A standard UK pillow is a rectangular bed pillow that measures 48x74 cm and fits a 50x75 cm pillowcase. The pillow is cut slightly smaller than the case so it slides in easily, which is why you'll see both sizes described as standard. The chart below lists the common UK and European pillow sizes.
| Pillow | Pillow size (cm) | Pillowcase size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Toddler | 40 x 60 | 40 x 60 |
| Standard UK | 48 x 74 | 50 x 75 |
| King | 48 x 90 | 50 x 90 |
| European square | 65 x 65 | 65 x 65 |
What size is an adult pillow?
An adult pillow in the UK is 48x74 cm, or about 19x29 inches. This is the standard size sold for single, double, king and super king beds. Larger beds simply take more of them: one on a single, two on a double or king, and two to four on a super king.
Our pillows, from the hotel quality to the duck feather, are all 48x74 cm. Pick a filling and firmness first, then buy them in a pack to match your bed. Our guide on how to choose a pillow covers filling, firmness and height.
Is 48x74 cm a standard pillow?
Yes, 48x74 cm is the standard UK pillow size. Retailers who list 50x75 cm as standard are usually giving the pillowcase size. A 48x74 cm pillow fits a 50x75 cm pillowcase with 1 cm of room on each side, which is what stops the case straining at the seams.
The two sizes do get mixed in practice. We sell pillowcases in both: cotton rich cases at 50x75 cm, which are the roomier fit, and cotton blend cases at 48x74 cm, which fit snugly. Both go on a standard pillow. The pillowcases in our duvet cover sets are 54x77 cm, roomy enough for a thick pillow.
Our bed pillows are all 48x74 cm, so any standard UK pillowcase fits them. For a zipped layer under the case, our pillow protectors are 50x75 cm.
What size are European pillows?
European pillows are square, usually 65x65 cm, and they're called continental or Euro square pillows. They sit upright against the headboard behind standard pillows, for reading in bed or for a fuller-looking bed. They need square pillowcases, which aren't interchangeable with UK rectangular cases.
Continental Europe also uses rectangular sizes that don't match the UK, such as 50x70 cm and 40x80 cm. If you're buying bedding from a European brand, check the centimetres rather than assuming standard means the same thing.
Is a king pillow bigger?
Yes, a king pillow is longer than a standard one. A king pillow is usually 48x90 cm, which is 16 cm longer than a 48x74 cm standard pillow but the same width. One king pillow covers most of a single person's side of a king size bed, and it needs a king pillowcase.
A king pillow isn't necessary for a king bed. Two standard pillows fit a 150 cm wide king mattress with room to spare, which is why most king bedding sets come with standard pillowcases. Our chart of UK bed sizes in cm lists every mattress width if you're working out how many pillows fit.
Written by the Adam Home team at Ensor Mill, Rochdale.
