How To Measure Pillow Size

Ever bought a pillow online only to find it's not quite the plump, supportive cloud you envisioned? You're not alone! Pillow sizes, while seemingly straightforward, can be surprisingly confusing. Manufacturers often use different methods, and the listed dimensions might not always reflect the actual sleeping surface. This can lead to discomfort, neck pain, and a bedroom aesthetic that's just a little...off.

Accurately measuring your pillows is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures you purchase the correct size pillowcases, preventing bunching, slipping, and a generally untidy appearance. Secondly, knowing the true size helps you determine if a pillow is truly supportive for your sleep style and body type. Finally, if you're crafting your own pillows, precise measurements are critical for achieving professional-looking results and a comfortable end product.

What are the standard pillow sizes and how do I measure them properly?

How do you accurately measure a pillow's dimensions?

To accurately measure a pillow's dimensions, lay it flat on a smooth surface and use a flexible measuring tape to measure from seam to seam across its width, length, and sometimes its height (for pillows with significant loft or thickness). Gently compress the pillow to a natural, relaxed state while measuring, avoiding over-compression or stretching that would distort the true size.

When measuring the width and length, focus on obtaining the most extended distance between the stitched seams that define the pillow's edges. If the pillow has rounded corners or unusual shapes, try to visualize the rectangle or square that best encompasses the overall form and measure those imaginary straight lines. This will give you a standardized size that's helpful for selecting pillowcases or shams.

For pillows with considerable thickness, such as those filled with memory foam or down, the height or loft measurement can be crucial for comfort and aesthetics. To measure loft, place the pillow on a flat surface and gently use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the distance from the surface to the highest point of the pillow's crown when it's at rest. Avoid pushing down on the pillow while measuring, as this will compress the fill and provide an inaccurate reading.

What's the best way to measure a pillow with odd shapes?

The best way to measure an oddly shaped pillow is to determine its *maximum* length and width. Imagine placing the pillow on a flat surface and measuring the longest distance from one edge to the opposite edge in both directions. These maximum dimensions will provide a good approximation of the pillow's overall size and help you find appropriately sized pillowcases or inserts.

When dealing with irregular shapes, simply using a standard measuring tape can be challenging. The goal is to capture the largest possible dimensions to ensure any coverings or inserts you purchase will adequately fit. Avoid trying to follow the exact contours of the pillow, as this can lead to inaccurate and smaller measurements that ultimately result in a poor fit. Instead, focus on finding the two points furthest apart along each axis.

For particularly complex or sculpted pillows, consider using a flexible measuring tape or even a piece of string. Trace the outline of the pillow onto a large piece of paper, then measure the traced outline's maximum length and width. This method offers a flatter representation for more accurate measurement. Remember that these measurements are primarily for determining the necessary size of pillowcases or inserts. Don’t worry about exact volume or intricate details when taking the measurements.

Does pillow fill affect how I should measure it?

Yes, the type and amount of pillow fill can slightly affect how you should measure it, primarily because different fills settle and compress differently. While the standard method of measuring seam to seam remains the same, you might need to account for loft (height) and how the fill distributes within the casing for the most accurate assessment, especially when fitting pillowcases.

Different pillow fills behave uniquely. For example, down pillows tend to be very compressible, and their initial loft will significantly reduce with use. Memory foam pillows, on the other hand, hold their shape better but might still have some give. Polyester fill can clump and flatten over time. Therefore, when measuring, gently fluff the pillow to redistribute the fill and try to gauge its approximate filled-out dimensions. When trying to determine if a pillow will fit a specific pillowcase, consider the "usable" size of the pillow. This might be slightly smaller than the seam-to-seam measurement, particularly for overstuffed pillows or those with very firm fills. A good practice is to gently compress the pillow while measuring to simulate how it will behave inside a pillowcase. Keep in mind that the pillowcase will also have internal seams that reduce the internal size. If you are unsure, measure the internal dimensions of the pillowcase and compare it to the pillow.

Are there standard sizes for pillows and how are they measured?

Yes, there are standard sizes for pillows, and they are typically measured by their length and width in inches when the pillow is lying flat. These standard sizes help ensure that pillows fit properly within pillowcases and on beds of various sizes.

