Choose the Right Trim Size
Your trim size dictates the physical dimensions of your printed book. Choosing the right size is crucial—it affects your page count, your printing costs, and how your book feels in a reader’s hands.
Standard KDP Trim Sizes
| Trim Size (Inches) | Trim Size (mm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 5" x 8" | 127 x 203 mm | Novellas, short memoirs, literary fiction. |
| 5.5" x 8.5" | 140 x 216 mm | Trade paperbacks, standard fiction, narrative non-fiction. |
| 6" x 9" | 152 x 229 mm | Industry Standard. Thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, business books. |
| 7" x 10" | 178 x 254 mm | Workbooks, manuals, academic texts. |
| 8" x 10" | 203 x 254 mm | Children’s books, art books, large manuals. |
| 8.5" x 11" | 216 x 279 mm | Textbooks, sheet music, coloring books. |
How Trim Size Affects Cost
Because KDP charges a flat per-page printing fee (after a certain threshold), a larger trim size usually results in a lower page count, which can reduce your printing costs and increase your royalties.
However, if you choose a trim size that is too large for your genre, your book may look amateurish or feel flimsy (like a magazine rather than a novel).
Not sure which to choose?
publishing.co.uk defaults to the industry standard 6x9, but you can select any size at checkout.
Format my book →