10 min read • Last updated: February 25, 2026
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "We have been helping Brantford families sleep better since 1997. Every customer gets personal attention, honest advice, and the kind of follow-up service you just do not get from big box stores."
Pillow sizing sounds simple until you stand in the bedding aisle and realize there are five different sizes, each with matching pillowcases, shams, and protectors. The wrong size pillow looks awkward on the bed, does not fit the pillowcase properly, and can even affect your sleep by being too narrow or too wide for your shoulder width.
This guide covers every pillow size sold in Canada, shows you exactly which size fits which bed, explains pillowcase and sham sizing, and helps you choose the right pillow size for your body and sleep position.
Every Pillow Size in Canada
| Size Name | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Best Bed Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20" x 26" | 51 x 66 cm | Twin, Twin XL, Full | Most common pillow size worldwide. Two Standard pillows span 52" across. |
| Super Standard | 20" x 28" | 51 x 71 cm | Full, Queen | 2 inches longer than Standard. Less common in Canada. Fits Standard pillowcases with a snug fit. |
| Queen | 20" x 30" | 51 x 76 cm | Queen | Most popular size in Canada. Two Queen pillows span exactly 60" (the width of a Queen mattress). |
| King | 20" x 36" | 51 x 91 cm | King, California King | Two King pillows span 72" across. Some brands measure 20" x 40" (51 x 102 cm). |
| Euro | 26" x 26" | 66 x 66 cm | Any (decorative) | Square decorative pillow. Placed against headboard as a back layer. |
| Body | 20" x 54" | 51 x 137 cm | Any | Full-length pillow for side sleepers and pregnancy support. |
| Travel | 12" x 16" | 30 x 41 cm | N/A | Compact size for travel. Also called "toddler" size. |
Which Pillow Size for Which Bed
Twin and Twin XL Beds (38" wide)
Use one Standard pillow (20" x 26") or one Queen pillow. A single Standard pillow fits comfortably within the 38-inch width. A King pillow overhangs significantly and looks out of proportion. For a decorative arrangement, add one Euro sham behind the sleeping pillow.
Full / Double Beds (54" wide)
Use two Standard pillows. Two Standard pillows span 52 inches, fitting neatly within the 54-inch bed width. Two Queen pillows (60" total) will overhang slightly. Two King pillows are too wide.
Queen Beds (60" wide)
Use two Queen pillows. This is the perfect match: two Queen pillows span exactly 60 inches across, matching the mattress width precisely. Two Standard pillows work but leave 8 inches of empty space. Two King pillows overhang by 12 inches on each side.
King Beds (76" wide)
Use two King pillows or three Standard pillows. Two King pillows span 72 inches, leaving a small gap that looks intentional. Three Standard pillows span 78 inches, covering the full width. Some people use two King pillows for sleeping and add a decorative pillow in the centre.
California King Beds (72" wide)
Use two King pillows. The 72-inch span of two King pillows matches the California King width exactly. Alternatively, three Standard pillows (78" total) provide full coverage with slight overhang.
| Bed Size | Bed Width | Recommended Pillow Size | Number of Pillows | Total Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin / Twin XL | 38" | Standard (20" x 26") | 1 | 26" |
| Full / Double | 54" | Standard (20" x 26") | 2 | 52" |
| Queen | 60" | Queen (20" x 30") | 2 | 60" |
| King | 76" | King (20" x 36") | 2 | 72" |
| California King | 72" | King (20" x 36") | 2 | 72" |
Pillowcase Sizes: What Fits What
Pillowcases are designed to be slightly larger than the pillow they hold. This extra room (usually 1-2 inches) allows the pillow to sit inside comfortably without bunching or stretching the fabric.
| Pillow Size | Pillow Dimensions | Pillowcase Size | Pillowcase Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 20" x 26" | Standard | 20-21" x 30-32" |
| Queen | 20" x 30" | Queen | 20-21" x 33-34" |
| King | 20" x 36" | King | 20-21" x 40-42" |
| Euro | 26" x 26" | Euro Sham | 26" x 26" (with flange or zipper) |
| Body | 20" x 54" | Body Pillowcase | 20-21" x 54-60" |
Cross-compatibility note: A Standard pillow fits inside a Queen pillowcase (loosely) and a Queen pillowcase. A Queen pillow fits inside a King pillowcase (loosely) but not a Standard pillowcase. When in doubt, match the pillow size to the pillowcase size for the best fit and appearance.
Choosing Pillow Size by Body Size
Beyond matching your bed, your body size affects which pillow width works best:
- Narrow shoulders (under 16"): Standard pillows provide adequate width. A wider pillow may extend past your shoulders unnecessarily.
- Average shoulders (16-18"): Queen pillows are the most versatile choice. The extra 4 inches over Standard ensures your head stays on the pillow even if you shift during sleep.
- Broad shoulders (18"+): King pillows provide the width to accommodate wider shoulder frames. Side sleepers with broad shoulders especially benefit from King width, as the pillow extends far enough to support the head regardless of position.
Pillow Loft and Height Guide
Pillow size (length and width) gets most of the attention, but pillow height (also called "loft") is what determines your spine alignment. The right loft keeps your head and neck level with your spine in your primary sleeping position.
| Sleep Position | Recommended Loft | Inches | Centimetres |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | High loft | 4-6" | 10-15 cm |
| Back Sleeper | Medium loft | 3-5" | 8-13 cm |
| Stomach Sleeper | Low loft | Under 3" | Under 8 cm |
| Combination Sleeper | Medium loft (adjustable preferred) | 3-5" | 8-13 cm |
An adjustable pillow (shredded memory foam where you can add or remove fill) is the most practical way to dial in the exact loft you need. Brands like Coop, Endy, and Silk and Snow all sell adjustable pillows in Canada.
