What are the current paperback gutter margins?

KDP's minimum inside margins are 0.375 in for 24-150 pages, 0.5 in for 151-300, 0.625 in for 301-500, 0.75 in for 501-700, and 0.875 in for 701-828 pages.

When is a PDF required for a paperback manuscript?

If the paperback manuscript contains bleed, KDP requires the manuscript to be uploaded as a PDF. Without bleed, KDP can also accept DOC, DOCX, RTF, HTML, or TXT and convert the file to PDF.

How many pages can a KDP hardcover have?

Current KDP hardcover trim-size tables use a 75-550 page range for supported black-ink and premium-color configurations.

How to Format a Book for Amazon KDP: Current 2026 Requirements

Q: What eBook manuscript formats does KDP currently support?

KDP recommends/common supports DOC/DOCX, KPF, and EPUB, and also accepts additional formats including HTML, RTF, TXT, and PDF in supported languages. MOBI support is limited and, since March 2025, MOBI is no longer accepted for fixed-layout eBooks.

Formatting requirements differ sharply between Kindle eBooks and print editions. The safest workflow is to choose the intended format first, build the file to that format's current requirements, and use Amazon's preview tools before publishing.

Pro Tip: For additional self-publishing workflow context Let's Get Digital: How To Self-Publish by David Gaughran covers this in detail.

Kindle eBook Manuscript Formats

KDP's recommended/common manuscript formats include DOC/DOCX, KPF, and EPUB. It also accepts additional formats including HTML, RTF, TXT, and PDF in supported languages. KPF is produced by Kindle Create; EPUB should be checked with Kindle Previewer.

MOBI is no longer a default recommendation. KDP states that effective March 2025 it no longer accepts MOBI files for fixed-layout eBooks. Use EPUB/KPF/DOCX according to the book's layout needs.

Reflowable vs Fixed Layout

Reflowable

Text adapts to device size and reader settings. This is the normal choice for text-heavy fiction and nonfiction.

Fixed layout / Print Replica

Layout stays tied to the designed page. Use only when the reading experience genuinely depends on a fixed visual composition.

Paperback Bleed & File Rules

• If content reaches the edge of the printed page, extend it by 0.125 in (3.2 mm) beyond the trim on the top, bottom, and outside edge.
• A manuscript with bleed must be uploaded as a PDF.
• Without bleed, KDP also accepts PDF, DOC, DOCX, RTF, HTML, or TXT and converts non-PDF print files.
• Print files must be no larger than 650 MB.
• KDP recommends print images at a minimum of 300 DPI.
• Embed fonts/images and flatten transparent objects/layers before upload.

For a 6 × 9 in manuscript with bleed, KDP's example page size is 6.125 × 9.25 in because bleed is added to the outside width and to both top/bottom edges.

Current Paperback Minimum Margins

Page count	Inside / gutter	Outside, no bleed	Outside, with bleed
24–150	0.375 in	0.25 in	0.375 in
151–300	0.5 in	0.25 in	0.375 in
301–500	0.625 in	0.25 in	0.375 in
501–700	0.75 in	0.25 in	0.375 in
701–828	0.875 in	0.25 in	0.375 in

This corrects the older simplified rule that used a 0.75 in gutter for every paperback above 500 pages. KDP now explicitly separates 501–700 (0.75 in) from 701–828 (0.875 in).

Page-Count & Ink Constraints

Paperback

• Black ink/white: commonly 24–828 pages on many standard trims
• Standard color: 72–600 pages
• Premium color: often 24–828 pages, depending on trim
• Some large/custom trims have lower maximums

Hardcover

• Supported configurations generally use 75–550 pages
• Standard color is not available for hardcover
• Groundwood is not a hardcover option
• Supported trim sizes are narrower than paperback

Current Color-Printing Cost Example

On Amazon.com, KDP currently lists a $1.00 fixed cost for a regular-trim standard- or premium-color paperback, plus:

Standard color

$0.0255 per page for regular trim; minimum 72 pages.

Premium color

$0.065 per page for regular trim; minimum 24 pages.

These are Amazon.com examples, not universal rates. Use BookBloom's marketplace-aware Print Cost Calculator for the selected store and print configuration.

Calculate current print cost →

Preview Before Publishing

Kindle Previewer

Check conversion, navigation, text flow, images, tables, and device behavior before upload.

KDP Print Previewer

Check trim, margins, bleed, spine/cover fit, image placement, and any flagged print issues.

Physical proof copy

For print, a proof lets you inspect actual manufacturing output before the book goes Live.

KDP can change supported formats, trim sizes, printing options, and page limits. Recheck the KDP setup screen for the exact edition you are publishing; it is authoritative for options available to that title and marketplace.

Optional Formatting & Publishing Resources

Additional general self-publishing reading.

Let's Get Digital: How To Self-Publish

by David Gaughran

A broader self-publishing guide covering publishing workflows and author-business context.

Get This Book

Published.: The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold

by Chandler Bolt

A broader publishing-process resource for authors building repeatable systems.

Get This Book

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