How to work out the full cover size for KDP

A print cover is one image: back cover, spine and front cover side by side, with bleed all the way round.

Paperback, worked example

A 6 × 9 in paperback with 200 pages on white paper:

Width = bleed + back + spine + front + bleed. Height = bleed + trim height + bleed. At 300 DPI the file is 3810 × 2775 pixels.

Where text can go

• Keep text 0.125 in inside the trim on the front and back.
• Keep spine text 0.0625 in from each fold.
• Leave the barcode area clear on the back; see barcode.

Hardcover is bigger

A hardcover cover wraps around boards. It is 15.0 mm of wrap on every side instead of bleed, plus hinges, so the same book needs a 14.214 in × 10.417 in cover. Never reuse a paperback cover for a hardcover.