When self-publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), it's essential to choose the correct trim size for your book, as this affects both the aesthetic appeal and the production costs. KDP supports a variety of trim sizes for hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. Below is a summary of the available options and considerations for each type.
Table of Contents
- Hardcover Trim Sizes
- Paperback Trim Sizes
- Ebook
- Summary Table
- Choosing the Right Book Size for Your Project
- Ready-to-Use Templates for KDP
- Frequently Asked Questions
Hardcover Trim Sizes
Hardcover books on KDP are printed as case laminate, meaning the cover art is printed directly on the cover without a dust jacket. The following are the available trim sizes for hardcover books:
- 5.5" x 8.5" (13.97 x 21.59 cm)
- 6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
- 6.14" x 9.21" (15.6 x 23.39 cm)
- 7" x 10" (17.78 x 25.4 cm)
- 8.25" x 11" (20.96 x 27.94 cm)
The minimum page count for hardcover books is 75 pages, and the maximum is 550 pages (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing) (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing).
Paperback Trim Sizes
Paperback books offer more flexibility in terms of trim sizes. The most common size in the U.S. is 6" x 9", but KDP provides several other options as well:
- 5" x 8" (12.7 x 20.32 cm)
- 5.06" x 7.81" (12.85 x 19.84 cm)
- 5.25" x 8" (13.34 x 20.32 cm)
- 5.5" x 8.5" (13.97 x 21.59 cm)
- 6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
- 6.14" x 9.21" (15.6 x 23.39 cm)
- 6.69" x 9.61" (16.99 x 24.41 cm)
- 7" x 10" (17.78 x 25.4 cm)
- 7.44" x 9.69" (18.9 x 24.61 cm)
- 7.5" x 9.25" (19.05 x 23.5 cm)
- 8" x 10" (20.32 x 25.4 cm)
- 8.25" x 6" (20.96 x 15.24 cm)
- 8.25" x 8.25" (20.96 x 20.96 cm)
- 8.5" x 8.5" (21.59 x 21.59 cm)
- 8.5" x 11" (21.59 x 27.94 cm)
- 8.27" x 11.69" (21 x 29.7 cm)
Each trim size has specific requirements for minimum and maximum page counts, which vary depending on the type of paper and ink used (black ink, standard color, premium color) (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing) (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing).
Ebook
For ebooks, the concept of trim size does not apply in the same way since ebooks are reflowable and adapt to the screen size of the device on which they are viewed. However, it is still important to ensure your manuscript is properly formatted for digital reading (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing).
Summary Table
| Book Type | Trim Size (in inches) | Trim Size (in cm) | Minimum Pages | Maximum Pages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardcover Regular | 5.5" x 8.5" | 13.97 x 21.59 | 75 | 550 |
| Hardcover Regular | 6" x 9" | 15.24 x 22.86 | 75 | 550 |
| Hardcover Large | 6.14" x 9.21" | 15.6 x 23.39 | 75 | 550 |
| Hardcover Large | 8.25" x 11" | 20.96 x 27.94 | 75 | 550 |
| Paperback Regular | 5" x 8" | 12.7 x 20.32 | 24 | 828 |
| Paperback Regular | 5.06" x 7.81" | 12.85 x 19.84 | 24 | 828 |
| Paperback Regular | 5.25" x 8" | 13.34 x 20.32 | 24 | 828 |
| Paperback Regular | 5.5" x 8.5" | 13.97 x 21.59 | 24 | 828 |
| Paperback Large | 6.14" x 9.21" | 15.6 x 23.39 | 24 | 828 |
| Paperback Large | 7" x 10" | 17.78 x 25.4 | 24 | 828 |
| Paperback Large | 8.25" x 6" | 20.96 x 15.24 | 24 | 800 |
| Paperback Large | 8.5" x 11" | 21.59 x 27.94 | 24 | 590 |
These dimensions ensure that your book will print correctly and meet KDP's guidelines, helping you avoid any potential issues during the publishing process.
For more detailed information, visit the KDP Print Options page and the KDP Hardcover page on Amazon.
