Free KDP Cover Calculator & Templates (2025)

Instantly calculate precise KDP cover dimensions, spine width, and bleed. Open the template in our KDP Cover Creator with pre-configured safe zones.

Last updated: November 2025

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/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 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 final page count (even 24–1000); it sets spine width.

2

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

3

Review inch/mm output; verify bleed and safe zone.

4

Click "Open KDP Cover Template" to design 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 0.1 in, files may be rejected or print 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 incl. bleedRecreate canvas with calculator output (in/mm)
Spine text cutoffText outside spine safe zone or font too largeReduce font or increase pages; keep text inside safe zone
White edge after trimmingBackground doesn’t fill bleedExtend artwork into 0.125 in bleed on outer edges
Blurry printEffective resolution < 300 DPI at final sizeExport 300 DPI print‑ready PDF

KDP Cover Calculator FAQ

Pick binding, trim size and page count in the KDP Cover Calculator, then click “Open KDP Cover Template” to load a prefilled canvas with bleed, trim and safe zones. Design the front, spine and back within guides and export a 300 DPI print‑ready PDF.

300 DPI (print standard). Lower DPI can look blurry and may be rejected. BookCoversLab exports at 300 DPI by default.

Print‑ready PDF including front, back and spine. JPG/PNG are not accepted for print covers.

Recalculate here, update the canvas and export a new PDF—spine width depends on page count.

Hardcover includes wrap and hinge around rigid boards, so the full sheet is larger than paperback. This calculator uses 2025 KDP‑based formulas for hinge, wrap and spine to match current specs.

As a rule of thumb, KDP requires ~79+ pages for spine text to be legible and allowed. If your book has fewer pages, omit spine text.

Leave a clean area on the back cover (bottom region) for the barcode and its quiet zone. Follow the official KDP template; avoid placing text or logos in that reserved area.

Bleed absorbs trimming variance in print. Extending background into the 0.125 in bleed prevents white edges after cutting. Keep important content inside the safe zone.

Yes. Cream is slightly thicker than white, and color stocks differ from B&W. Our calculator uses paper factors to compute spine width accurately.

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