Practical Guide to Book Cover Dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark

Getting book cover dimensions wrong for KDP and IngramSpark can derail a launch faster than a typo in the title. Files are rejected, spines misalign, and printed books arrive with white slivers or chopped-off text. The good news: once the rules are clear, setting up professional cover files becomes a repeatable process.

This guide walks through the exact book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark, how to calculate them, and what to watch for when switching between platforms.

Core concepts: trim size, bleed, and spine width

Before comparing book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark, it helps to lock down three terms that control every layout decision.

Trim size

Trim size is the final width and height of the book after it is cut. A 6 × 9 inch paperback means the finished pages measure exactly 6 inches wide and 9 inches tall.

Common trim sizes used on both KDP and IngramSpark include:

5 × 8 in (12.7 × 20.32 cm)
5.25 × 8 in (13.34 × 20.32 cm)
5.5 × 8.5 in (13.97 × 21.59 cm)
6 × 9 in (15.24 × 22.86 cm)
7 × 10 in (17.78 × 25.4 cm)

Example: a 300-page novel at 6 × 9 in will use that trim size on both platforms. Every dimension you calculate for the cover starts from that 6 × 9 base.

Bleed

Bleed is the extra area that extends beyond the trim size, used when background color, images, or rules must run to the edge of the page. Both KDP and IngramSpark use 0.125 in (3.2 mm) bleed on all outer edges for paperbacks.

If a cover has full-bleed artwork:

Front cover width = trim width + 0.125 in on left + 0.125 in on right
Front cover height = trim height + 0.125 in on top + 0.125 in on bottom

Example: a 6 × 9 in book with bleed becomes 6.125 × 9.25 in for the front cover alone.

If the design does not bleed (no color or image reaching the edge), the live content must sit within margins, but the final PDF size for KDP and IngramSpark still often uses the bleed template dimensions. That avoids surprises if a later design revision adds full-bleed art.

Spine width

Spine width depends on page count and paper type. This is where book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark diverge most clearly.

Spine width formula:

Spine width = page count × paper thickness (per page)

Each platform publishes exact values for paper thickness. You must use the correct value for your chosen paper color and interior type.

Example: a 350-page black-and-white paperback on cream paper will have a different spine width on KDP than on IngramSpark, even at the same trim size.

How KDP calculates book cover dimensions

KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) offers a cover calculator and downloadable templates, but understanding the numbers lets you verify them or build your own layout in tools like Affinity Publisher or Adobe InDesign.

KDP trim sizes and bleed basics

KDP supports a defined list of trim sizes. For paperbacks, every size requires a 0.125 in bleed on all outer sides when the design uses full bleed.

For a paperback with bleed:

Full cover width = back cover + spine + front cover
Each cover (front and back) width = trim width + 0.25 in (0.125 in bleed on each vertical edge)
Full cover height = trim height + 0.25 in (0.125 in bleed on top and bottom)

Example: 6 × 9 in trim, full-bleed cover, 250 pages, white paper.

Front cover width = 6 + 0.25 = 6.25 in
Back cover width = 6.25 in
Height = 9 + 0.25 = 9.25 in
Spine width is calculated from page count and paper type (see next subsection).
Total width = 6.25 + spine + 6.25

If KDP’s calculator shows a spine of 0.56 in for that configuration, the full cover width becomes:

6.25 + 0.56 + 6.25 = 13.06 in

The final PDF size would be 13.06 × 9.25 in.

KDP spine width by paper type

KDP publishes exact spine width values per page. These values may be updated, so always check the latest documentation, but the pattern remains stable:

Black & white interior, white paper: thinner spine per page
Black & white interior, cream paper: slightly thicker
Color interior, white paper: thickest

Example using representative values:

Assume 0.002252 in per page for black & white on white paper
300 pages × 0.002252 in ≈ 0.6756 in spine width

Rounded to three decimals, the spine width is 0.676 in.

Then, for a 5.5 × 8.5 in book with bleed:

Front cover width = 5.5 + 0.25 = 5.75 in
Back cover width = 5.75 in
Height = 8.5 + 0.25 = 8.75 in
Total width = 5.75 + 0.676 + 5.75 ≈ 12.176 in

The final cover file size: 12.176 × 8.75 in.

Safe zones and margins on KDP

KDP requires all critical text and logos to sit inside a safe zone, away from trim and fold uncertainties. This safe zone is typically at least 0.25 in inside the trim edge, not the bleed edge.