By choosing the appropriate trim size and understanding the requirements for each format, you can optimize your book's presentation and appeal to your target audience effectively.
Choosing the Right Book Size for Your Project
When choosing the right book size, consider the type of content, your target audience, and how you plan to distribute your book. Each size has its advantages, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs and goals. The A4 size (8.27" x 11.69") is an excellent choice for professional and educational materials, while the 6" x 9" size remains a versatile and popular option for a wide range of genres.
Smaller sizes like 5.5" x 8.5" offer portability, and larger sizes like 8" x 10" are ideal for visually rich content. By carefully considering these factors, you can select the perfect size to enhance the appeal and functionality of your book.
Why Choose A4 (8.27" x 11.69" / 21 x 29.7 cm)?
he A4 size is a versatile option that works well both as an ebook and a printed book. Its dimensions are ideal for reading on tablets, providing a comfortable and familiar reading experience akin to traditional printed documents. Choosing A4 gives your book a formal and polished look, suitable for business, academic, and educational content. A4 is a standard size for printers worldwide, making it easier and potentially cheaper to produce physical copies without special adjustments.
Why Choose US Trade (6" x 9" / 15.24 x 22.86 cm)?
This size works well for both hardcover and paperback formats. Its dimensions are suitable for a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. The 6" x 9" size is the most common and widely accepted book size in the U.S. market. It strikes a balance between readability and portability, making it a favorite among both authors and readers. Printing costs for the 6" x 9" size are typically lower compared to larger formats, making it an economical choice for self-publishers.
Ready-to-Use Templates for KDP
I invite you to browse through the collections of magazine templates and book templates by Ruben Stom Design.
These templates are designed to help you achieve a professional look with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on the content of your publication. They not only meet professional standards but also saves you valuable time and effort in the design process.
Why Choose Adobe InDesign Templates by Ruben Stom Design?
The book templates are available in a range of sizes, accommodating different genres and preferences. One of the standout options is the US standard 6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm), which is ideal for a wide array of book types including novels, memoirs, and non-fiction.
The magazine templates, on the other hand, are designed in the widely-used A4 size (8.27" x 11.69" / 21 x 29.7 cm). This size is perfect for creating visually appealing magazines that look professional both in print and on digital platforms, particularly tablets.
Both the magazine and the book templates are print-ready, ensuring that your work is formatted correctly and looks professional. The pre-designed layouts help maintain a high standard of quality and consistency throughout your publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most common trim sizes for KDP books?
A: The most common trim size for KDP books is 6" x 9", but there are several other options for both hardcovers and paperbacks.
Q: Can I use the same trim size for both hardcover and paperback books?
A: Yes, you can use the same trim size for both formats, but make sure to check the specific page count requirements for each type.
Q: What is the minimum page count for hardcover books on KDP?
A: The minimum page count for hardcover books on KDP is 75 pages.
Q: Are there any size limitations for paperback books on KDP?
A: Yes, paperback books have various trim sizes, each with specific minimum and maximum page counts. For example, a 6" x 9" paperback can have between 24 and 828 pages.
Q: Do ebooks have specific trim sizes like printed books?
A: No, ebooks are reflowable and adapt to the screen size of the device they are viewed on, so trim sizes are not applicable.
Q: What trim sizes are considered large for KDP books?
A: Large trim sizes for KDP books include dimensions like 6.14" x 9.21", 7" x 10", and 8.25" x 11".
Q: How do I choose the best trim size for my KDP book?
A: Choose a trim size based on the genre and standard sizes used for similar books. Also, consider the total page count and the type of content (text-heavy or image-heavy).
Q: What is bleed, and when should I use it for my KDP book?
A: Bleed is a printing term referring to when printed objects extend past the edge of the page. Use bleed if your book contains images or graphics that go to the edge of the page to avoid white borders. If you're interested you can read more about bleeds here: Explained: Bleeds and Printer Marks in Adobe InDesign
Q: Can I change the trim size of my book after publishing on KDP?
A: Yes, you can change the trim size, but you will need to upload a revised manuscript and cover file that matches the new size.
Q: Where can I find templates for KDP book sizes?
A:
