Pillowcase Sizes

Pillow sizing can be confusing because two different systems are commonly used. Sleeping pillows and pillowcases are usually described as Standard, Queen or King, while decorative pillow covers are more often sold by exact measurements such as 18 × 18, 20 × 20 inches and so on.

Then there is another common question: should your pillow insert be the same size as the cover, or slightly larger? The answer becomes much easier once you know which type of pillow you are sizing. This guide explains common pillowcase sizes, decorative pillow cover sizes, lumbar formats, how to measure correctly and how to choose an insert-and-cover combination that gives you the best fit.

Quick Answer

For U.S. bed pillowcases, the size label usually refers to the pillow the case is designed to fit. A Standard pillow is commonly about 20 × 26 inches, a Queen about 20 × 30 inches, and a King about 20 × 36 inches.

The pillowcase itself is not necessarily made to those exact measurements. It may be close to the pillow size, but it is often slightly larger—especially in length—so the pillow can fit comfortably inside and the opening or closure has enough room to function. Finished pillowcase dimensions therefore vary by brand and construction.

Decorative pillow covers use a different sizing system and are usually sold by their actual dimensions, such as 18 × 18, 20 × 20 or 24 × 24 inches, rather than Standard, Queen or King labels.

For decorative pillows, you can use an insert with the same stated dimensions as the cover, which can give the pillow a more relaxed fit. If you want a fuller, plumper appearance, a slightly larger compressible insert—such as a 22 × 22-inch insert inside a 20 × 20-inch cover—is often used, provided the cover construction and zipper allow it.

 Common U.S. Pillow Sizes at a Glance

The measurements below refer to common pillow dimensions, not guaranteed finished pillowcase dimensions. Pillowcases are often made slightly larger or longer to accommodate the pillow and its opening or closure.

Pillow type	Common pillow dimensions
Standard	About 20 × 26 in / 51 × 66 cm
Queen	About 20 × 30 in / 51 × 76 cm
King	About 20 × 36 in / 51 × 91 cm
Euro	About 26 × 26 in / 66 × 66 cm
Body pillow	About 20 × 54 in / 51 × 137 cm

 

These are useful reference dimensions, but actual pillow and pillowcase measurements can vary by manufacturer. If you already own the pillow, measure its actual width and length before buying a new pillowcase. Size labels such as Standard, Queen or King are useful guides, but exact pillow dimensions can vary, so the measurements help you check whether a particular pillowcase will fit properly.

What Is a Standard Size Pillowcase?

A Standard sleeping pillow in the U.S. is commonly about 20 × 26 inches. If you are wondering what a standard size pillowcase is, the key thing to know is that the pillowcase is made to fit that Standard pillow, not necessarily to match its dimensions exactly. 

The case may be slightly larger than the pillow, with enough extra room for the pillow to fit comfortably and for the open end, envelope fold or other closure to work as intended. Because the finished size can vary between brands, check the pillowcase measurements before buying rather than relying on the word “Standard” alone.

Pillowcase Size vs Pillow Cover Size

This is where many sizing mistakes begin. A sleeping pillowcase and a decorative pillow cover are both fabric coverings, but they are usually sold using different sizing systems. Bed pillowcases commonly use names such as:

• Standard
• Queen
• King

Decorative pillow covers commonly use exact dimensions such as:

• 16 × 16 in
• 18 × 18 in
• 20 × 20 in
• 24 × 24 in

So, a 20 × 20 pillow cover is not another name for a Standard pillowcase. It normally refers to a specific square decorative cover. If you are wondering where to buy decorative pillow covers in different sizes, colors and designs, explore our Decorative Pillow Covers  collection to find an option that suits your space.

Decorative Pillow Cover Sizes Chart

There is no single standard pillow cover size for decorative pillows. Decorative pillow cover sizes vary widely, including both square and rectangular formats, so the right size depends on the pillow insert you want to cover and where you plan to use it. Smaller pillow cover sizes work well for accent pillows, while larger covers can create more visual presence or form the back layer in a sofa or bed arrangement.

Common cover size	Typical decorative use
16 × 16 in	Smaller accent for chairs or layered arrangements
18 × 18 in	Versatile square for sofas, chairs and beds
20 × 20 in	Larger square accent with more visual presence
22 × 22 in	Fuller square for deeper seating or layering
24 × 24 in	Large decorative square or back layer
26 × 26 in	Large square often associated with Euro-style arrangements
Lumbar / rectangular	Narrower accent available in many proportions

 

These are some of the most common pillow cover sizes, but they are not the only sizes available. Before choosing a cover, compare the finished measurements shown on the product page with the dimensions of your pillow insert so you can choose a suitable fit.

If you want a broader look at pillow covers beyond decorative styles, explore our Pillow Covers collection. 

How to Measure Pillow Cover Size

If you already own a removable cover and want to know its size, measure the empty cover rather than trying to measure it while the insert is inside.

1. Remove the pillow insert.
2. Lay the cover flat on a smooth surface.
3. Gently smooth the fabric without stretching it.
4. Measure from seam to seam across the width.
5. Measure from seam to seam across the length.
6. Do not include tassels, fringe or flanges unless the seller specifically includes them in the stated dimensions.

A square cover should have approximately the same width and length. A lumbar cover will have one shorter measurement and one longer measurement. If the product is listed in centimeters, compare the centimeter dimensions directly rather than rounding them aggressively to a nearby inch size.

