KDP Cover Calculator &
Template Generator
Enter your trim size, page count and paper type. Get the exact spine width and full cover dimensions — then download a print-ready PDF or 300 DPI PNG guide template with trim, bleed, safe-area and barcode zones already drawn. Calibrated against Amazon's official generator.
Every measurement, spelled out
All the numbers you need to set up your canvas in Photoshop, Affinity, Canva or InDesign.
| Element | Size | Note |
|---|
Compare page counts
Not sure of your final page count yet? See how the spine and full cover change. Uses the trim, paper and binding selected above.
How the math works
The same formulas Amazon's generator uses — verified against its output for both bindings.
Paperback
spine = pages × paper thickness — white 0.002252", cream 0.0025", premium color 0.002347", standard color 0.002252" per page.
cover width = 0.125" + trim W + spine + trim W + 0.125" · cover height = trim H + 0.25"
Hardcover (case laminate)
spine = 0.189" + max(0.45", pages × paper thickness) — the 0.189" is board allowance, and thin books are clamped to a 0.639" minimum spine.
Each cover panel is trim W + 0.197" wide and trim H + 0.236" tall (boards overhang the pages), a 0.591" wrap folds around every edge, and 0.394" hinge zones flank the spine.
Details and full charts: spine width chart · trim size guide.
Don't get rejected on upload
Get our 10-point pre-upload cover checklist — the exact things KDP's review team bounces covers for, and a heads-up when we ship new tools.
Tools serious self-publishers use
The calculator gets your cover sized. These handle the rest of the pipeline. (Some links may become affiliate links — it never changes your price.)
Atticus
Book formatting & writing software — the cross-platform alternative to Vellum. One-time purchase, no subscription.
Check it out →Publisher Rocket
Keyword and category research for KDP — see what readers actually type into Amazon before you pick keywords.
Check it out →Book Bolt
The low-content toolkit — puzzle generators, interior templates and keyword data for no/low-content publishers.
Check it out →FAQ
What size should my KDP cover be?
12.7" × 9.25". The calculator above does this for every trim size and paper type.How do I calculate spine width for KDP?
0.002252", cream 0.0025", premium color 0.002347", standard color 0.002252" per page. Hardcovers add a 0.189" board allowance with a 0.639" minimum. Full tables on the spine width chart.Do I need a cover calculator for a Kindle eBook?
1600 × 2560 px (1:1.6 ratio), JPG or TIFF under 50MB. Calculators only apply to print books.What is bleed and why does my artwork need it?
How many pages do I need for spine text?
79 pages for paperback spine text, with 0.0625" clearance between the text and each spine edge. Under 79 pages, leave the spine blank — KDP will reject it otherwise.Why is the hardcover template so much bigger than my trim size?
0.591" wrap on every edge (it folds around the board), 0.394" hinge grooves beside the spine, and board thickness in the spine. A 6×9 hardcover file ends up around 14.2–15" wide.