Free KDP Cover Calculator & Canva-compatible Templates(2026)

Instantly calculate precise KDP cover dimensions including 0.002252 white paper spine width, Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins.Open the template in our KDP Cover Creator with automatically matched dimensions.

Last updated: 2025-12-27

Open this size in KDP Cover Creator (Free)

Pre-sized canvas. No manual setup required.

Auto-setup canvas size
Pre-configured bleed & safe zones
Accurate spine width calculation
No Canva/Photoshop needed

Calculate your KDP cover size

Results

Spine

0.450"

11.43 mm

Width

12.700"

322.58 mm

Height

9.250"

234.95 mm

Bleed0.125 in
Safe zone0.125 in

25.4 mm = 1 in

6 × 9 KDP Cover Calculator Examples (Paperback)

A widely used trade trim across genres. Below are precomputed sizes from our KDP Cover Calculator, including bleed.

6x9 paperback dimensions with bleed
Paper (B&W)PagesSpine (in)Full width (in)Full height (in)
White1000.22512.4759.250
White1200.27012.5209.250
White2000.45012.7009.250
White3000.67612.9269.250
Cream1000.25012.5009.250
Cream1200.30012.5509.250
Cream2000.50012.7509.250
Cream3000.75013.0009.250

Full width and height include bleed. For hardcover, dimensions are larger due to wrap and hinge; use the calculator above.

5 × 8 KDP Cover Calculator Examples (Paperback)

A classic compact trim often used for fiction and poetry. Below are precomputed sizes including bleed.

5x8 paperback dimensions with bleed
Paper (B&W)PagesSpine (in)Full width (in)Full height (in)
White1000.22510.4758.250
White1200.27010.5208.250
White2000.45010.7008.250
White3000.67610.9268.250
Cream1000.25010.5008.250
Cream1200.30010.5508.250
Cream2000.50010.7508.250
Cream3000.75011.0008.250

5.5 × 8.5 KDP Cover Calculator Examples (Paperback)

Another popular trade size for both fiction and non‑fiction. Values below include bleed.

5.5x8.5 paperback dimensions with bleed
Paper (B&W)PagesSpine (in)Full width (in)Full height (in)
White1000.22511.4758.750
White1200.27011.5208.750
White2000.45011.7008.750
White3000.67611.9268.750
Cream1000.25011.5008.750
Cream1200.30011.5508.750
Cream2000.50011.7508.750
Cream3000.75012.0008.750

How do I set up Photoshop / Canva for KDP covers?

Photoshop

  • • Units: Inches; Resolution: 300 DPI
  • • Color Mode: CMYK for print preview
  • • Canvas Size: Use Full Width × Full Height from the calculator
  • • Export: PDF/X-1a:2001 or High Quality Print

Canva

  • • Create Design > Custom Size: Enter Inches
  • • Width/Height: Use Full Width / Full Height values
  • • Keep critical text/logos inside the Safe Zone
  • • Download: PDF Print (select "Crop marks and bleed")

How to use the KDP Cover Calculator & Template Generator

1

Confirm the final page count (any even number between 24–1000); this determines the spine width.

2

Choose cover type (paperback/hardcover), paper type and trim size.

3

Review the inch/mm output and double-check bleed and safe zone.

4

Click "Open this size in KDP Cover Creator (Free)" to design your cover online.

Why size errors are the #1 KDP rejection

KDP checks dimensions first. Using a precise KDP Cover Calculator is critical. If spine, bleed or safe zone are off by as little as 0.1 in, files may be rejected or the print can be misaligned.

KDP Cover Calculator Terminology: Dimensions, Bleed & Spine

TermDefinitionValue
Bleed (paperback)Extra area beyond trim to avoid white edges0.125 in
Safe zoneKeep text/logos inside this distance from trim≥ 0.125 in
Spine widthPages × paper thickness (varies by stock)dynamic
Hinge (hardcover)Flexible zone next to spine0.394 in each side
Wrap / Turn‑in (hardcover)Extra area that wraps around boards0.591 in each side/top/bottom

Paperback vs Hardcover KDP Cover Size Differences

  • • Paperback: width = 2 × trim width + spine + 2 × 0.125 in; height = trim height + 2 × 0.125 in.
  • • Hardcover (case laminate): width = 2 × trim width + spine + 0.394 + 2 × 0.591; height = trim height + 0.236 + 2 × 0.591.
  • • Spine width depends only on pages × paper thickness (white/cream/color).

Common KDP Cover Size Errors & Calculator Fixes

KDP errors and fixes
ErrorCauseFix
Incorrect trim sizeCanvas not set to full width/height including bleedRecreate the canvas with the calculator output (in/mm).
Spine text cutoffText outside spine safe zone or font too largeReduce the font size or increase pages; keep text inside the safe zone.
White edge after trimmingBackground doesn’t fill the bleed areaExtend artwork into the 0.125 in bleed on outer edges.
Blurry printEffective resolution < 300 DPI at final sizeExport a 300 DPI print‑ready PDF.

KDP Cover Calculator FAQ

Q1: How do I get the exact KDP cover size for my book?
A: Simply select your binding type (Hardcover/Paperback), trim size, and paper type. Our calculator uses the latest Amazon formulas, including the specific 0.002252" spine factor for white paper. Whether you use White, Cream, or Color paper, we provide the exact dimensions that the official KDP calculator often makes over-complicated, ensuring your file is accepted on the first upload.
What is 0.002252 in KDP spine width calculation?
0.002252 is the white paper thickness factor (inches per page) used in KDP's spine width calculation. Quick estimate: spine width ≈ page count × 0.002252 (white). For coefficients and examples, see the Quick Reference, or download a ready-made cover template.
Q2: Are these templates compatible with Canva?
A: Yes, 100%. Our KDP templates are specifically designed for Canva users. You can download the PNG template, upload it to Canva as a background layer, and align your spine text and artwork perfectly within the safety lines. This eliminates the "guessing game" and prevents your text from being cut off during printing.
Q3: Does the calculator include the required 0.125" bleed?
A: Yes. Every dimension generated by this tool includes the mandatory 0.125" (3.2mm) bleed on all outer edges. Using our templates ensures you pass the KDP Print Previewer check without "hidden content" or "size mismatch" errors. Your background artwork must extend to these calculated limits to prevent white edges after trimming.
Q4: What is the difference between KDP Hardcover and Paperback dimensions?
A: Hardcovers require a "Case Wrap" which adds significantly more space for the hinge and turn-ins (wrapping around the heavy board). Paperback covers do not. Our calculator automatically switches to official KDP Case Wrap specifications when you select "Hardcover," ensuring your spine and margins are technically perfect for Amazon’s machines.
Q5: Why should I export my cover as a 300 DPI PDF?
A: KDP requires a print-ready PDF at 300 DPI to ensure sharp text and images. While JPG/PNG files are fine for social media, they often appear blurry in the KDP previewer or get rejected for low resolution. BookCoversLab defaults to these high-resolution PDF standards to guarantee your book looks professional and professional-grade.
Q6: Where should I leave space for the Amazon barcode?
A: You must reserve a "Quiet Zone" on the bottom left or right of your back cover for the barcode. Our generated templates and Cover Creator tool indicate this area clearly. Keeping all text and important logos outside this barcode zone is critical to avoid rejection by the KDP manual review team.
Q7: Do I need to create an account to download my KDP template?
A: No. Unlike other KDP cover tools, BookCoversLab offers instant downloads without any sign-up or registration. We value your time and privacy, allowing you to generate, design, and download your print-ready files in seconds, completely free.

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Quick Size Reference

Fast lookups for standard KDP trim sizes and spine calculations.

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