Lumbar Pillow Cover Sizes

Lumbar pillow covers are rectangular, but there is no single universal lumbar pillow cover size. Common examples include:

• 12 × 20 in
• 14 × 20 in
• 14 × 24 in
• 16 × 26 in

Manufacturers can offer many other dimensions. What matters is matching both the width and length of the cover to the insert you intend to use. Do not choose a cover simply because both products are described as “lumbar.”

To compare rectangular options in the sizes and styles currently available, explore our Lumbar Pillow Covers collection.

Pillow Insert Size vs Cover Size

The insert and cover do not always have to be exactly the same size. If you want a more relaxed fit, an insert that matches the stated size of the cover is a sensible starting point—for example, a 20 × 20-inch insert in a 20 × 20-inch cover.

If you want the pillow to look fuller and better fill the corners, you can often use a slightly larger, compressible insert. For example, a 22 × 22-inch insert may be used in a 20 × 20-inch cover when the insert is soft enough to compress and the cover construction can accommodate the extra volume.

A larger insert is not automatically the better choice. Firm inserts, structured fabrics, small zipper openings or tightly constructed covers may not accommodate extra fullness comfortably. When the manufacturer provides a recommended insert size, follow that guidance first.

When deciding on the best pillow insert size vs cover size, consider:

• How soft or firm the insert is — Softer, more compressible inserts can usually fit into a slightly smaller cover more easily. Firmer inserts do not compress as much, so they may be difficult to fit into a smaller cover or may not fit at all.
• The type of filling — Different fillings compress differently. Soft, compressible fills such as down, feather, or some down-alternative inserts can usually be squeezed into a slightly smaller cover more easily, while denser or more structured fillings may be harder to compress and may require a closer size match.
• The fabric construction and stretch — Knitted fabrics generally stretch more than tightly woven fabrics, but actual stretch depends on how the fabric is constructed. If the product description does not mention stretch, do not assume that the cover will stretch enough to accommodate an oversized insert; use the stated dimensions and any insert-size recommendation provided by the seller instead.
• The size of the zipper or opening. A narrow opening can make it more difficult to insert a larger or firmer pillow insert, even when the cover itself has enough room for it.
• The seam construction — An insert that is too large can place additional tension on the cover’s seams and closure, particularly when the fit is already tight.
• How full you want the finished pillow to look — A same-size insert usually gives a more relaxed appearance, while a slightly larger, compressible insert can create a fuller look if the cover construction allows it.

Product-specific fit guidance should therefore take priority over any blanket sizing rule.

Should a Pillow Insert Be Larger Than the Cover?

Not necessarily. A same-size insert gives a more relaxed fit, while a slightly larger, compressible insert can make the pillow look fuller. Whether a larger insert is suitable depends on the look you want, how easily the insert compresses, and whether the cover construction can accommodate the extra volume. If the manufacturer recommends an insert size, follow that guidance.

Throw Pillow Cover Sizes

Throw pillow cover sizes vary widely, with both square and rectangular options available. Common square sizes include:

• 16 × 16 in
• 18 × 18 in
• 20 × 20 in
• 22 × 22 in
• 24 × 24 in

These are common sizes rather than fixed standards. For example, 18 × 18 and 20 × 20-inch throw pillow covers are versatile sizes for sofas, chairs and beds. A 20 × 20-inch pillow can work on its own on an accent chair or sit in front of a larger pillow in a layered arrangement.

For a larger sofa or a fuller arrangement, 22 × 22 or 24 × 24-inch covers can be placed toward the back or at the sofa corners, with 18 × 18 or 20 × 20-inch pillows layered in front. A lumbar pillow can then add a smaller rectangular shape toward the front or center of the arrangement. These are styling ideas rather than strict rules. The throw pillow cover size you choose should still suit your furniture and, most importantly, fit the pillow insert you intend to use.

If you want to explore these sizes across different shapes, materials and styles, browse our Throw Pillow Covers collection.

Quick Answers to Common Pillow Size Questions

What Does “Standard Pillow Cover Size” Mean?

The phrase standard pillow cover size can be confusing because it does not mean the same thing for every type of pillow. For bed pillows, Standard is a recognized size category and commonly refers to a pillow measuring about 20 × 26 inches. The pillowcase itself may be slightly larger, depending on the manufacturer and closure style.

Decorative pillow covers are different. There is no single standard pillow cover size that applies to all decorative pillows. Sizes such as 18 × 18 and 20 × 20 inches are common, but they are simply popular options rather than universal standards.

So, when choosing a decorative pillow cover, do not rely on the word “standard.” Measure your insert and compare its width and length with the finished dimensions of the cover you are considering.

Should I Measure the Pillow or the Cover?

If you already have a pillow insert and need a new cover, measure the insert first so you know what cover size to look for. If you are trying to work out the size of a pillow cover you already own, remove the insert, lay the cover flat, and measure from seam to seam across the width and length.

Your Final Pillowcase Size Check

Before ordering, ask yourself:

1. Am I buying a sleeping pillowcase or a decorative pillow cover?
2. What are the actual width and length of my pillow or insert?
3. What are the finished dimensions of the case or cover?
4. Do I want a direct size match or a fuller decorative appearance?
5. Does the seller provide specific insert or fit guidance?

Once you know those answers, choosing the right pillowcase size becomes much simpler.