KDP Spine Width Formula (0.002252 White Paper)

Quick reference for the constant 0.002252 (white paper) used in KDP spine width calculation.

Quick answer

0.002252 is the white paper thickness factor (inches per page). Quick estimate: spine width ≈ page count × 0.002252 (white).

Formula

Spine width (in) = Page count × Paper factor (in/page)

Use a different factor for cream or color paper. For exact cover dimensions (trim + bleed), use the calculator.

Paperback paper factors (inches per page)

PaperFactor (in/page)Factor (mm/page)
B&W — White0.0022520.06
B&W — Cream0.00250.06
Color0.0023470.06

Examples (white paper)

Spine width estimates for common page counts using the white paper factor (0.002252).

PagesSpine (in)Spine (mm)
1000.2255.72
2000.45011.44
3000.67617.16

These examples estimate spine width only. Download templates for full-wrap sizes (trim + bleed).

FAQ

What is 0.002252?
It's the white paper thickness factor (inches per page) used to estimate KDP paperback spine width.
Where does the 0.002252 value come from?
It is based on KDP spine width calculation guidance (often referenced as the “spine width calculation white paper”). Always verify with the latest KDP documentation.
Why are there different factors for white, cream, and color?
Different paper types have different thickness per page, so the factor changes.
Can I download a ready-made cover template?
Yes. Visit KDP Cover Templates, pick your trim size, and download a template instead of calculating manually.

Tip: If your page count changes, recalculate before export — spine width changes with pages.