How to choose a KDP trim size and paper for your book
Short answer
Choose the trim size and the ink first: after publishing, changing either means a new edition. Common picks: novels at 5x8 to 6x9 on cream paper, non-fiction at 6x9 on white, picture books at 8.5x8.5 in premium color, coloring books at 8.5x11 on white. Compare every size to scale: kdpbook.io/kdp/trim-sizes.
Key numbers
- 16 paperback trims and 5 hardcover trims
- Custom paperback sizes from 4 × 6 in to 8.5 × 11.69 in
- Large trims (wider than 6.12 in or taller than 9 in) cost more per page
- 5 ink and paper options; standard color needs 72–600 pages
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These two choices set your page limits, spine width, printing cost and royalties. Start from the KDP trim sizes drawn to scale, compare the five ink and paper options and what they cost, then use the picks by genre at the end of this guide.
Which trim sizes can you choose on KDP?
KDP offers 16 standard paperback sizes and 5 hardcover sizes (5.5 × 8.5, 6 × 9, 6.14 × 9.21, 7 × 10, 8.25 × 11 in); the trim size is the size of the finished book. Paperbacks can also use a custom size between 4 × 6 in and 8.5 × 11.69 in.
See every size drawn to scale, with its page limits, in the trim size tool. For hardcover costs and royalties, read KDP paperback vs hardcover.
Regular vs large trims
KDP calls a trim large when it is wider than 6.12 in or taller than 9 in. Large trims cost more to print per page. 6 × 9 in is the biggest size that still counts as regular, one reason it is so popular. Large sizes: 6.14 × 9.21, 6.69 × 9.61, 7 × 10, 7.44 × 9.69, 7.5 × 9.25, 8 × 10, 8.25 × 6, 8.25 × 8.25, 8.5 × 8.5, 8.5 × 11, 8.27 × 11.69, 8.25 × 11 in.
The five ink and paper options
| Option | Best for | Pages (most trims) |
|---|---|---|
| Premium color · white paper 60–71 lb (88–105 GSM) · paperback & hardcover | Rich, vivid color. Best for full-page illustrations. | 24–828 |
| Standard color · white paper 50–61 lb (74–90 GSM) · paperback only | Cheaper color for text-heavy books. | 72–600 |
| Black & white · white paper 50–61 lb (74–90 GSM) · paperback & hardcover | Non-fiction, workbooks, coloring books. | 24–828 |
| Black & white · cream paper 50–61 lb (74–90 GSM) · paperback & hardcover | The classic look for novels. Slightly thicker spine. | 24–776 |
| Black & white · groundwood paper 45 lb (60 GSM) · paperback only | Lighter paper, about 5% lower print cost per page. | 24–812 |
Page limits are lower on the 8.25 in and 8.5 in wide trims, and standard color isn’t available on A4 or on Amazon.com.au. Groundwood is the newest option: a lighter, cheaper paper that isn’t suited to heavy ink coverage. Deciding between the two color inks? Read KDP premium color vs standard color: cost, quality and when to use each.
What each option costs
Printing cost and spine width for the same 6 × 9 in, 200-page paperback on Amazon.com:
| Option | Spine | Printing cost |
|---|---|---|
| Premium color · white paper | 0.469 in | $14.00 |
| Standard color · white paper | 0.45 in | $6.10 |
| Black & white · white paper | 0.45 in | $3.40 |
| Black & white · cream paper | 0.5 in | $3.40 |
| Black & white · groundwood paper | 0.47 in | $3.28 |
Compare any configuration across marketplaces with the printing cost calculator.
Which trim size and paper suit your book?
- Novel: 5 × 8, 5.5 × 8.5 or 6 × 9 in, black and white on cream.
- Non-fiction: 6 × 9 in (or 7 × 10 in with many figures), black and white on white.
- Picture book: 8.5 × 8.5 in or 8 × 10 in, premium color with bleed.
- Illustrated book over 72 pages: consider standard color to keep the price reasonable.
- Coloring, activity and workbooks: 8.5 × 11 in, black and white on white.
Every kdpbook book type starts from a trim and paper that suit it, and only offers combinations KDP accepts for your page count.
Questions
Is cream or white paper better on KDP?
Cream is the norm for novels and memoirs: it's warmer and easier on the eyes for long reading. White suits non-fiction, workbooks, coloring books and anything with images. They cost the same to print; cream makes a slightly thicker spine.
What's the difference between premium and standard color on KDP?
Premium color is richer and suits full-page illustrations; it's available from 24 pages and for hardcovers. Standard color is much cheaper per page but meant for text with some color, paperback only, and needs 72–600 pages.
Can I change the trim size after publishing?
No. KDP treats a new trim size, or a new ink type, as a new edition: you set it up as a new title with a new ISBN. The paper is the one exception: a black-and-white paperback can switch between cream, white and groundwood paper after publishing.