Revised as of
15 May 2023
There are a variety of sizes from which you can choose for a hardcopy book, and it depends if you’re choosing a hard back (a.k.a. hardcover or casebound) or a paperback, on whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, the binding, the particular genre, the look and feel you want, the price, and shipping costs.
Size is actually about the trim, the publishing term for the size of your book. (North America uses inches while the rest of the world uses metric.)
The smaller the trim, the more pages for your book; the more pages, the wider your spine, making your book appear more substantial. Beware however that more pages means it’ll cost more to produce.
Size is also affected by your target audience and the size they’re accustomed to seeing on the shelves and holding in their hands.
The size will also affect the inside of your book, the typesetting, which includes the width of your margin and how many words will fit on a page — you want your readers to be able to read it easily!
A Quick Re-cap of Hardcover vs Paperback Bindings
While there is a mad assortment of binding types (what readers think of in terms of books), the basics are:
- Mass market paperbacks, a.k.a. pulp paperbacks, which are small; cheaply made with each sheet fully cut and glued at the spine; and, likely to fall apart or lose sheets after much handling or over several years.
- Trade paperbacks are more sturdily made, with traditional gatherings or sections of bifolios, usually larger, and more expensive.
- Hardcovers are even sturdier — and even more expensive.
Fig. 1. Bookbinding Layer Knot (Buchbinden Lage verknoten) is Simon Eugster‘s own work and is under the CC BY-SA 3.0 license, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Sewing together the signatures (sections) of a casebound book is part of the binding process.
The difference between the three can be seen by looking for the section, a.k.a. gathering or signature (Fig. 1), which is a group of sheets folded in half, to be worked into the binding as a unit.
Considerations on Choosing a Book Type and Size
To be honest, it all comes down to money:
- Genre: fiction or nonfiction, and then the subgenre
- Size of the book
- Size affects how your manuscript is typeset
- Affected by your audience’s reading experience
- Type of paper
- Number of pages (if you want printing on the spine, more pages are good)
- Are you using images? Black-and-white or color?
- Production costs per copy
- Shipping options per individual copy
- Desired profit margin
Weirdly Precise Paper Sizes
These very precise paper sizes — 6.14, 11.69, etc. — drove me crazy. It turns out that it’s a matter of history and economics per I’m a Useless Info Junkie.
In the past, craftsmen did as they liked — much like spelling, etc., lol. The size of their manufacturing equipment determined the size of their paper. Because the world wasn’t as connected as it became in the early 1900s, size didn’t matter. As bureaucracy rose and communication increased, standard sizes became necessary.
In 1786, the German scientist and philosopher Georg Christoph Lichtenberg had noted the advantages of basing a paper size upon an aspect ratio of √2, which meant that the aspect ratio of length-to-width never changed, no matter how the paper was folded. This meant paper was never wasted as it was cut smaller and smaller.
Europeans (and most of the world) use the A format with A0 size the biggest sheet of paper at 84.1 x 118.9cm (33.1 × 46.8″). Fold it in half and you have A1. Fold that in half and it’s an A2. If you’ve folded A0 in half four times, you have an A4, which is 8.25 x 11.67″ (21 x 29.7cm). The math behind it is that the ratio between the length and width of each paper size is always √2-to-1 (the square root of 2 to 1), thereby maintaining the same width-to-length ratio at any size.
This makes scaling down to smaller sizes simpler and doesn’t compromise the aspect ratio.
As for the origin of the A-sizes, it was the standard paper size that was used in Germany since 1922 when the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), Germany’s standards organization, first formalized paper (DIN 476); it was set as the standard (ISO 216) in 1975.
As for North American letter paper sizes, the size evolved in the 1920s to fit into a typewriter, although two sizes were “standard”: the government ruled that their standard paper size was 8 x 10.5″. In 1921, the Committee on the Simplification of Paper Sizes came up with 8.5 x 11″ standards. In the 1980s, President Reagan declared 8.5 x 11″ as the official standard paper size for the US government. Then in 1992, the American National Standards Institute officially defined the sizes of letter and legal paper in ANSI/ASME Y14.1.
However, I’m a Useless Info Junkie notes that the A-sizes are becoming more prevalent as it has the “magic” aspect ratio that allows for smaller pages to have the exact same proportion and is therefore more economical. I reckon it depends on how soon the US goes metric.
NOTE: I came across a number of references to B5 being a relatively common choice for books, 7.17 x 10.12″ (182 x 257mm), and is considered an alternative where the A series is not suitable, i.e., when the A series is too big or small (measures between A4 and A5) for the document you’re working on. However, the research mostly pointed to notebooks.
