They are very nice pillows but they are nowhere 17"x17". It's a stretch to call them 16"x16". I am going to keep them anyway because this size works for me just fine. I did measure them and they are close to being 16x16 from and to the very tip of the corner. I just received them today, therefore, I am not sure how they will hold over time. I got them mostly for the look so they look good on my new couch.