While variations may exist between manufacturers, the common standard pillow sizes include Standard, Super Standard, Queen, King, and Body pillows. A Standard pillow usually measures around 20 x 26 inches, making it a versatile choice for twin or full-size beds. Queen pillows are slightly longer, measuring 20 x 30 inches, often used on queen-size beds for a fuller look. King pillows, designed for king-size beds, are the longest at 20 x 36 inches. Super Standard pillows fall somewhere between Standard and Queen, offering a slightly extended length. Body pillows are significantly longer, around 20 x 54 inches, designed to support the entire body. To measure a pillow, use a flexible measuring tape. Lay the pillow flat on a surface and measure straight across from seam to seam for both the length and the width. Be sure to measure the pillow when it is unstuffed or minimally stuffed to get an accurate reading that reflects the fabric size, not the inflated size. Keep in mind that some pillow inserts might be slightly larger than the stated size to ensure a plump fit within the pillow cover.

Where on the pillow should I place the measuring tape?

Place the measuring tape along the center of the pillow's surface, following the curve from one edge to the opposite edge. Don't measure around the perimeter or along the seam; instead, measure directly across the fullest part of the pillow for both length and width.

To ensure accurate measurements, gently flatten the pillow with your hand, but avoid compressing it excessively. The goal is to mimic the pillow's natural loft when in use. Measuring a completely compressed pillow will underestimate its true size, while measuring a puffed-up pillow will overestimate it. The tape measure should follow the gentle curve of the pillow's surface without pulling it taut. It's important to note that pillow sizes are nominal, meaning they're approximate and may vary slightly from the actual measurements. Manufacturing tolerances can account for minor discrepancies. Therefore, if you're buying pillowcases, it's best to choose a size that matches the nominal pillow size, even if the actual measurement is off by an inch or so. Standard pillow sizes typically include:

How do you measure a pillow's thickness or loft?

To measure a pillow's thickness, also known as its loft, place the pillow on a flat surface, like a table or floor. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance from the surface to the highest point of the pillow when it's resting naturally. Avoid compressing the pillow while measuring to get an accurate reading of its uncompressed loft.

The loft is an important factor to consider when choosing a pillow because it significantly impacts comfort and support. Higher loft pillows are generally preferred by side sleepers as they fill the larger gap between the head and mattress, promoting proper spinal alignment. Back and stomach sleepers often benefit from lower loft pillows to prevent neck strain. Remember that the listed or advertised loft measurement might differ slightly from the actual measurement due to variations in filling and manufacturing processes. Several factors can affect a pillow's loft measurement over time. The fill material compresses with repeated use, gradually reducing the pillow's height. This is especially true for down and feather pillows. Regularly fluffing your pillow can help redistribute the filling and restore some of its loft. If you notice a significant decrease in loft that fluffing doesn’t fix, it may be time to replace your pillow.

What's the difference between cut size and finished size for pillows?

The cut size of a pillow refers to the dimensions of the fabric pieces before they are sewn together, while the finished size is the actual size of the pillow after it has been sewn, stuffed, and completed. The finished size is always smaller than the cut size due to seam allowances and the puffing effect of the filling material.

When creating pillows, you start with fabric cut to a specific size (the cut size). This allows for extra material along the edges that will be used to create the seams. For example, if you want a finished pillow of 18" x 18", you might cut two fabric squares at 19" x 19". The extra inch all around (0.5" on each edge per piece of fabric) accounts for the seam allowance, typically 1/2 inch. As you sew the fabric together, you lose that extra material within the seam, thus making the finished pillow smaller than the original cut pieces. Additionally, the filling you use inside the pillow impacts the final dimensions. As you stuff the pillow, the filling will cause the fabric to puff out. This puffing action shortens the measured distance across the face of the pillow from seam to seam, giving the appearance that the pillow has shrunk. The amount of "shrinkage" due to stuffing depends on the type of filling. Therefore, accounting for seam allowances and stuffing density is crucial to achieving your desired finished pillow size. Accurately calculating the difference between cut size and desired finished size will help to avoid disappointment with the final product.

And there you have it! Measuring your pillow doesn't have to be a chore. We hope this guide helped you find the perfect size for your needs. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back soon for more helpful tips and tricks!