Exploring Later . . .
You may want to explore “Terminology for Book Binding“, “Binding Choices (for Print)“, “The Fictional Word Count of Books“, and/or “Target Audience“.
Book Layout & Formatting Ideas and Publishing
. . . typesetting, is all about the how the inside of your fiction or non-fiction book — whether print or eBook — looks and the experience it provides your reader. Explore which pages are required or optional, the order the pages should follow, whether the page should be verso or recto, the definitions of technical terms, each page’s content, and in-depth formatting that includes text alignment, margins, bleeds, the choice of font and sizes, linespacing, how and where to place graphics of all sorts, how to style chapter headings, the need for a table of contents, the inclusion of epigraphs, running heads and feet, and so much more. Yes, book cover design will also be covered. Do check with the style guide for your publisher or in your field for how your layout may differ in page order and requirements, whether it’s page order or formatting. Make a checklist.
At the very least, knowing more about book layout design will help you understand a book layout designer you may hire.
My research has evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us any questions you’ve had on this subject that have been a bête noire for you from either end. If you found this post on “Choose the Size for Your Book Type” interesting, consider subscribing to KD Did It, if you’d like to track this post for future updates.
NOTE: None of the sizes stated below are set in stone, as many different publishing companies are printing in different sizes, what size bookstores prefer, and sending all over the world — another reason to go for the A-size.
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| Book Layout & Formatting Ideas; Publishing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Definition: The physical size of your book
Be aware that the US denotes size by width and length. Book Types and Their Sizes: |
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| Fiction or Non-fiction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fiction | Description: Fiction books come in all different shapes and sizes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Standard Fiction Paperback | Description: Uses one of the more common book sizes with B-format books the most popular size of books around the world and used for fiction/novels and poetry.
Be aware that there is no set standard paperback size for all books as the size differs with genre and market. Your best bet is to go to the bookstore and measure the books in your genre — check out those bestsellers! |
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| Non-fiction | Description: Includes textbooks, training manuals, photography, cooking books, memoirs, and religious publications. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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* The A5/Demi size is a popular choice for novels, guidebooks, and children’s books. |
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| Standard Non-fiction Paperback | Description: Different from fiction.
Check out the local bookstore for books in your chosen genre. See what size they are and see what size will match your book. |
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| Book Types and Their Sizes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description: Hardcover, paperback, categories, and genres each have preferred sizes — none of which are set in stone. Those stated below are the most common. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hardcover | Description: A book bound with rigid protective covers (typically of binder’s board or heavy paperboard covered with buckram or other cloth, heavy paper, or occasionally leather).
It usually comes with a dust jacket. A.k.a. case-bound, hard cover, hardback, hardbound |
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| Photobook | Description: Usually in a large hardback format and normally quite a bit larger than regular fiction books.
All paper and binding options are a good fit for this book format. A.k.a. photo book, portrait book |
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| Portfolio | Description: Portfolios are about marketing and presenting academic and professional materials that showcase your products, skills, qualifications, education, training, and experiences.
Hardcover portfolios are becoming a more realistic option for self-published authors with more POD sites offering hardcover print runs at increasingly better values. |
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| Children’s Books | Description: Children’s book sizes tend to be based on age, although having a larger book can be better, as you can have a more detailed image that showcases the illustration and allows for more text on a page.
A larger format allows for beautiful spreads that showcase the illustrations. |
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| Children’s Picture Book | Description: The story is told through pictures, although the older the child becomes, the more text is included along with the pictures. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Board Book | Definition: Meant for the youngest readers, they have cardboard pages to withstand wear and tear from little fingers and mouths and rounded corners to prevent injury. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Paperback | Description: There is no set standard paperback size for all books as the size differs with genre and market.
A.k.a. pocketbook, standard |
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| Trade Paperback | Description: A less expensive version (and a little smaller) of a hardcover — without the bulk and weight of the hardback books — with a thicker cover than mass-market books.
A.k.a. trade, trade paper edition |
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| Mass Market Paperback | Description: Small, usually non-illustrated bookbinding format that is well-suited for a “fit in your pocket” size.
If you are not going to send out hundreds of thousands of your books then you could go for something a little bigger. Do keep text size readable. A.k.a. mass-market paperback, MMP, paperback, paperback original, PBO, pocket book, pocketbook, pulp paperback |
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* Most popular paperback book size around the world. ** It’s the most widely circulated in the UK, being the industry standard for most paperback fiction. |
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| Comic Book | Description: Traditional comic books are saddle-stitched (stapled) although many are now published online.
