Cover template calculator
The exact full-wrap canvas size for a KDP cover: bleed, spine width, safe zones, and barcode placement, computed from the same geometry Typesheep uses to build your real cover template file.
Enter your book's specs
| Spine width | — |
| Full wrap width | — |
| Full wrap height | — |
| Bleed / wrap allowance | — |
| Safe zone (keep text inside) | — |
| Barcode zone (back cover) | — |
Hardcover spine width uses the commonly accepted board-allowance model. Verify it against KDP's own Cover Calculator before finalizing a hardcover cover file. This page computes dimensions only; it doesn't generate a downloadable file. For an actual print-ready cover template PDF with trim lines, fold lines, and the barcode zone already placed, build your book on Typesheep (see below).
What each measurement is for
Bleed
Paperback covers need 0.125in of bleed on all four sides of the full wrap. Anything meant to touch the physical edge of the printed book, like a full-bleed color or photo, has to extend past the trim line into that bleed area, or a thin white sliver shows up at the edge after trimming.
Safe zone
Text and important design elements need to stay 0.25in inside the trim line on front and back panels, and 0.0625in from each spine fold specifically. Anything closer risks being trimmed off or folded awkwardly at the spine crease.
Spine width
The spine panel's width is not fixed; it's driven entirely by page count and paper stock. See the spine width calculator for the formula and a full reference table.
Barcode zone (paperback)
KDP reserves a 2in x 1.2in zone on the back cover, 0.25in in from the bottom-right corner inside the trim line, where it places its own barcode automatically. Keep that area clear of text or artwork you care about.
A print-ready cover template, generated from your actual book
This calculator gives you the numbers. Building your book on Typesheep gets you an actual cover template PDF, sized to your real trim, paper, binding, and exact final page count, with trim lines, fold lines, safe zones, spine width, and the barcode zone already drawn in.
Common questions about KDP cover dimensions
What size should my KDP cover file be?
The full wrap canvas equals two trim widths plus spine width plus bleed on every side for paperback, or two trim widths plus spine plus wrap and hinge allowances for hardcover. Use the calculator above for the exact number for your book.
How much bleed does a KDP paperback cover need?
0.125in on all four sides of the full wrap. Anything meant to run to the edge of the printed cover needs to extend into that bleed area.
How close to the spine can I place cover text?
Keep text and design elements at least 0.0625in from each spine fold. Books under 80 pages can't carry spine text at all — the spine is too narrow to hold it legibly.
Where does KDP place the barcode on a paperback cover?
A 2in x 1.2in zone on the back cover, offset 0.25in from the bottom-right corner inside the trim. Keep that area free of essential text or imagery.