Sizes and Dimensions (With Chart)

Your pillow is equally as important as your mattress in ensuring quality sleep. A comfortable pillow supports your head and neck in a way that helps your entire body.

The perfect-sized choice can also make for a less awkward sleep, especially if you’re sleeping next to someone. Choosing the wrong pillow size can lead to uncomfortable sleep at best or long-term effects on your sleep quality. 

Most of us choose our pillow size based on our mattress. While that’s an important factor, it’s also necessary to consider your sleeping style, your body type, and even the pillow’s overall purpose, such as whether you want one for travel or merely for decorative purposes.

We’ve compiled a helpful guide to finding the right pillow size so you can enjoy many more restful nights of sleep.

Master pillow dimensions chart

Below, you’ll find a pillow size chart containing dimensions for standard, queen, king, and more.

Standard vs. queen vs. king pillow sizes Explained

Standard, queen, and king are the most popular pillow sizes available. Their sizes complement the common mattress sizes to ensure the best possible fit.

Standard-size pillow

The standard-size pillow typically works best with twin, twin XL, or full-size mattresses. It provides you with sufficient space without the pillow hanging over the side of your bed.

This pillow measures about 20 by 26 inches and works well for most sleeping positions. Plus, it’s easy to find pillowcases for this size.

However, if you have broader shoulders or tend to move around a lot while you sleep, you may not find this supportive enough for your body type or sleep style.

Queen-size pillow

The queen-size pillow is a bit longer than the standard size, measuring 20 by 30 inches. It fits the queen-size mattress perfectly.

It can also potentially work with a king mattress size, though you may have an obvious gap between the pillows when two are side by side. 

The extra abundance of pillows also works well if you tend to toss and turn at night or just prefer extra pillow space due to your body frame.

King-size pillow

The king size is by far one of the largest pillow sizes available, suitable for both king and California king (which differ only in length, not width). You may have more trouble finding the king-size pillowcase than the more popular standard and queen sizes.

This one works well if you have broader shoulders. It’s also a suitable option if you like to sit up and read, as it provides extra back support 

Specialty pillow sizes: Euro, body pillow, and travel sizes

Beyond the standard sizes, you also have other pillow size options to suit your personal sleeping preferences and needs. 

Euro pillow

A euro pillow is square-shaped, with average measurements of 26 by 26 inches. It’s typically decorative and suits all mattress sizes.

It’s also versatile enough to be added to couches or other seating in your home as it’s more of a decor item than a bed-only pillow.

You can also use it for lounging around and to hold onto at night if you don’t want the bulk of a body pillow.

Body pillow

A body pillow helps you get more comfortable while you sleep, often positioned right beside you to wrap yourself around or cuddle up against during the night. It’s also great for functioning as a barrier to the edge of your bed. Body pillows typically measure 20 inches wide and 54 inches long or more. These types of pillows are a bit easier to adjust at night to fit your form and work especially well for pregnant sleepers. 

One factor to keep in mind is that if you happen to have a bed partner or a smaller bed, like a twin, body pillows can feel like they take up too much space. 

Travel pillow

Travel-size pillows vary widely in shape and size, though the average size is about 12 by 16. It’s smaller than a standard size because it’s not meant to feel overwhelming when you travel. 

They’re typically small enough to fit in carry-on luggage. However, you can also choose an inflatable type that compresses easily for easy packing on the go.

There are also custom shapes available, such as a C-shape that wraps around your neck. Or, you can opt for the standard square size to use it like a regular pillow while sleeping on a plane or train.

How to match pillow sizes to mattress dimensions

The size of your mattress is one of the most important parts of determining your pillow size. Pillows tend to fit certain mattress types, making it easy to determine the ideal pillow size for your needs. 

To determine the appropriate pillow width, use a measuring stick or tape to measure your mattress’ width. Also consider whether there will be another pillow beside you so you don’t have to worry about battling for pillow space at night.

