Kdp Cover Calculator

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Expert Reviewed: This calculator and its methodology have been reviewed by Mark Johnson, KDP Publishing Consultant.

Use the KDP Cover Calculator to accurately determine the full cover dimensions (width and height, in both inches and pixels) required for your book’s print-ready PDF, ensuring proper spine allowance and bleed for professional results.

KDP Cover Calculator

Required Full Cover Dimensions:

12.93 x 9.25 in

3878 x 2775 px (300 DPI)

Detailed Calculation Steps

KDP Cover Calculator Formula

Spine Width (SW) = Page Count (PC) × Spine Factor (F)

Full Cover Width (FW) = (2 × Trim Width) + SW + (2 × Bleed)
Full Cover Height (FH) = Trim Height + (2 × Bleed)

Pixels = Inches × 300 DPI

Formula Source (KDP Help Center)

Variables Used in the Calculation

  • Trim Width (TW) & Height (TH): The final size of your book after trimming (e.g., 6″ x 9″).
  • Page Count (PC): The total number of pages in your formatted manuscript.
  • Paper Type: Determines the **Spine Factor (F)** (B&W = 0.002252 in/page; Standard Color = 0.0025 in/page; Premium Color = 0.002328 in/page).
  • Bleed: The required extra margin on all outer edges, fixed at 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) by KDP.

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What is the KDP Cover Calculator?

The KDP Cover Calculator is an essential tool for authors preparing their print book files for Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform. Unlike eBook covers, print books require a single, continuous image file that covers the front, spine, and back of the book. The exact size of this file is critical and depends entirely on the book’s internal specifications.

The primary challenge in designing a print cover is calculating the correct spine width. This width is not fixed but changes based on the number of pages (Page Count) and the type of paper stock used (e.g., white vs. cream, B&W vs. Color). If the spine width is incorrect, KDP will reject the cover file, leading to delays in publishing. This calculator automates that complex measurement, providing the precise width and height required, along with the necessary 300 DPI pixel dimensions.

How to Calculate KDP Cover Size (Example)

  1. Define Trim Size: Assume a standard 6″ x 9″ (TW=6, TH=9).
  2. Define Page Count & Paper: Assume 250 pages, using Black & White paper. The Spine Factor (F) for B/W is 0.002252 inches/page.
  3. Calculate Spine Width (SW): $SW = 250 \times 0.002252 = 0.563$ inches.
  4. Calculate Full Cover Width (FW): $FW = (2 \times 6) + 0.563 + (2 \times 0.125) = 12 + 0.563 + 0.25 = 12.813$ inches.
  5. Calculate Full Cover Height (FH): $FH = 9 + (2 \times 0.125) = 9.25$ inches.
  6. Result: The final cover size is 12.813 in x 9.25 in. The calculator provides the exact pixel dimensions (300 DPI) for graphic designers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Why do I need a KDP Cover Calculator? The calculator ensures your print cover PDF meets Amazon’s strict requirements for spine width and bleed, preventing file rejection and ensuring accurate printing.
  • What is ‘Bleed’ in KDP? Bleed is an extra 0.125 inches added to the top, bottom, and outside edges of your cover artwork. This margin is trimmed off during manufacturing to ensure ink extends right to the edge of the page.
  • Does the paper color affect the spine size? Yes. Different paper types (B&W, Standard Color, Premium Color) have different thicknesses, which changes the Spine Factor (F) and thus the final Spine Width.
  • What DPI should my final cover file be? KDP requires the final cover file to be 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) for high-quality printing. This calculator provides the final pixel dimensions based on the 300 DPI standard.
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