KDP Cover Dimensions — Complete Guide to Every Trim Size

Updated June 2026 · 10 min read · By CoverLab Pro

Getting your KDP cover dimensions wrong is the number one reason Amazon rejects book covers. The dimensions must be exact — down to the pixel — and they change based on your trim size, page count, and paper type. This guide covers every dimension you need for paperback and hardcover covers.

How KDP cover dimensions work

Your cover is not just the front of the book. KDP requires a full wraparound cover — a single file that includes the back cover, spine, and front cover as one continuous image. The total dimensions depend on three factors: your trim size (the finished book dimensions), your page count (which determines spine width), and your paper type (white or cream, which affects spine thickness).

The formula for your total cover dimensions is:

Paperback cover dimensions by trim size

These are the front cover dimensions only. Your total wraparound width will be larger once you add the spine and bleed. All dimensions shown at 300 DPI (the minimum Amazon requires).

The pixel dimensions above include the 0.125" bleed on each side. These are the minimum dimensions your cover file should be. Use the spine calculator to get the full wraparound width for your specific page count.

How to calculate spine width

Spine width depends on your page count and paper type:

A 200-page book on white paper has a spine width of 200 × 0.002252 = 0.4504 inches. On cream paper, it would be 200 × 0.0025 = 0.5 inches. Don't round — use the full decimal value or KDP will reject your cover.

Rather than calculating manually, use the free spine width calculator to get exact dimensions for any page count and paper type.

Hardcover cover dimensions

Hardcover (case laminate) covers are larger than paperback covers because the cover boards extend beyond the page edges. KDP adds specific amounts for the board overhang and hinge channel.

Hardcover covers require a minimum of 75 pages and support 8 trim sizes: 5.5" × 8.5", 6" × 9", 6.14" × 9.21", 6.69" × 9.61", 7" × 10", 7.44" × 9.69", 7.5" × 9.25", and 8.5" × 11".

The dimension calculations for hardcover are more complex because of the additional geometry. CoverLab Pro is the only tool that calculates full hardcover case laminate dimensions automatically, including hinge channel and board overhang.

Bleed and safe zone

Bleed is 0.125 inches (3.2mm) of extra space on all four outer edges. Background colors and images must extend into the bleed area. This ensures no white edges appear if the cutting is slightly off during printing.

Safe zone is at least 0.25 inches inside the trim line on all sides. All text and important design elements must stay inside this zone. Anything closer to the edge risks being cut off.

Resolution requirements

KDP requires all cover files to be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). This applies to the entire cover — front, spine, and back. If any part of your image is below 300 DPI, KDP will reject it.

To check your resolution: multiply the inches by 300 to get pixels. A 6" × 9" cover with bleed (6.25" × 9.25") needs to be at least 1875 × 2775 pixels. If your file is smaller than this, it's below 300 DPI.

File format

KDP accepts a single PDF for paperback and hardcover covers. The PDF must contain the entire wraparound cover (back + spine + front) as one continuous page. Do not submit separate files for front and back.

For eBook covers, KDP accepts JPEG and TIFF files with a recommended ratio of 1.6:1 (such as 2,560 × 1,600 pixels).

CoverLab Pro exports in PNG, PDF, JPEG, and TIFF at 300 DPI — covering every format Amazon accepts.

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