At times we are compensated for the links you click at no cost to you. Learn more about why you should trust our reviews and view our disclosure page.
Standard and Queen-sized pillows are the most common pillow sizes in the world but a lot of people mistake them to be the same size. They’re actually not. Sure, they may look fairly similar but we’re here to to tell you the key differences between the two.
Comparing Standard vs Queen pillows
| Pillow Sizes | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Standard | 20" x 26" |
| Queen | 20" x 30" |
The standard-size pillow measures 20 inches in length and 26 inches in width while the Queen-size pillow measures 20 inches in length and 30 inches in width. This makes the Queen pillow longer than a standard pillow by 4 inches.
Queen pillows are the most used pillow size in the United States, followed by King pillows and standard pillows. Then again, most people like to use a mix of different pillow sizes both for function and aesthetics.
Using a mix of Queen and standard-sized pillows looks best on a Queen bed or a full bed. Standard-sized pillows, due to their slightly smaller size, look best on twin or double beds.
Standard pillow pros
- Easily available
- Pillowcases are also easily available
- Comes in different lofts and types
- Can be used by all types of sleepers including stomach sleepers
- Fairly inexpensive
Not the smallest pillow size per se (since there are such things as wedge pillows and specialty pillows that are way smaller) but the standard-sized pillow is the smallest pillow size among common bed pillow sizes.
They come in different types, lofts and firmness options and look best on smaller bed sizes such as twin or double beds. To be fair, any pillow size can look good on bigger sized mattresses too, as long as you use a mix of different pillow sizes to achieve symmetry.
Standard pillows are easy to find as most bedding companies offer them. As for compatible pillowcases, they are easily available as well – from specialty bedding stores to stores such as Target and Walmart.
Standard-sized pillows are also fairly inexpensive unless, of course, you buy from high-end bedding brands.
Standard pillow cons
- Can only be used as a head pillow
- Only compatible with standard-sized pillow cases
- Standard pillows made from latex or proprietary memory foam can be pricey
When it comes to function, standard pillows work best as a head pillow since they will be too small to use as body pillows (unless, of course, it is used by a child). If you have a smaller bed and are the type of sleeper that needs a body pillow, you can try using a larger pillow like a King pillow or getting an actual specialty body pillow instead.
Although compatible pillowcases for standard-sized pillows are readily available and are fairly inexpensive, if all you’ve got are larger pillow case sizes then they’d look pretty loose on a standard pillow. If you don’t mind the extra length, then that’s fine. Otherwise, you would need to purchase standard pillowcases.
This might not really be considered a downside since inexpensive standard pillows can be found everywhere but if you buy from a high-end bedding brand, the cost would also be significantly higher.
Queen pillow pros
- Fairly inexpensive
- Works with all types of bed sizes such as a Queen or King bed
- Suitable for all sleeper types including strict side sleepers
- Can be used as a knee pillow or pregnancy pillow
- Compatible pillowcases are readily available
Queen pillows are very easy to find since most, if not all, bedding brands carry them. They also tend to be inexpensive unless you are buying one that’s made from specialty foam.
They can work with almost every bed sizes from a Queen size bed, a double bed or a standard King-sized bed. They may however look a little small and lost in oversized beds such as a Texas King bed but then again, you can always use a mix of King-size pillows and Queen pillows to make your bed look more cohesive.
Queen pillows are also suitable for all sleeper types, depending on loft and material. If you have high loft Queen pillows, you can even use them as pregnancy pillows or knee pillows for extra support. They may be a little too small though if you need a body pillow – we suggest using a King-size pillow for that.
Also depending on their loft and make, Queen pillows can provide ample neck support that may help alleviate neck pain or other conditions such as sleep apnea.
Just like how Queen-size pillows are common, so are Queen-size pillowcases and they can run the gamut from cheap polyester to very expensive silk or Egyptian cotton ones.
Queen pillow cons
- Will not work with a bigger mattress size
- Specialty brands can be expensive
- May not work if you need orthopedic pillows
If you’ve got an oversized mattress like a Wyoming King or even an Alaskan King bed, a Queen pillow may look out of place in such a large bed. We suggest using a mix of two King pillows, a couple of Euro pillows and Queen-size pillows to round out the look of your oversized bed. A Euro pillow measures 26 inches by 26 inches and it is a square-shaped pillow that is mostly used as a decorative piece. But be careful not to overdo it on the pillow decoration – this might make sitting up in bed a little difficult (this rule applies to any bed size, by the way).
Just like any other pillow type and size, some Queen pillows can be very expensive, especially ones that are made with specialty foam or come from high-end bedding brands.
If you need orthopedic pillows, Queen pillows might not be able to work as substitutes. You may may need to look into specialty pillow sizes if you really need them. Be aware that they may cost more than a regular pillow size.
How to choose between a Queen and a standard-sized pillow
Although the pillow size measurements between a Queen and a standard pillow are quite similar, there are a few different factors when it comes to choosing between a Queen and a standard-sized pillow. We have listed them all down for you below:
Mattress size
Take your bed size into consideration when choosing a pillow size. The smaller the mattress size, the smaller the pillow size and vice versa. While you can use any pillow size on any bed technically speaking, they might not look very nice or inviting. Symmetry is the key.
Sleeping position
Both Queen and standard-sized pillows are suitable for all sleeper types. It all boils down to loft and pillow type. Medium to higher loft pillows are best for back and side sleepers while low loft pillows are excellent for stomach sleepers. The main reason behind this is proper spinal alignment. All pillows give support but the loft of a pillow is the one that determines spinal alignment.
Budget
There are many inexpensive Queen and standard pillows to be had but buying from a high-end brand can cost you a whole lot more. The same can be said for pillows made out of latex foam or proprietary foam. If you want to splurge a little though, then by all means do.
Body type
A heavier-set person would need a bigger sized pillow whereas a more petite individual would do well with a smaller one. Find the one that gives you the most support.
FAQs
A Queen pillow is not the same size as a standard-sized pillow. A Queen pillow is longer than a standard pillow by 4 inches although they do have the same width.
A standard pillow will fit into a Queen pillowcase but it will look a little loose because the Queen pillowcase is longer.
Queen-sized pillows look best on a Queen mattress but just like with every other bed size, a mix of different sized pillows really pull the look together.
Conclusion
Although a Queen pillow and a standard pillow may look very similar, the Queen-size pillow is longer than a standard pillow by 4 inches.
Both pillow sizes offer support and spinal alignment but when it comes to the overall look of a bed, smaller pillow sizes work best on smaller beds while bigger pillow sizes work best on bigger beds.
In the end, the choice is still up to you.
Next step: Read our review of the Nuzzle pillow. If you’re looking for a queen-sized pillow then My Nuzzle is definitely a brand that you want to take a look at. We tested it out and came up with a list of pros and cons so you can decide for yourself if it’s the right choice for you.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
- Best mattresses with Affirm financing – data-backed performance tests - August 27, 2025
- Best mattresses – data-backed performance tests on 20+ brands - August 17, 2025
- Best mattresses without memory foam – hands-on performance test results - August 13, 2025
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?