Standard Pillowcase Size: Our Pillowcase Chart And Fit Guide

Standard pillowcase size: our pillowcase chart and fit guide

The standard pillowcase size at California Design Den runs 20 to 21 inches wide and 30 to 32 inches long, depending on the collection. Each standard/queen pair in our Pillowcases collection is made to fit either a standard or a queen pillow. California Design Den king pairs keep a similar width and run 36 to 41 inches long for king pillows.

Pillowcase sizes are not identical from one brand to the next, or even from one collection to the next, so the figures in this guide describe California Design Den pillowcase pairs only. As a family-owned cotton bedding brand, we list the exact measurements for each pair here, so you can compare a standard pillowcase size against the pillow you already sleep on.

Below, you will find a pillowcase chart by collection, the pillowcases included in each sheet set, and a simple way to measure your pillow with a tape measure. We also cover how closures and weaves change the way a pillowcase looks and feels on the bed.

Quick answer: standard pillowcase size chart by collection

At California Design Den, the standard pillowcase size is a standard/queen case measuring 20 to 21 inches wide by 30 to 32 inches long. A California Design Den king case keeps the same width as the standard/queen case in its collection and runs 36 to 41 inches long. Other brands may cut their cases differently, so use these figures for California Design Den pairs.

• California Design Den standard/queen pairs measure 21 x 30 or 21 x 32 inches in cotton sateen, Egyptian Cotton and Organic Cotton Percale, and 20 x 32 inches in Portuguese Flannel.
• California Design Den king pairs measure 21 x 36, 21 x 40 or 21 x 41 inches in those cotton collections, and 20 x 40 inches in Portuguese Flannel.
• Every measurement in this guide is listed as width x length, in inches.

Pillowcase sizes by California Design Den collection

This chart lists the California Design Den pillowcase pairs sold separately in our cotton sateen, Egyptian Cotton, Organic Cotton Percale and Portuguese Flannel collections. Use the row for the collection you are shopping.

Two patterns stand out in the chart. The numbered cotton sateen pairs run 32 inches long in the standard/queen size.

The Egyptian Cotton and Organic Cotton Percale pairs run 30 inches long in the same size. Neither length is the right or wrong one. Each is matched to the sheet sets in its own collection.

Pillowcases included in each sheet set

Each California Design Den sheet set comes with pillowcases matched to its bed size. The number of cases depends on the size of the set, not the collection, but not every collection is made in every size.

• 1000 TC Indulgent Luxury sheet sets come in queen, king, cal king and split king only.
• Split king sheet sets come in the numbered cotton sateen collections only.
• Egyptian Cotton Percale sheet sets come in full, queen, king and cal king only.
• Portuguese Flannel sizes differ by colorway, so check the product page for your color.
• The 400 TC Everyday Ease 6-piece set adds two extra pillowcases and is made in full, queen, king and cal king.
• In a few sets, the pillowcase differs slightly from the pair sold separately. The queen pillowcase in the 400 TC Everyday Ease printed set measures 21 x 30 inches, for example.
• The pillowcase size for each set is listed on its product page, so check it before you mix pairs and sets.

If you are choosing new sheets at the same time, our guide Best Sheets for Pillow Top Mattress covers the sheet side of the decision.

King pillowcase size and the longer cut

California Design Den king pairs keep the width of the standard/queen case in the same collection and add length. Here is how the king pairs break down.

• 21 x 40 inches: 400 TC Everyday Ease, 500 TC Weekend Soft solid, 600 TC Restful Retreat and 800 TC Lavish Luxury.
• 21 x 41 inches: 1000 TC Indulgent Luxury and 500 TC Weekend Soft striped.
• 21 x 36 inches: Egyptian Cotton Sateen, Egyptian Cotton Percale and Organic Cotton Percale.
• 20 x 40 inches: Portuguese Flannel.

King, cal king and split king sheet sets each include two king pillowcases. A king case on a smaller pillow leaves extra fabric at the open end, which gives a softly folded look.

