Pillow Size Chart – How to Choose the Perfect Size

Choosing the right pillow size is important for numerous reasons. Most importantly, you ensure proper neck and head support and sleep more comfortably. If you’re having difficulty finding the perfect pillow size for your bed or struggle with your current pillow size, we’re here to help. After all, feeling sleep deprived or waking up with neck pain due to the wrong pillow is completely avoidable when you know what to look for.

This article explains everything you need to know about choosing the right pillow size.

Why Pillow Size Matters?

Pillows enhance our sleep and offer the balance of comfort and support needed for the head and neck. These bedding elements are available in numerous sizes to meet different requirements.

When you have a pillow that doesn’t fit your needs, you can experience neck pain and sleep poorly. Your back and neck need proper support during the night to keep your spinal alignment in check. You also get to avoid upper back pain and neck ache.

Some of the most common problems with pillows include, but are not limited to:

• The firmness of the pillow
• Materials the pillow is made from
• Size of the pillow
• Choosing the wrong pillow for your sleeping position
• Choosing the wrong pillow for neck and back pain

Here is a size chart to help you find the perfect pillow.

Pillow Sizes Chart – A Useful Guide

Let’s start by looking at the different pillow sizes.

Junior

Size: 16 x 20 inches (40 x 50 cm)

Junior pillows are suitable for young children and toddlers. These pillows fit smaller beds and can be used for most sleeping positions.

Standard 

Size: 20 x 26 inches (50 x 65 cm)

A standard pillow size measures 20 x 26 inches (50 x 65 cm). This compact pillow size is ideal for sleepers who don’t change their sleeping position during the night. Combination sleepers who often toss and turn may experience problems with these pillows. On the other hand, back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers will find standard pillows ideal.
You can use one standard pillow for a twin bed and two standard pillows for a full-size or queen bed. Note that standard pillows are not the perfect fit for California King or King size beds.

Queen

Size: 20 x 30 inches (50 x 75 cm)

The queen-size pillow dimensions are 20 x 30 inches (50 x 75 cm). You can find slight variations among brands, however. If you’re a restless sleeper, consider a queen-size pillow. This pillow fits in a standard pillowcase but has a snug feel.
You can place a queen sleeping pillow on a twin bed and use two pillows for a queen size bed. Two of these pillows also work great on full-size beds but may feel too small on a California king unless you want extra space between them.

King

Size: 20 x 36 inches (50 x 90 cm)

King-size pillow dimensions differ from one manufacturer to another, but most average 20 36 inches (50 x 90 cm). Active sleepers benefit from these pillows the most. If you toss and turn at night, this is the pillow for you.
King-size pillows are also excellent for back support when you sit up in bed or watch TV. The additional length supports your lumbar area too. These pillows can be used on all types of beds.

Types of Pillows

Throw Pillows

Decorative pillows (or throw pillows) are used in living rooms or on beds. They come in all sizes and shapes.

Body Pillows

Size: 20 x 63 inches

Body pillows are excellent for side sleepers. They usually measure 20 inches by 63 inches and fit your natural body shape while offering additional support for sleeping on the side. Pregnant women love body pillows as they prevent them from rolling onto their back or stomach at night.

Neck Roll Pillows

Neck roll pillows are support pillows designed with the primarily aim to help you neck and back while sleeping.

Travel Pillows

Size: 12 x 16 inches

Travel pillows offer neck support on long plane trips or car drives.

Euro Sham Pillows

Size: 26 x 26 inches

Euro pillows have a similar purpose to throw pillows. They add visual appeal and are rarely used for sleeping.

Pregnancy Pillows

Pregnancy pillows are available in various shapes and sizes to fit the needs of pregnant women at all stages of pregnancy.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pillow

When it comes to choosing the perfect pillow, you should consider the following.

Your Sleeping Position

Not all pillows are suitable for all sleepers. Go for a standard size if you have one sleeping position. However, if you toss and turn or change multiple positions, a bigger size pillow will be better.

Neck and Back Pain

If you have back pain, you’ll want to consider a body pillow. These pillows have the ideal mix of support and softness to take the pressure off your neck. Body pillows follow your body shape and provide all-night comfort.
For neck pain, it’s worth trying neck roll pillows. These pillows provide ultimate support to the neck but can also be used under the knees for back sleepers. Side sleepers can use these pillows under the arms.

Fills

Pillows have different types of pillow fills:

• Down – luxurious feel, durable, eco-friendly
• Feather – moldable, affordable, and lightweight
• Down and feather mix – soft and warm
• Down alternative – hypoallergenic, vegan, not as soft as down, but fluffy enough

Hot sleepers and those who appreciate comfort and luxury should choose down pillows. Their quality is unparalleled. Down pillows are ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers as well.