Free Guide to Measuring Pillow Covers Correctly

Understanding Pillow Cover Dimensions and Measurements

Pillow covers come in standardized sizes, but the actual measurements can vary between manufacturers and fabric types. When you measure a pillow cover, you're looking at two key dimensions: the width and the length of the cover when laid flat. These measurements determine whether the cover will fit your pillow properly.

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Standard pillow cover sizes in the United States follow these general guidelines: standard covers measure approximately 20 inches by 26 inches, queen-size covers measure around 20 inches by 30 inches, and king-size covers measure approximately 20 inches by 36 inches. However, these are not universal rules. Different manufacturers may produce covers that are slightly larger or smaller than these industry standards.

The reason manufacturers vary their dimensions relates to fabric shrinkage, production methods, and intended fit. Some companies intentionally make covers slightly larger to accommodate pillows with fuller shapes or to allow for easier insertion and removal. Others produce covers closer to the pillow dimensions for a snug, tailored appearance. Body pillows, which are longer and narrower than standard pillows, require different measurements altogether—typically around 20 inches by 50 inches or 20 inches by 54 inches.

Before purchasing a new pillow cover, you should measure your existing pillow using the same method you'll use to measure covers. This creates a consistent reference point. If you're replacing a worn cover, take measurements of the pillow it currently fits to understand what dimensions work for that particular pillow.

Practical Takeaway: Write down your pillow's measurements and keep them accessible when shopping for covers. Take photos of your pillow with the measurements noted—this helps you remember dimensions when browsing online or shopping in stores.

Tools and Materials You Need for Accurate Measurement

Measuring a pillow cover accurately requires only basic tools that most households already own. A flexible measuring tape, the kind typically used for sewing projects, works best because it can conform to the shape of the fabric. A rigid measuring ruler or yardstick can work for flat measurements, though it's less convenient for handling fabric. You'll also want a notepad or phone to record your measurements immediately—memory alone often leads to mistakes.

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The most important tool is the measuring tape itself. Look for one marked with both inches and centimeters, as different retailers use different measurement systems. Fabric measuring tapes typically cost between three and eight dollars and are available at fabric stores, craft stores, and online retailers. If you don't have a measuring tape, a string and a ruler can serve as a substitute: measure the string against the ruler and record the distance.

Beyond basic tools, you may want to gather a few items that make the process easier. A flat surface, such as a bed, table, or clean floor, gives you space to lay out the pillow cover completely. Ensure the surface is clean to prevent transferring dirt to your cover. Good lighting helps you see the seams and edges clearly, which is important for accurate measurements. Natural daylight or a bright lamp works well.

If you're shopping for pillow covers at a store, bring your measuring tape with you. This allows you to verify dimensions before purchasing. Many retailers allow customers to measure merchandise before checkout. Online shoppers should have their measurements recorded and easily accessible for comparison with product descriptions and specifications.

Practical Takeaway: Keep a measuring tape, notepad, and your pillow measurements in a small pouch or drawer near where you shop for bedding. When online shopping, open product pages and the notes app on your phone side by side for quick comparison.

Step-by-Step Process for Measuring Pillow Cover Length

Length measurement refers to the longer dimension of the pillow cover when it's laid flat. For standard and queen pillows, this is typically measured from the top edge to the bottom edge. For king and body pillows, it represents the measurement along the longest side. To measure length accurately, start by laying the pillow cover completely flat on a clean surface.

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Position the cover so it lies as flat as possible without stretching or pulling the fabric. Some covers have slight wrinkles or folds—smooth these out gently with your hands, but don't force the fabric or pull it in ways it wouldn't normally lie. If the cover has a zipper or closure, you can either leave it closed or open it slightly, depending on how you normally use it. Just be consistent—if you measure it open, measure all your covers that way.

Start your measuring tape at the outermost edge of one end of the pillow cover. This means you're measuring from the very tip of the fabric, not from inside any seam. Many people make a mistake by measuring from the inside of the seam, which gives a smaller number. Since you want to know the actual size of the cover as worn, measure the outside dimensions. Place your measuring tape along the length of the cover, keeping it straight and centered along the fabric.

Extend the tape to the opposite end of the cover, again measuring to the outermost edge. If your pillow cover is rectangular, this measurement should be straightforward. For specialty covers with decorative edges, ruffles, or flounces, measure across the body of the main cover, excluding the decorative additions. Record this number in inches and centimeters if your tape shows both measurements.

Practical Takeaway: Take a photo of your pillow cover laid flat with the measuring tape visible showing the length measurement. This visual record prevents confusion later and documents your pillow's size.

Step-by-Step Process for Measuring Pillow Cover Width

Width measurement refers to the shorter dimension of a rectangular pillow cover, measured from side to side. For most standard pillows, this ranges from 20 to 21 inches. This measurement is equally important as length because an incorrectly sized width can cause the cover to feel too tight or too loose around the pillow.

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With your pillow cover still laid flat on a clean surface, position your measuring tape perpendicular to the length measurement. If length runs top to bottom, width runs side to side. Just as with length measurement, start at the outermost edge of the fabric on one side. This is typically where the side seam ends, at the very edge of the cover opening.

Lay your measuring tape straight across the width of the cover, keeping it centered and not sagging in the middle. Some people unknowingly allow their measuring tape to dip downward in the center, which produces an inaccurate larger measurement. To prevent this, keep the tape taut but not tight—you're measuring the cover itself, not stretching it. Extend the tape to the outermost edge on the opposite side.

For covers with decorative side elements, follow the same rule as with length: measure the main body of the cover, excluding purely decorative additions. However, if the decoration is part of the standard construction and adds to the overall width you'd experience when using the cover, include it in your measurement. Some covers have lace trimming on the sides that's meant to be part of the width—in these cases, measure across the entire width including the trim.

Compare your width measurement against standard sizes. If your measurement falls between standard sizes—for example, 21.5 inches instead of the standard 20 or 21 inches—note this observation. It may indicate the cover is designed with a slightly different fit than standard covers.

Practical Takeaway: Measure width and length on the same day and in the same photo. Having both measurements together makes shopping easier and reduces the chance of recording only one dimension.

Measuring Specialty and Decorative Pillow Covers

Beyond rectangular standard covers, pillow covers come in many specialty shapes and styles that require modified measurement approaches. Body pillow covers are longer and narrower than standard covers—measuring them follows the same process but accounts for their extended length, typically 50 to 54 inches. Measure the full length along the body, and measure the width across the narrower side.

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European square pillow covers, often used as decorative accent pillows, measure approximately 26 inches by 26 inches, though luxury versions may be 28 inches by 28 inches. Measure both dimensions even though they're equal, since some manufacturers vary slightly. Lumbar pillows are rectangular but very short in one direction—they might measure 12 inches by 20 inches or 16 inches by 24 inches. Apply the standard length and width measurement process, identifying