How to match your pillow to a standard pillowcase size

A California Design Den standard/queen pillowcase is made for a standard pillow or a queen pillow. Measure your pillow and compare it with the chart, so the pillow slides in easily and the open end has room to finish neatly. 

Pillows are made by many different brands, and pillow measurements are not part of the specifications we publish. The most reliable way to match a case is to measure the pillow you already own.

How to measure your pillow before you buy

You only need a tape measure and a flat surface. Measure the pillow without fluffing it first.

• Lay the pillow flat on a bed or a table.
• Measure across the short side, from seam to seam. That is the width.
• Measure along the long side, from seam to seam. That is the length.
• Write both numbers down in inches, width first.

Compare those numbers with the chart above. If the pillow is the same length as the case or a little shorter, the case will close over it neatly.

How to measure a pillowcase you already own

Measuring an old case is a quick way to confirm which size you have been buying. It also helps when a pillowcase has lost its label.

• Turn the pillowcase right side out and lay it flat.
• Measure the width across the closed end.
• Measure the length from the closed end to the edge of the opening.

Check your figures against the rows in the chart. A case close to 21 x 30 or 21 x 32 inches matches California Design Den standard/queen pairs, while a case of 36 to 41 inches long matches our king pairs. 

Why a little extra length helps

A pillowcase that is slightly longer than the pillow gives the open end room to fold or close. That small allowance is what makes a bed look finished.

• A side-opening case leaves a soft fold of fabric past the end of the pillow.
• An envelope case uses an inner flap that tucks over the end, so the pillow stays covered.
• A case shorter than the pillow leaves part of the pillow showing at the open end.

Standard vs Oxford vs housewife pillowcase sizes and styles

Standard, Oxford and housewife describe how a pillowcase is finished, not only how big it is. The same pillowcase measurements can come in more than one style.

• Standard or side opening: one open end finished with a deep hem.
• Housewife or envelope: an inner flap at the open end that closes the pillow in.
• Oxford: a flat fabric border, often called a flange, around all four sides.

Side-opening pillowcases

A side-opening pillowcase has one open end finished with a hem. It is the classic shape of a standard pillowcase, and the pillow slides in and out easily.

Our 400 TC Everyday Ease, 500 TC Weekend Soft, 600 TC Restful Retreat, 800 TC Lavish Luxury and 1000 TC Indulgent Luxury pillowcases use a classic side opening with a 4-inch hem. The Restful Retreat 600 Sateen Cotton Pillowcase Pair in Gray is one example.

• The pillow goes in and comes out quickly on laundry day.
• The hem frames the open end with a tidy line.

Envelope or housewife pillowcases

An envelope pillowcase, also called a housewife pillowcase, has an inner flap at the open end. The flap folds over the end of the pillow, so the case looks closed on both ends.

Our Egyptian Cotton Sateen, Egyptian Cotton Percale, Organic Cotton Percale and Portuguese Flannel pillowcases use an envelope closure. The Signature Egyptian Cotton Sateen Pillowcase Pair in sage green is one example.

• The pillow stays covered on all sides.
• The closed end gives a neat look on a made bed.

Oxford, decorative and specialty pillowcase sizes

Oxford pillowcases and pillow shams are decorative pieces. A flat flange border frames the pillow, and shams are often layered in front of the pillows you sleep on.

Pillow shams come with our Everyday Ease 400 Sateen Duvet Cover Set. The duvet insert is not included.

• One sham, 21 x 27 inches, in twin/twin XL sets.
• Two shams, 21 x 27 inches, in full/queen sets.
• Two shams, 21 x 37 inches, in king and oversized king sets.
• Every sham has a 6-inch hem.

Specialty pillowcases, such as euro, body, travel and toddler pillowcases, follow their own measurements. They are not part of our pillowcase pairs, so measure the pillow and check the maker's size chart before you buy.