Example: For a 6 × 9 in trim, with full-bleed art:

Live text area on the front: 5.5 × 8.5 in, centered inside the 6 × 9 in trim area
Background color or image can extend to 6.125 × 9.25 in, but nothing important should sit closer than 0.25 in to the trim line

When designing a spine, KDP recommends at least 0.0625 in (1.6 mm) clear space on each side of any spine text. That matters when the spine is narrow, such as a 120-page novella.

KDP example: full calculation step-by-step

Consider a 350-page novel:

Trim size: 6 × 9 in
Interior: black & white
Paper: cream
Bleed: yes (full-bleed cover)

Steps:

Determine spine width using KDP’s value for cream paper (example: 0.0025 in per page).
Spine width = 350 × 0.0025 = 0.875 in.
Front cover width = 6 + 0.25 = 6.25 in.
Back cover width = 6.25 in.
Total width = 6.25 + 0.875 + 6.25 = 13.375 in.
Height = 9 + 0.25 = 9.25 in.

Final cover size for upload: 13.375 × 9.25 in, at 300 dpi, exported as a print-ready PDF with fonts embedded.

How IngramSpark calculates book cover dimensions

IngramSpark works from the same core ideas—trim size, bleed, spine—but uses its own paper thickness values and slightly different tolerances. That means book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark are similar but not interchangeable.

IngramSpark trim sizes and options

IngramSpark supports a wide range of trim sizes, including many that match KDP, plus additional formats such as:

4.25 × 7 in mass-market style
7.5 × 9.25 in
Various case laminate and jacketed hardcovers

The standard bleed for most trim sizes remains 0.125 in on all outer edges.

Example: a 5 × 8 in paperback with full-bleed artwork on IngramSpark:

Front cover width = 5 + 0.25 = 5.25 in
Back cover width = 5.25 in
Height = 8 + 0.25 = 8.25 in
Spine width depends on page count and paper choice

IngramSpark spine width by paper type

IngramSpark provides a spine width chart and an online calculator. The exact value depends on:

Binding type: paperback, case laminate, jacketed case
Interior type: black & white, premium color, standard color
Paper: white, crème, or other stock

Example: a 280-page black & white paperback on crème paper at 6 × 9 in.

Use IngramSpark’s calculator to get a spine width (for illustration, assume 0.61 in).
Front cover width = 6 + 0.25 = 6.25 in.
Back cover width = 6.25 in.
Total width = 6.25 + 0.61 + 6.25 = 13.11 in.
Height = 9 + 0.25 = 9.25 in.

The final PDF size: 13.11 × 9.25 in.

Notice how that 0.61 in spine differs from KDP’s value for a similar configuration. That small difference matters for spine text alignment and barcodes.

Safe zones and tolerances on IngramSpark

IngramSpark specifies:

0.125 in bleed on all outer edges
At least 0.125 in between spine text and the fold lines
At least 0.25 in between critical cover text and trim edges

Example: for a 5.5 × 8.5 in trim, full-bleed cover:

Trim area: 5.5 × 8.5 in
Bleed area: 5.75 × 8.75 in
Live text area: approximately 5 × 8 in, centered within the trim area

If a subtitle sits 0.1 in from the trim edge, IngramSpark may accept the file, but minor trimming shifts could cut into the text. Keeping all important elements at least 0.25 in from the trim line reduces that risk.

IngramSpark example: hardcover jacket

Hardcover jackets introduce flaps and hinge areas, which make book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark diverge more strongly, since KDP currently focuses on paperbacks and case laminate hardcovers without jackets.

Example: a 6 × 9 in jacketed hardcover on IngramSpark:

There are front and back covers, a spine, and two flaps.
Each flap typically ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 in wide.
Bleed still extends 0.125 in beyond all outer edges.

If flaps are 3 in wide and the spine is 0.8 in:

Total width = flap + back cover + spine + front cover + flap
= 3 + 6 + 0.8 + 6 + 3 = 18.8 in (before adding bleed)
Add 0.125 in bleed on left and right: 18.8 + 0.25 = 19.05 in
Height = 9 + 0.25 bleed = 9.25 in

The final jacket file would be 19.05 × 9.25 in.

Comparing book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark

Using both platforms for the same title is common. The challenge is that book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark do not match perfectly, even when the trim size and page count appear identical.

