createkdpbook

KDP paperback specs checklist

Every number KDP checks on a paperback in one list: trim sizes, page limits, bleed, margins, spine, cover size, barcode area, file format and printing cost.

Updated 2026-11-13. KDP rules quoted from KDP's help pages.

Everything KDP checks on a paperback, on one page. Each number comes from KDP's help pages (checked 2026-11-13); the calculators on this site use the same values.

Trim sizes and page limits

Page ranges for black ink on white paper, cream paper and groundwood paper, then standard and premium color. Sizes marked “large” cost more to print.

TrimClassB&W, whiteB&W, creamB&W, groundwoodStandard colorPremium color
5 × 8 inregular24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
5.06 × 7.81 inregular24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
5.25 × 8 inregular24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
5.5 × 8.5 inregular24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
6 × 9 inregular24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
6.14 × 9.21 inlarge24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
6.69 × 9.61 inlarge24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
7 × 10 inlarge24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
7.44 × 9.69 inlarge24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
7.5 × 9.25 inlarge24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
8 × 10 inlarge24 to 82824 to 77624 to 81272 to 60024 to 828
8.25 × 6 inlarge24 to 80024 to 75024 to 78472 to 60024 to 800
8.25 × 8.25 inlarge24 to 80024 to 75024 to 78472 to 60024 to 800
8.5 × 8.5 inlarge24 to 59024 to 55024 to 57872 to 60024 to 590
8.5 × 11 inlarge24 to 59024 to 55024 to 57872 to 60024 to 590
8.27 × 11.69 in (A4)large24 to 78024 to 73024 to 764not offered24 to 590

KDP also accepts custom trims from 4 to 8.5 in wide and 6 to 11.69 in tall.

Interior file

  • One PDF, every page the same size: the trim size, or with bleed the trim + 0.125 in wide and + 0.25 in tall.
  • Inside (gutter) margin by page count: 24 to 150 pages 0.375 in; 151 to 300 pages 0.5 in; 301 to 500 pages 0.625 in; 501 to 700 pages 0.75 in; 701 to 828 pages 0.875 in.
  • Top, bottom and outside margins: at least 0.25 in without bleed, 0.375 in with bleed.
  • Images at 300 DPI, fonts embedded. Margin calculator.

Cover file

  • One PDF with back, spine and front: width = 0.125 + trim width + spine + trim width + 0.125 in; height = trim height + 0.25 in.
  • Spine = page count × paper thickness: b&w, white 0.002252 in, b&w, cream 0.0025 in, b&w, groundwood 0.00235 in, standard color 0.002252 in, premium color 0.002347 in.
  • Spine text only from 79 pages, with 0.0625 in clearance on each side.
  • Text at least 0.125 in inside the trim line.
  • Barcode area about 2 × 1.2 in on the back, at least 0.25 in from the spine and trim; KDP adds the barcode if you leave it empty.
  • Cover size calculator with a downloadable template.

Money

  • Royalty on Amazon.com: 50% of the list price below $9.99, 60% from $9.99, minus printing cost. Expanded Distribution: 40%.
  • Printing cost: a flat fee for short books (up to 110 pages in black ink), otherwise $1.00 + a per-page fee; large trims and color cost more.
  • Maximum list price: $250.
  • Royalty and printing cost calculator.

Before you click publish

  • Open KDP's print previewer and look at every page for flagged margins and low-resolution images.
  • Declare any AI-generated text or images in the content questions.
  • Order a proof copy for your first book in a new size or paper.

Sources (checked 2026-11-13)

Questions

›What is the minimum page count for a KDP paperback?

24 pages (72 for standard color). KDP rounds odd page counts up to the next even number.

›How much bleed does KDP need?

0.125 in on every outside edge of the cover, and on the top, bottom and outside edge of interior pages that print to the edge.

›What is the most common KDP trim size?

6 × 9 in is KDP's default and the usual size for novels and nonfiction; 8.5 × 11 in is the usual size for coloring, activity and workbooks.