A.k.a. comic, comic magazine, comicbook, comics periodical, graphic novel Credit to: MasterClass |
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| Graphic Novel | Description: Graphic novels can be saddle-stitched (stapled) or perfect bound.
Credit to: MasterClass |
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| Publisher Sizes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Description: An idea of the sizes offered by some publishers. There are more publishers out there. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blurb | Description: Best suited for self-publishers looking for short-run photo books and POD. The books they produce are of good quality but don’t expect them to be able to print hundreds of books in a fiction size at short notice.
They also offer offset printing for self-publishers AND warehousing and fulfillment services. Credit to: Blurb |
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Dimensions are width by height and are only guidelines, not the actual sizes.
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| IngramSpark | Definition: IngramSpark offers up a variety of sizes in paperback, hardcover, eBooks, and standard and premium color books.
Global book distribution is a specialty! |
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| Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) | Description: A print-on-demand self-publishing company owned by Amazon.
Originally KDP and CreateSpace were two separate Amazon self-publishing companies. In 2018, Amazon merged the two. |
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The following are the main sizes available; see for more size possibilities, as KDP covers everything from small pocketbooks to larger size books.
KDP may not be the best place to get a photo book printed as the larger sizes they offer can be a little restrictive.
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| Shutterfly | Description: Shutterfly is suited to photo book printing and offers sizes that are suited to those style of books. Large-format photo printing is a popular option for print-on-demand photo books. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Book sizes range from:
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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
Satisfy your curiosity about other Book Layout & Formatting Ideas by exploring its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Word Confusions, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.
Resources for Choose the Size for Your Book Type
Some of these links may be affiliate links, and I will earn a small percentage, if you should buy it. It does not affect the price you pay.
“Book Sizes and Dimensions.” Blurb. 11 Apr 2023. Web. 11 Apr 2023. <https://www.blurb.co.uk/book-dimensions>.
Brennan, Allison. “The Pros and Cons of the Mass Market Paperback.” Muderati.com. 16 Aug 2009. Web. 29 Apr 2023. <https://www.murderati.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-the-mass-market-paperback/>.
“Choosing a Hardback or Paperback Book Size.” Imprint Digital.com. n.d. Web. 8 Aug 2021. <https://digital.imprint.co.uk/paperback-book-size/>.
Gatekeeper Press. “Paperback vs. Hardcover: Best Option for Your Book? Blog. Publishing. Gatekeeper Press. 26 Jan 2022. Web. 11 Apr 2023. <https://gatekeeperpress.com/paperback-vs-hardcover/>.
I’m a Useless Info Junkie. “The Simple Reason Why Paper Sizes Have These Exact Dimensions.” The UI Junkie. n.d. Web. 29 Apr 2023. <https://theuijunkie.com/why-this-is-the-standard-paper-size/>.
MasterClass. “Is It a Comic Book or Graphic Novel? Learn the Difference Between Graphic Novels and Comics.” Articles. MasterClass. Last updated 29 Sept 2021. Web. 11 Apr 2023. <https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-the-difference-between-graphic-novels-and-comics>.
“The Most Popular Standard Book Sizes in the US and UK.” InDesign Skills. 27 July 2018. Web. 14 Aug 2021. <https://indesignskills.com/tutorials/standard-book-sizes/>.
“Printed image resolution.” Adobe. 15 Nov 2022. Web. 12 Apr 2023. <https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/image-size-resolution.html>.
“Standard Book Sizes and Book Printing Options.” BookBaby.com. n.d. Web. 11 Sept 2021. <https://www.bookbaby.com/book-trim-sizes-and-binding-options>.
“Standard Book Sizes Info.” Biddles. n.d. Web. 10 Aug 2021. <https://www.biddles.co.uk/book-printing/book-sizes-info/>.
“What Are the Standard Book Sizes in Publishing?.” Reedsy Blog. 26 Oct 2018. Web. 29 Apr 2023. <https://blog.reedsy.com/standard-book-sizes/>.
Wiberg, Karen. “Self-Publishing? Avoid These Common Book Layout Mistakes.” Clear Sight Books. 31 Oct 2019. Web. 29 Apr 2023. <https://clearsightbooks.com/common-book-layout-mistakes/>.
Wu, Leon. “The Article About Paper Sizes You Didn’t Know You Needed.” Modus Medium. 3 Oct 2019. Web. 29 Apr 2023. <https://modus.medium.com/a4-vs-letter-why-size-matters-5477a647b1c2#:>.
Pinterest Photo Credits:
Comparison Book Sizes by CMGlee is under the CC BY-SA 3.0 license, via Wikimedia Commons.