In general, these are good guidelines to follow based on pillow vs. mattress size: 

• For twin/twin XL/full mattresses, the standard-size pillow works best, as it won’t extend over the edge. 
• For a queen mattress, choose the queen pillow as it allows people to rest side by side without the other pillow getting in the way
• For king/California king, choose a queen or king pillow size based on preferences and availability as king-size pillows aren’t as common

Choosing pillow size based on sleeping position and body type

Your sleep position and body type can also help you determine the ideal pillow size. 

Sleeping position

Whether you’re a side, back, or stomach sleeper, you want a pillow that provides the best support and space throughout the night. Here are a few general guidelines:

• Side sleeper: You may appreciate a queen pillow for the extra length and room during the night. You may also want to incorporate a body pillow for support 
• Back sleeper: A standard or queen pillow typically works well for a back sleeper. You don’t need as much pillow space as a side sleeper might, yet you can still need neck support. Choose a pillow with a medium loft (thickness) so your head gets support.
• Stomach sleeper: A standard pillow size typically works for stomach sleepers. You also won’t need much pillow loft (or thickness) as you risk your pillow pushing your neck back.

Body type

If you have broad shoulders or a larger frame, you’ll want a wider pillow for support. Opt for a queen- or king-size pillow based on your mattress size and body type. These sizes will provide enough support for your shoulders, as well as your head and neck, which may not get enough support with the standard size. 

If you have a lighter frame, you may not find a king-size pillow comfortable. In that case, standard or queen-size pillows may work best for you. 

The height of the pillow, or loft, can also affect your comfort level depending on your weight.

If you have a larger frame, you want more loft to fill the space between your head and shoulders/neck and the pillow, especially if you sleep on your side. If you’re a back or neck sleeper, you may not need much loft.

Get more comfortable sleep with these Saatva pillows

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Latex Pillow Shop Now

A core of shredded natural latex, wrapped in a breathable organic cotton cover. Plush and responsive for the perfect head and neck support.

Cloud Memory Foam Pillow Shop Now

A specially engineered blend of shredded gel-infused memory foam and buoyant latex foam offers best-in-class comfort and support.

Graphite Memory Foam Pillow Shop Now

Breathable shredded memory foam and latex core provides contouring support, while advanced graphite technology draws heat away.

Down Chamber Pillow Shop Now

Luxurious down pillow that’s designed to match the feel of high-end down pillows that cost three times more.  Available in two different loft fill heights designed to keep you in perfect alignment no matter how you sleep. 

Down Alternative Pillow Shop Now

Made from two types of hypoallergenic down alternative fibers, wrapped in 100% organic cotton. Soft, plush, and breathable for cool, comfortable sleep.

Organic Quilted Pillow Shop Now

Perfect for eco-conscious sleepers who expect nothing less, our all-organic pillow combines weightless support of natural latex with the superb breathability and comfort of cotton and wool.

FAQs

What size pillows should you use on a queen bed?

A queen bed can fit a standard or queen-size pillow. These sizes accommodate the mattress width while giving you and your bed partner enough space for your natural sleeping positions without feeling overcrowded. 

Can you put king pillows on a queen bed?

If you don’t have a bed partner, you could use a king pillow on a queen bed. However, if you’re sleeping alongside another person, two king-size pillows may end up overlapping the edge of the bed, leading to an uncomfortable sleep overall.

What size pillowcase fits each standard pillow size?

A standard pillowcase typically fits a standard pillow. A queen-size pillowcase typically fits a queen pillow or a standard-size pillow if you don’t mind extra fabric. A king-size pillowcase can fit a king pillow or a queen-size pillow if, again, you don’t mind the extra fabric.

You may need to make adjustments based on the thickness of the pillow. It’s always best to choose a pillowcase larger than the pillow, not smaller, so you have enough space to fit the pillow fully inside the case.

Find the best pillow for you at Saatva

Now that you what the most common pillow sizes are, it’s time to find the ideal pillow for you. Saatva offers a wide range of high-quality pillows, such as our [tooltipid=27728 title=”Latex Pillow”], [tooltipid=27731 title=”Cloud Memory Foam Pillow”], and [tooltipid=35586 title=”Down Chamber Pillow”]. Check out our selection of pillows to find your perfect match.