Standard vs King Pillowcases: Which Size Do You Need?
Short answer. Buy the pillowcase that matches your pillow, not your bed. A UK standard pillowcase is 50 × 75 cm and fits a standard pillow; a king pillowcase is 50 × 90 cm and fits a king pillow. Both are the same width, so the only difference is 15 cm of length. A standard pillow will go into a king case but leaves a loose end; a king pillow will not close inside a standard case.
By Snoozyn · Updated October 2026
Standard vs king pillowcase is a question about your pillow, not your bed. It is easy to assume a king bed needs king pillowcases, but plenty of king beds are made up with standard pillows. Match the case to the pillow and the corners fill out and the envelope closes neatly.
Standard vs king pillowcase sizes compared
| Standard | King | |
|---|---|---|
| Pillowcase size | 50 × 75 cm | 50 × 90 cm |
| Pillow it fits | Standard pillow, a little under 50 × 75 cm | King pillow, close to 50 × 90 cm |
| Our pillow inserts | 48 × 73.5 × 20 cm | 50 × 90 × 20 cm |
| Two side by side | About 150 cm wide | About 180 cm wide |
| Usually used on | Single, double and king beds | King and super king beds |
Notice that the width is the same: a king pillow is not wider than a standard one, just longer. On the bed, that extra 15 cm runs across the mattress, not up towards the headboard.
How to tell which pillow you have
Check the label on the pillow itself, which usually gives the size. If it has gone, take the case off and measure the pillow flat, seam to seam. Around 48 to 50 cm by 70 to 75 cm is standard; around 50 × 90 cm is king. Our full guide to UK pillow sizes also covers square and body pillows.
What happens if you mix the sizes
A standard pillow in a king pillowcase
It goes in easily, but leaves about 15 cm of empty fabric at the closed end or the open end. You can tuck the spare length under the pillow, but it looks softer and slightly baggy. On a relaxed bed in crinkled gauze that can look intentional; on a crisp, tailored bed it will not.
A king pillow in a standard pillowcase
It will not fit. The pillow is longer than the case, so the end sticks out or the envelope flap cannot fold over it.
Which size suits which bed?
This comes down to the width of the mattress. A UK double is usually 135 cm wide, a king 150 cm and a super king 180 cm.
- Single: one standard pillow is the usual choice.
- Double: two standard pillows. Two kings would hang well over the edges.
- King: two standard pillows fit almost exactly across the mattress. Two kings run about 15 cm past each side, which some people like for a fuller look.
- Super king: two king pillows fill the width exactly. Two standard pillows leave a gap in the middle, which you can fill with a cushion.
For how many pillows to stack and how to lay them out, see how many pillows to have on a bed. For every other piece of bedding by size, our king size bedding guide lists the duvet and sheet sizes too.
Buying abroad, or a pillow from another country
Pillow sizes are not the same everywhere, which matters if you have brought pillows home from overseas or are buying from a shop abroad.
- US standard pillowcases are usually 20 × 26 inches, about 51 × 66 cm, so they are shorter than a UK standard. A UK standard pillow will be a tight squeeze in one.
- US king pillowcases are usually 20 × 36 inches, about 51 × 91 cm, close enough to a UK king to swap in most cases.
- Continental Europe often uses square pillows, typically 65 × 65 cm or 80 × 80 cm, which need square cases of their own.
If in doubt, measure the pillow rather than trusting the name on the label.
Getting a neat fit with an envelope closure
All our pillowcases close with an envelope, an internal flap at the open end that folds over the end of the pillow, so there are no zips or buttons. For a neat finish, push the pillow right into the closed end first so the corners are filled, then fold the flap over the open end. The flap holds best when the case matches the pillow; on a standard pillow in a king case it sits loosely.
Our pillowcases in both sizes
Every pillowcase pair we sell comes in standard and king, and most fabrics are also sold singly.
| Pillowcase | Standard pair | King pair |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Cotton, 200 TC percale | £12.90 | £14.90 |
| Cloud Cotton, double gauze | £17.90 | £19.90 |
| Silky Cotton, 300 TC sateen | £22.90 | £24.90 |
| Linen, stonewashed French flax | £29.90 | £34.90 |
If your pillow is neither size, such as a 65 × 65 cm square, our pillowcases can be cut to order: send the measurements and a person prices it. If you are buying pillows at the same time, our pillow inserts are sized for these cases.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard pillowcase in the UK?
A UK standard pillowcase is 50 × 75 cm. It fits a standard pillow, which is usually a little smaller than the case.
What size is a king pillowcase in the UK?
A UK king pillowcase is 50 × 90 cm. It is the same width as a standard pillowcase but 15 cm longer.
Do I need king pillowcases for a king size bed?
Not necessarily. Choose pillowcases to fit your pillows, not your bed. Two standard pillows fit almost exactly across a UK king mattress, so many king beds use standard pillowcases.
Can I put a standard pillow in a king pillowcase?
Yes, it fits, but it leaves about 15 cm of loose fabric. You can tuck the extra under the pillow, but the look is softer and less tailored than a matching case.
Will a king pillow fit in a standard pillowcase?
No. A king pillow is about 15 cm too long, so the envelope flap cannot close over it.
Are king pillowcases wider than standard ones?
No. Both are 50 cm wide in the UK. A king pillowcase is only longer, 90 cm instead of 75 cm.
Shop the story
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Plain Cotton Pillowcases
Standard or king, 42 colours. From £7.90. -
Silky Cotton Pillowcases
300 TC sateen, standard or king. From £12.90. -
Linen Pillowcases
Stonewashed French flax. From £17.90. -
Classic Pillow Insert
Sized to fill our cases. From £23.90.