Fabric and weave choices in a standard pillowcase size

Size decides fit, and fabric decides feel. Every California Design Den pillowcase pair in this guide is cotton, and the weave and staple length shape how each case feels against your face.

The same standard/queen measurements can feel quite different from one weave to another. Pick the weave first, then the size.

Sateen, percale and flannel weaves

The weave is the pattern in which the threads cross. It changes the surface, the sheen and the drape of a pillowcase.

Our Egyptian Cotton collection is sold on staple length and weave. Each Egyptian Cotton pillowcase pair is 100% extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, in a sateen or percale weave, finished with an envelope closure.

• Percale is a one-over-one-under weave. It has a matte surface and an open, airy hand.
• Sateen is a four-over-one-under weave. It feels smoother, with more drape and a soft sheen.
• Portuguese Flannel is 100% cotton flannel, triple-brushed for a fuzzy, velvety plush surface.

Choose percale if you like a matte, airy surface. Choose sateen if you prefer a smoother hand with a soft sheen. Choose flannel if you want something fuzzy and warm in the colder months.

Thread count in cotton sateen pillowcases

Thread count describes how a cotton sateen pillowcase feels and how much weight it has on the pillow. Material and thread count work together, so pick the combination that suits how you sleep.

• 400 TC Everyday Ease, 500 TC Weekend Soft and 600 TC Restful Retreat are 100% long-staple cotton, sateen weave.
• 800 TC Lavish Luxury and 1000 TC Indulgent Luxury are 100% extra-long staple cotton, sateen weave.
• Long-staple and extra-long staple cotton produce smoother, stronger yarn.

All five cotton sateen pairs share the same standard/queen measurement of 21 x 32 inches, so the choice between them comes down to feel and weight rather than size.

Caring for your pillowcases

Care instructions are set by collection, so follow the care line for your exact pillowcase pair. For the two pairs featured below, the care line is listed with each product.

How often you wash depends on your routine. Our guide How Often Should You Wash Your Pillowcase covers timing in detail.

• Keep each pair folded with its matching sheet set, so the sizes stay together.
• Wash pillowcases with the rest of the set, following its care line.

California Design Den pillowcases in the standard pillowcase size

We make cotton pillowcases in a standard/queen pair and a king pair. The two pairs below are 100% natural cotton - no petroleum-based synthetic fibers, no polyester, no microfiber.

Each pair suits a different way of sleeping. Choose by the feel and the closure you prefer.

Signature Egyptian Cotton Sateen Pillowcase Pair

The Signature Egyptian Cotton Sateen Pillowcase Pair has a smooth, silky feel with a soft sheen. The fabric is lightweight, with extra-long staple cotton's smooth hand, and it is not thick.

The Signature Egyptian Cotton Sateen Pillowcase Pair in sage green is 100% extra-long staple Egyptian cotton, sateen weave, finished with an envelope closure.

• Standard/queen pair: two pillowcases, 21 x 30 inches each.
• King pair: two pillowcases, 21 x 36 inches each.
• Backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal.
• Certified with the Gold Seal by the Cotton Egypt Association — authenticating genuine Egyptian-grown cotton through DNA testing and supply chain verification.
• Tested for harmful substances to OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.
• Care: machine wash warm, tumble dry low, do not bleach.

Choose this pair if you like a silky surface and a closed envelope end on a made bed.

Restful Retreat 600 Sateen Cotton Pillowcase Pair

The Restful Retreat 600 Sateen Cotton Pillowcase Pair, from our 600 TC Restful Retreat collection, feels soft, smooth and slightly dense, with a polished finish. It is made from a substantial, smooth fabric with a refined handfeel, and its weight is structurally balanced, with a bit more body.

The Restful Retreat 600 Sateen Cotton Pillowcase Pair in Gray is 100% long-staple cotton, sateen weave, with a classic side opening and a 4-inch hem.