Key differences at a glance

Several patterns show up when comparing book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark:

Spine width
Each platform uses different paper stocks and calculations, so the spine width for the same page count and paper color often differs by a few hundredths of an inch.
Tolerances and safe zones
KDP and IngramSpark both allow for print variation, but their templates mark slightly different safe zones. One platform may show a wider no-text region near the spine.
Available formats
KDP focuses on paperbacks and some hardcovers; IngramSpark supports a broader mix of trim sizes and jacketed hardcovers, so book cover dimensions for IngramSpark can involve flaps and extra panels that KDP does not use.

Example: a 300-page 6 × 9 in black & white paperback on cream paper.

KDP’s calculator might return a spine of around 0.75 in.
IngramSpark’s calculator might return a spine of around 0.70 in.
Both use 0.125 in bleed on all outer edges.

For KDP:

Front cover width = 6.25 in
Back cover width = 6.25 in
Total width = 6.25 + 0.75 + 6.25 = 13.25 in
Height = 9.25 in

For IngramSpark:

Front cover width = 6.25 in
Back cover width = 6.25 in
Total width = 6.25 + 0.70 + 6.25 = 13.20 in
Height = 9.25 in

A 0.05 in difference in spine width is enough to shift spine text off-center if a single file is reused on both platforms.

Why one cover file rarely works for both

Designers sometimes try to upload the same PDF to KDP and IngramSpark. That usually fails on one of the platforms, for reasons such as:

Spine text drifting visibly off-center on the platform with the thinner or thicker spine.
Barcode area conflicts: each platform has its own barcode placement rules.
Template guides misaligned: each service overlays its own template, and mismatches become obvious during preflight checks.

Example: a thriller with a narrow 0.5 in spine.

The title text on the spine spans 0.4 in.
KDP’s spine is 0.5 in; IngramSpark’s is 0.45 in.
On IngramSpark, the same file places the text almost on the fold line, risking visible wrapping.

For reliable results, separate cover files should be generated for each platform, even if the overall design remains the same.

Workflow: designing for both KDP and IngramSpark

A practical workflow prevents rework and keeps book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark aligned with platform rules.

Step 1: Lock the trim size and binding

Choose a trim size and binding that both platforms support. For most trade paperbacks, 5 × 8, 5.5 × 8.5, and 6 × 9 in are safe cross-platform choices.

Example: select 5.5 × 8.5 in paperback, black & white interior on cream paper for both platforms.

Once this decision is made, do not change trim size mid-project. Changing size alters both interior layout and all cover dimensions.

Step 2: Finalize the interior and page count

Spine width depends on the final, formatted page count after layout, including:

Front matter
Back matter
Blank pages added for printing conventions

Example: a manuscript starts at 260 pages in a word processor. After layout in InDesign, with chapter openers and back matter, the final page count becomes 292. That 32-page difference materially changes spine width.

Always calculate book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark using the final page count, not an estimate.

Step 3: Use each platform’s calculator or template

Both platforms provide official tools:

KDP Cover Calculator and Template Generator
IngramSpark Cover Template Generator

Enter:

Trim size
Binding type
Interior type and paper color
Page count

Each generator returns a PDF or PNG template with:

Overall cover dimensions
Trim lines
Bleed area
Safe zone
Barcode location (if applicable)

Example: for a 5.5 × 8.5 in, 320-page paperback on white paper, both tools will give slightly different spine widths. Those templates become the base layers in your design software.

Step 4: Build separate cover files from a shared master

To avoid designing twice, a shared master layout can be used, with platform-specific adjustments.

One workable approach:

Create a master cover design in vector or layered format (e.g., InDesign, Affinity Publisher, or Photoshop).
Keep the spine text, logo, and barcode area on separate layers.
For KDP, place the KDP template on a locked bottom layer and align the design.
Save/export a KDP-specific version.
Swap in the IngramSpark template, adjust the spine width and barcode area, and export the IngramSpark version.

Example: a fantasy novel with a wraparound illustration.

The illustration is wide enough to handle minor changes in spine width.
The title and author on the spine sit in a group that can be nudged to match each template’s centerline.
The barcode area is kept clear in both versions, even if its exact position shifts.

This approach respects the differences in book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark without doubling design effort.

Step 5: Export and preflight each file

Export each cover as a print-ready PDF with:

300 dpi raster content
CMYK or platform-approved color profile
Fonts embedded
No crop marks, unless explicitly allowed

Then upload to each platform and review the preflight or digital proof.