Decorative Pillow and Sham Sizes
| Type | Dimensions (inches) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Euro Sham | 26" x 26" | Back layer against headboard |
| Standard Sham | 20" x 26" | Middle layer, matching bedding sets |
| King Sham | 20" x 36" | Back/middle layer on King beds |
| Boudoir | 12" x 16" | Front accent, monogramming |
| Lumbar | 12" x 20" or 14" x 20" | Front accent, lower back support |
| Small Throw | 16" x 16" or 18" x 18" | Most popular decorative size |
| Large Throw | 20" x 20" or 22" x 22" | Statement accent piece |
| Neckroll / Bolster | 6" x 16" | Front accent, neck support |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is standard pillow size in Canada?
The standard pillow size in Canada is 20 inches by 26 inches (51 by 66 cm). This is the same as the US standard size. It is the most common pillow size globally and fits Twin and Full beds with two pillows or a Queen bed with a bit of extra space on each side.
What size pillow should I get for a Queen bed?
Get Queen-size pillows (20" x 30") for a Queen bed. Two Queen pillows span exactly 60 inches across, which matches the 60-inch width of a Queen mattress perfectly. Standard pillows also work but leave noticeable gaps on each side.
Can I use a Standard pillowcase on a Queen pillow?
No. A Queen pillow is 4 inches longer than a Standard pillow (30" vs 26"), so it will bunch up inside a Standard pillowcase. Always match the pillowcase size to the pillow size. Queen pillowcases are widely available at the same price as Standard.
What is the difference between a pillow sham and a pillowcase?
A pillowcase is a functional cover for sleeping. A pillow sham is a decorative cover designed to make the bed look polished when it is made. Shams are typically thicker, may have flanges or embroidery, and are removed before sleeping. They come in the same sizes as pillowcases (Standard, Queen, King, Euro).
How do I know what size pillow insert to buy for a decorative cover?
Buy a pillow insert that is 2 inches larger than the cover in each dimension. For example, use a 20" x 20" insert for an 18" x 18" cover. This creates a full, plump appearance. If the insert is the same size as the cover, it will look flat and deflated.
Are all pillow brands the same size?
Most Canadian pillow brands follow standard sizing (20" x 26" for Standard, 20" x 30" for Queen, 20" x 36" for King), but there can be variation of 1-2 inches between brands. Some King pillows are 20" x 40" instead of 20" x 36". Always check the exact dimensions listed on the product before buying, especially if you are matching pillows from different brands.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Our team has 38 years of experience helping customers find the right sleep solution. Call ahead or walk in any day of the week.
Sources
- Gordon SJ, Grimmer-Somers K, Trott P. Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical pain, sleep quality, and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Manual Therapy. 2009;14(6):671-678. DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2009.02.006
- Lei JX, Yang PF, Yang AL, et al. Ergonomic Consideration in Pillow Height Determinants and Evaluation. Healthcare. 2021;9(10):1333. DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101333
- Gordon SJ, Grimmer-Somers KA, Trott PH. Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical stiffness, headache and scapular/arm pain. J Pain Res. 2010;3:137-145. DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S11074
- Persson L, Moritz U. Neck support pillows: a comparative study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998;21(4):237-240. PMID: 9608379
Canadian pillow sizes follow standard, queen, and king dimensions, but the actual fill height matters more than the case size for sleep support. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford recommends choosing pillow size based on your mattress width and sleeping position rather than matching the pillow to the bed size. Brad notes that a king pillow on a queen bed can overhang the mattress edge and lose support, while a standard pillow on a king bed may leave gaps. Call (519) 770-0001 for pillow sizing advice.
Shop: Pillows at Mattress Miracle
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Popular pillows at Mattress Miracle:
- Somnia posture pillow
- Symbia Orthopedic Wedge Pillow
- Talalay Latex Pillow (Dreamcloud)
- Cool Ice Pillow (Cooling Gel)
Or our full pillow range in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
What is standard pillow size in Canada?
The standard pillow size in Canada is 20 inches by 26 inches (51 by 66 cm). This is the same as the US standard size.
What size pillow should I get for a Queen bed?
Get Queen-size pillows (20" x 30") for a Queen bed. Two Queen pillows span exactly 60 inches across, matching the Queen mattress width perfectly.
Can I use a Standard pillowcase on a Queen pillow?
No. A Queen pillow is 4 inches longer than a Standard pillow, so it will bunch up inside a Standard pillowcase. Always match the pillowcase size to the pillow size.
What is the difference between a pillow sham and a pillowcase?
A pillowcase is a functional cover for sleeping. A pillow sham is a decorative cover designed to make the bed look polished when it is made. Shams are removed before sleeping.
How do I know what size pillow insert to buy for a decorative cover?
Buy a pillow insert that is 2 inches larger than the cover in each dimension. For example, use a 20" x 20" insert for an 18" x 18" cover for a full, plump appearance.
Are all pillow brands the same size?
Most follow standard sizing, but there can be 1-2 inch variation between brands. Some King pillows are 20" x 40" instead of 20" x 36". Always check exact dimensions.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441 1/2 West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle -- 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON -- (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Come in and let our team help you find the right mattress for your needs. No pressure, no commission.