Pillows2 min read

Pillow sizes explained: US, UK, Canada and Europe

A standard pillow in New York is not a standard pillow in Paris or Berlin. Here are the common pillow sizes country by country, in centimetres and inches, and how to pick one.

By ComfiePublished

Standard, king and square European pillows in white cases laid side by side on a bed
In this guide
  1. Common pillow sizes by country
  2. How to choose the right pillow size
  3. Converting between sizes

Pillow sizes are not universal. North America sizes pillows by bed width, the UK uses one narrow rectangle, and continental Europe mixes squares and rectangles that change from country to country. Check the size your pillowcases already are before you buy a new pillow.

Common pillow sizes by country

Country Most common sizes Notes
United States, Canada Standard 51 x 66 cm (20 x 26 in), Queen 51 x 76 cm (20 x 30 in), King 51 x 92 cm (20 x 36 in), Euro square 66 x 66 cm (26 x 26 in) Two standard or queen pillows on a queen bed, two king pillows on a king bed. Euro squares are mostly decorative, set against the headboard
United Kingdom Standard 50 x 75 cm (often sold as 48 x 74 cm), King 50 x 90 cm, square 65 x 65 cm Standard is by far the most common. King pillows suit king and super king beds
France, Belgium (French speaking) Square 65 x 65 cm, 60 x 60 cm, rectangle 50 x 70 cm Square pillows are traditional. Rectangles are increasingly common. A long bolster (traversin) is still used in some homes
Germany 80 x 80 cm, 40 x 80 cm The large 80 x 80 square is classic. 40 x 80 cm is popular with side sleepers and on modern beds
Netherlands, Belgium (Dutch speaking) 60 x 70 cm One rectangle covers most beds
Spain Sized by length to match the bed: 70, 90, 105, 135, 150 cm long, about 35 to 40 cm deep A single long pillow across a double bed is common, as are two 70 to 80 cm pillows
Italy 50 x 80 cm Also sold as 50 x 75 cm and 45 x 75 cm

Sizes vary by a few centimetres between brands. Always check the label on your pillowcases.

How to choose the right pillow size

  • Match your pillowcases. A pillow larger than its case gets squashed and loses loft. A pillow much smaller than its case slides around and looks untidy.
  • Match your bed width. In the US and Canada, two king pillows fill a king bed edge to edge. On a queen, two standard or queen pillows fit best.
  • Think about how you sleep. Side sleepers often prefer a narrower, fuller pillow they can tuck into the shoulder. Big squares suit people who read in bed or like to sink in.
  • For the hotel look, layer. Two sleeping pillows in front, two more behind or a pair of squares against the headboard.

Converting between sizes

There is no exact conversion between a US standard and a European square, because the shapes differ. If you are moving or buying from abroad, buy pillows and pillowcases in the same system, or buy a new set of cases sized to the pillow.

Questions people ask

What is the standard pillow size in the UK?
The UK standard pillow is 50 x 75 cm, often sold as 48 x 74 cm. A UK king pillow is 50 x 90 cm.
What is the standard pillow size in Europe?
There is no single European standard. France uses 65 x 65 cm squares and 50 x 70 cm rectangles, Germany 80 x 80 cm and 40 x 80 cm, the Netherlands 60 x 70 cm, Italy 50 x 80 cm, and Spain sizes pillows by length to match the bed.
What size pillow do I need for a king bed?
In the US and Canada, two king pillows (20 x 36 in) fit a king bed. In the UK, two king pillows (50 x 90 cm) or three standard pillows suit a king or super king bed.
Will a European pillow fit an American pillowcase?
Usually not well. European pillows are often square or shorter rectangles, while American pillowcases are long rectangles. Buy cases sized to the pillow.

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