IngramSpark Book Trim Sizes and Printing Options
Congratulations, author!
You’re thinking of publishing or printing your book through IngramSpark, and you’re wondering . . .
What are the different book trim sizes to choose from when publishing or printing a book with IngramSpark?
Scroll down to see the printing options and available trim sizes for self-published IngramSpark paperbacks and hardcovers, each organized for easy reference.
Below that, at the end of this article, you’ll see a list of standard trim sizes.
Book trim size definition
First, what is book trim size? Let’s define it.
A book’s trim size is the width × height of its printed pages, typically measured in inches, millimeters, or centimeters.
The cover of a hardcover (hardback) book will be slightly larger than the interior pages, whereas a paperback will be the same.
The most common trim size for paperbacks in the US is 6 × 9 inches (152 × 229 mm).
⬇️IngramSpark book trim sizes and printing options for paperback and hardcover books are shown below.
Need a book trim size recommendation or the typical trim size for a specific genres of fiction, nonfiction, poetry books, etc.?
Take a quick look at (and bookmark or share) this online author resource on book trim size for a self-published book. In it you’ll see
➞the standard book sizes, both popular and recommended, in inches (in) and millimeters (mm). (This is also below.)
➞a cool infographic made by yours truly.
➞links to the available trim sizes for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press, Lulu, Blurb, and BookBaby.
And if you’re publishing with IngramSpark, you may want this:
Helpful Links—IngramSpark Trim Sizes and Pricing
IngramSpark File Creation Guide (See the trim size matrix, pp. 40–41, and see the chart below.)
IngramSpark tools: Publisher Comp. Calculator, Print & Ship Calculator, Weight & Spine Width Calculator, Cover Template Generator
IngramSpark Pricing (Effective March 8, 2022) (Use the Print & Ship Calculator for the most accurate info)
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Printing Options and Trim Sizes for Self-Published IngramSpark Books
IngramSpark Ink Qualities and Paper Type
For paperback books, IngramSpark offers these ink and paper options and weights:
Black ink and 38# (56 GSM) groundwood [mass market–type] paper (available in small-format trim sizes in the US and UK)
Black ink and 50# (74 GSM) white paper
Black ink and 50# (74 GSM) crème paper [IngramSpark refers to cream as crème.]
Standard color printing and 50# (74 GSM) white paper
Standard color printing and 70# (104 GSM) white paper
Premium color printing and 70# (104 GSM) white paper
#=pounds
GSM = grams per square meter.
Paperback covers: For paperback books, IngramSpark offers a full-color laminated cover (in matte or gloss) with perfect-bound binding. Availability depends on trim size.
IngramSpark: How Many Pages Are Required to Print on the Spine (Paperback)?
According to IngramSpark, “Spine text is allowed for soft cover books with 48 pages or more, and hard cover books with 18 pages or more.”
IngramSpark Paperback Sizes
Here are the trim size options, ink qualities and paper type, and minimum and maximum number of pages for IngramSpark paperbacks.
For hardcover books, IngramSpark offers these ink and paper options and weights:
Black ink and 38# (56 GSM) groundwood [mass market–type] paper (available in small-format trim sizes in the US and UK)
Black ink and 50# (74 GSM) white paper
Black ink and 50# (74 GSM) crème paper [IngramSpark refers to cream as crème.]
Standard color printing and 50# (74 GSM) white paper
Standard color printing and 70# (104 GSM) white paper
Premium color printing and 70# (104 GSM) white paper
Hardcover covers: For hardcover books, IngramSpark offers a full-color laminated cover (in matte or gloss), available with or without a dust jacket.
IngramSpark also offers its “Digital Cloth™ Cover”—which it describes as follows:
“Digital Cloth™ Cover – Subtle, cloth-like look (available with or without dust jacket. Textured feel available for hardcover books printed in the U.S. and U.K. only)”.
Availability depends on trim size.
IngramSpark: How Many Pages Are Required to Print on the Spine (Hardcover)?
According to IngramSpark, “Spine text is allowed for soft cover books with 48 pages or more, and hard cover books with 18 pages or more.”
IngramSpark Hardcover Sizes
Here are the trim size options, ink qualities and paper type, and minimum and maximum number of pages for IngramSpark hardcovers.
What Are the Standard Book Trim Sizes?
Pocket Book – 4.25 × 7 (108 × 178 mm) (or thereabouts): for mass-market paperbacks
Digest – 5.5 × 8.5 in (140 × 216 mm): for memoirs and novels
A5 – 5.83 × 8.27 in (148 × 210 mm): for memoirs and novels, especially for UK and non-US authors
US Trade – 6 × 9 (152 × 229 mm): for novels and most nonfiction
Royal – 6.14 × 9.21 (156 × 234 mm): for novels and nonfiction, especially for UK and non-US authors
Comic Book – 6.63 × 10.25 in (158 × 260 mm): for graphic novels and comic books
Executive – 7 × 10 in (178 × 254 mm): for edited manuscript collections and texbooks
Crown Quarto – 7.44 × 9.68 in (189 × 246 mm): for edited manuscript collections and textbooks
Small Square – 7.5 × 7.5 in (190 × 190 mm): for photo books and children’s books
A4 – 8.27 × 11.69 in (210 × 297 mm): for workbooks and family history books
Square – 8.5 × 8.5 in (216 × 216 mm): for photo books and children’s books
US Letter – 8.5 × 11 in (216 × 279 mm): for workbooks and family history books
Small Landscape – 9 × 7 in (229 × 178 mm): for children’s books
US Letter Landscape – 11 × 8.5 in (279 × 216 mm): for calendars and planners
Calendar Landscape – 11 × 8.5 in (279 × 216 mm) (with Wire-O binding along the edge and a punch hole for hanging): for calendars and planners
A4 Landscape – 11.69 × 8.27 in (297 × 210 mm): for calendars and planners
Need a book trim size recommendation or the typical trim size for a specific genres of fiction, nonfiction, poetry books, etc.?
Take a quick look at (and bookmark or share) this online author resource on book trim size for a self-published book. In it you’ll see
➞the standard book sizes, both popular and recommended, in inches (in) and millimeters (mm). (This is also below.)
➞a cool infographic made by yours truly.
➞links to the available trim sizes for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press, Lulu, Blurb, and BookBaby.
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Wishing you successful publishing,