• Standard/queen pair: two pillowcases, 21 x 32 inches each.
• King pair: two pillowcases, 21 x 40 inches each.
• Backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal.
• Tested for harmful substances to OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.
• Care: machine wash warm, tumble dry low, do not bleach.

Choose this pair if you like a little more body in your pillowcase and an open, hemmed end.

We make our own sheets. That's why the price makes sense.

How to choose pillowcase sizes for your pillows and bed

Choose a pillowcase by the pillow, not by the bed. The pillow decides the case, and the bed only decides how many pillows you use.

Start with the measurements, then narrow down by closure and feel. That order keeps the choice simple.

Match the pillowcase to your pillow

The size on the pillow's own label is a good starting point. A tape measure confirms it.

• Standard or queen pillow: choose a standard/queen pair.
• King pillow: choose a king pair.
• Not sure: measure the pillow and compare it with the chart near the top of this guide.

If your measurements sit between two rows, lean toward the case with a little extra length. The open end will close more neatly.

Pick the closure and feel you prefer

Once the size is settled, the closure and weave decide how the pillowcase looks and feels. Neither choice changes the fit.

• Side opening: 400 TC Everyday Ease, 500 TC Weekend Soft, 600 TC Restful Retreat, 800 TC Lavish Luxury and 1000 TC Indulgent Luxury pairs.
• Smooth with a soft sheen: sateen weaves.
• Matte and airy: percale weaves.
• Envelope closure: Egyptian Cotton Sateen, Egyptian Cotton Percale, Organic Cotton Percale and Portuguese Flannel pairs.
• Fuzzy and plush: Portuguese Flannel, a warm, heavyweight cotton flannel best suited to cold sleepers and cold-weather bedrooms.

Pair pillowcases with sheets that fit

Pillowcases come with every sheet set, so the size of the set decides how many cases you get. A queen set includes two standard/queen pillowcases, and a king set includes two king pillowcases. A twin or twin XL set includes one standard pillowcase for a single pillow.

Extra pairs let you rotate pillowcases between washes without waiting on the laundry. If you are replacing your sheets too, our guide Best Sheets for Pillow Top Mattress can help you choose sheets before you add pillowcases.

Frequently asked questions about the standard pillowcase size

What size pillowcase fits a king pillow?

At California Design Den, a king pair. King pairs measure 21 x 36, 21 x 40 or 21 x 41 inches by collection, and 20 x 40 inches in Portuguese Flannel.

How do I know what size my pillowcase is?

Lay it flat and measure width and length in inches. Then compare the figures with the pillowcase sizes in the California Design Den chart above.

Is a standard pillowcase the same size as a queen?

At California Design Den, yes. Our standard/queen pair is one size, made to fit a standard or a queen pillow.

Can I put a queen pillow in a standard pillowcase?

Yes, in a California Design Den standard/queen pair. These measure 21 x 30 or 21 x 32 inches by collection, and 20 x 32 in Portuguese Flannel.

What is the average size of a standard pillowcase?

Sizes vary by brand. At California Design Den, the standard pillowcase size is 20 to 21 inches wide by 30 to 32 inches long, by collection.

Final verdict on the standard pillowcase size

The standard pillowcase size at California Design Den is a standard/queen case of 20 to 21 inches wide by 30 to 32 inches long. It fits a standard or a queen pillow, and the California Design Den king pair adds length for king pillows. Pillowcase sizes vary between brands, so measure your pillow before you compare cases from elsewhere.

Key takeaways

• Measure your pillow first, width then length, in inches.
• Choose a standard/queen pair for a standard or queen pillow, and a king pair for a king pillow.
• Pick the closure you prefer: a side opening or an envelope.
• Pick the weave you prefer: smooth sateen, matte percale or plush flannel.

Where to start

Browse our Pillowcases collection to compare each pair by size, closure and weave. Once your new pair is on the bed, our guide How Often Should You Wash Your Pillowcase helps you keep a simple routine.

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