Example: after uploading to KDP, the preview tool flags text too close to the trim edge on the back cover. Adjust the margins, regenerate the PDF, and re-upload. Repeat the check on IngramSpark, as its safe zone overlays may highlight slightly different issues.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When dealing with book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark, several errors appear repeatedly.

Using estimated page counts

Designing the cover before finalizing the interior leads to incorrect spine widths.

Example: a projected 250-page nonfiction title grows to 310 pages after adding an index and appendices. The originally calculated spine width becomes too small, and the printed spine text drifts off-center.

Avoidance: only calculate cover dimensions after the formatted interior PDF is final and the exact page count is known.

Ignoring bleed in the design software

Some designers set the document size to the trim size and forget to add bleed.

Example: a 6 × 9 in cover file is created with no bleed. The artwork stops exactly at 6 × 9 in, but KDP expects 6.125 × 9.25 in for a full-bleed design. The upload fails or prints with thin white edges.

Avoidance: set the document size to the full template dimensions, including bleed, and extend all background elements to the outer bleed line.

Reusing one PDF across platforms

Trying to upload a KDP cover directly to IngramSpark (or the reverse) is one of the fastest ways to end up with misaligned spines.

Example: a KDP cover with a 0.8 in spine is uploaded to IngramSpark, where the correct spine should be 0.74 in. The result is visible drift of spine text and potential wraparound of dark colors onto the front or back.

Avoidance: always generate separate cover files matched to each platform’s template, even if the visual design is identical.

Placing text inside the bleed area

Bleed exists for artwork, not for text or logos.

Example: a tagline on the front cover sits 0.1 in from the trim line. On a slightly over-trimmed copy, part of the text is cut off.

Avoidance: keep all text at least 0.25 in inside the trim edge, and preferably more on small trim sizes.

FAQ: book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark

What is the formula for full cover width?

For both KDP and IngramSpark, with full-bleed paperbacks:

Full width = (2 × trim width) + spine width + 0.25 in (bleed)

The 0.25 in accounts for 0.125 in bleed on the left and right edges.

Example: 6 × 9 in trim, 0.7 in spine:

Full width = (2 × 6) + 0.7 + 0.25 = 12 + 0.7 + 0.25 = 12.95 in
Full height = 9 + 0.25 = 9.25 in

Are KDP and IngramSpark spine widths the same for the same page count?

No. Book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark use different paper thickness values. Even if the trim size, page count, and paper color match, the calculated spine width can differ by several hundredths of an inch.

Always use each platform’s official calculator for accurate spine width.

Can one cover file be used on both KDP and IngramSpark?

Technically, a single file can sometimes pass both systems, but it is not recommended. Small differences in spine width and barcode placement will cause alignment issues.

For professional results, create two separate cover PDFs:

One matched to the KDP template
One matched to the IngramSpark template

Do both platforms require 300 dpi?

Yes. For print, both KDP and IngramSpark expect cover files at 300 dpi. Lower resolutions produce visible pixelation, especially on text embedded in raster art.

Example: a 13 × 9.25 in cover at 300 dpi results in a file around 3900 × 2775 pixels before conversion to PDF.

What color space should be used for covers?

Both platforms accept CMYK PDFs. Some designers work in RGB for flexibility and convert to CMYK at export. Check the current guidelines for recommended color profiles, as they can change.

Regardless of workflow, always soft-proof colors to avoid unexpected dulling of saturated tones in print.

How close can spine text be to the edges?

A practical rule for both platforms is at least 0.0625 in (1.6 mm) of clear space between spine text and the spine edges. Narrow spines under 0.125 in total often cannot accommodate readable text at all.

If the calculated spine is extremely thin, consider omitting spine text rather than forcing illegible or wrapped lettering.

What happens if the file is slightly oversized or undersized?

If the final PDF dimensions do not match the platform template exactly, the file may be rejected outright or scaled automatically. Scaling can distort proportions, shift trim lines, and blur text.

Always match the exact width and height specified by the template, down to the hundredth of an inch.

Dialing in book cover dimensions for KDP and IngramSpark demands attention to trim size, bleed, and spine width, but the underlying math stays consistent. Once the workflow is in place—final interior first, platform templates next, separate exports for each printer—producing clean, professional covers becomes a predictable part of publishing rather than a last-minute scramble.