The right pillow size can make a big difference to your sleep environment. Your pillow is important not only for comfort and support, but it also plays a part in the overall aesthetics of your bedroom.
Common pillow sizes in Australia include Standard (48cm x 73cm), Queen (51cm x 76cm) and King (51cm x 91cm).
This guide provides a clear breakdown of pillow dimensions, bed compatibility and pillowcase sizes, so you can confidently choose the right pillows for your needs.
Pillow sizes in Australia
Common pillow sizes available in Australia are Standard, Queen and King pillows. European and body pillows are also increasingly common for both comfort needs and general styling purposes.
While there are some small variances between retailers and brands, you will find that pillows in Australia generally follow a similar trend in dimensions. We have included a chart below to help compare sizes and understand their best uses.
| Pillow type | Dimensions (cm) | Dimensions (in) | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard |
48 x 73 cm |
19 x 29″ |
Most common size, fits Single, Double and Queen beds |
Widely available, easy to find pillowcases |
|
Queen |
51 x 76 cm |
20 x 30″ |
Queen beds, restless sleepers who move at night |
Slightly longer than Standard, gives a fuller look on Queen beds |
|
King |
51 x 91 cm |
20 x 36″ |
King and Super King beds |
Provides extra surface area, can double as backrest pillows |
|
European (Euro) |
65 x 65 cm |
26 x 26″ |
Decorative styling, reading in bed, back support |
Square shape, often used with Euro shams |
|
Body pillow |
45 x 150 cm (varies) |
18 x 59″ (varies) |
Side sleepers, pregnant women, hugging support |
Long pillow designed for comfort and alignment |
Pillowcase sizes
Ensure you select appropriately sized pillowcases to match the pillows on your bed and in your home. The quick reference list below aims to help you match your pillows with widely available pillowcases in Australia.
Pillowcases often vary by a few centimetres depending on the brand, but they should generally fit most pillows so long as you choose the right size category (such as a Standard or Queen). Brands selling non-standard pillow sizes will often also stock pillowcases to match their range, so it is important to clarify your pillow size before you shop.
- Standard: 48-50 x 73-75 cm
- Queen: 50-54 x 76-80 cm
- King: 50-54 x 90-96 cm
- European: 65 x 65 cm
- Body pillow: 45-48 x 150-152 cm
Australian vs international pillow sizes
If you’re shopping internationally or browsing online, it’s helpful to know how Australian pillow sizes compare to the US and UK. You should also double check any international pillowcases and ensure they will fit your pillows at home.
These international sizes are relatively similar to ours, but you may encounter regional differences, such as the Standard size in the UK, which is an equivalent of the Australian and US Queen size.
| Pillow type | AUS (cm) | AUS (in) | USA (in) | UK (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard |
48 x 73 cm |
19 x 29″ |
20 x 26″ |
50 x 75 cm |
|
Queen |
51 x 76 cm |
20 x 30″ |
20 x 30″ |
– |
|
King |
51 x 91 cm |
20 x 36″ |
20 x 36″ |
50 x 90 cm |
|
European (Euro) |
65 x 65 cm |
26 x 26″ |
26 x 26″ |
65 x 65 cm |
|
Body pillow |
45 x 150 cm (varies) |
18 x 59″ (varies) |
20 x 54″ (varies) |
45 x 150 cm (varies) |
Pillow size & bed compatibility
Different bed sizes, bed frames and bedroom setups pair best with different pillow sizes. As a general tip, match your pillow size to your bed size for the best balance. Most people stick with Standard pillows, but if you’ve got a King or Super King mattress, consider larger King or European pillows to comfortably fill the extra space.
- Single size: 1 Standard size is usually enough
- Double size: 2 Standard pillows side by side for a balanced look
- Queen: 2 Standard pillows are common, but Queens fill the mattress width better
- King: 2 King pillows fit perfectly, or use 3 Standards for flexibility
- Super King: For luxury styling, layer 2 King pillows with 2 decorative Euros
- Styling/decor tip: Add European pillows, a body pillow or other cushions for layering, reading in bed or adding a stylish finish.
How to choose the right pillow
In addition to size, there are other factors to take into consideration when shopping for pillows. How you rest your head at night affects your nightly comfort, spinal support and sleeping environment.
Ensure your pillow suits your sleep position.
Back sleepers typically need a medium to firm pillow, such as memory foam or latex, to keep the head and neck aligned. Side sleepers benefit from a high-loft, firm pillow that fills the gap between the neck and mattress. Front sleepers usually require a low, soft pillow, like feather or down, to prevent the head from tilting upward and straining the neck.
Choose the right shape for your sleeping style.
Beyond the traditional rectangular design, pillows are available in a variety of shapes. A curved body pillow can help reduce movement during the night by preventing you from rolling over, while a contour pillow features a built-in arch to better support the neck. Contour pillows are especially well suited to back and side sleepers.
Select a fill that will be suited to your needs.
Pillows come in a range of natural and synthetic fills, including feather, down, cotton, wool, polyester, latex and memory foam. Feather and down offer softness but may compress over time, while down alternatives provide similar comfort with hypoallergenic benefits. Cotton and wool are breathable and moisture-wicking, though they can lose shape. Polyester is affordable but may retain heat. Latex is durable and supportive, while memory foam moulds to the head and neck, easing pressure but sometimes trapping heat.
For more information, read our guide: How to choose a pillow: the ultimate guide for your best sleep
Pillows and accessories
View Sealy pillows
Our range of pillows includes memory foam contour pillows, gel-infused options and Tencel covers for cooler comfort.
Questions often asked about pillow sizes in Australia
What size are pillows in Australia?
The Standard size is 48 x 73 cm, which fits most beds and pillowcases. Other common sizes are Queen (51 x 76 cm) and King (51 x 91 cm).
Is a queen pillow bigger than a standard pillow?
Yes, a Queen size pillow is slightly longer at 51 x 76 cm, offering more room for restless sleepers.
Do king pillows fit on a queen bed?
They can, but they may look oversized. Two Queen pillows usually fit a Queen bed better.
How do you know what size pillow you need?
You should aim to match the pillows to your bed size, sleep position and style preference.
What size pillowcase do I need in Australia?
Match the pillowcase size to your pillow. For example, 50 x 75 cm pillowcases are designed to fit Standard size pillows.
