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Book Sizes
Book sizes are important to take note of, especially if you are an author or publisher. In the case of books, there is no ‘one size fits all’ because there are so many different types of books in the market.
Book Sizes Standard
Mass Market Paperback
A standard book size that is perhaps the most widely available is the mass market paperback book. This type of book measures roughly 4.25 inches x 6.87 inches. Compared to the traditional paperback, the mass market paperback book is smaller in size and the font or text is printed much smaller as well. Paperbacks are considered the more economical option for readers because of their low cost.
Trade Paperback
Another universal book size is the trade paperback size. This standard size can typically range from 5.5 x 8.5 inches to 6 × 9 inches. When converted to centimeters, trade books can have dimensions that are 13 x 20 cm to 15 x 23 cm. Additionally, these types of books are larger and often more durable than their mass market paperback counterpart.
Hardcover
The standard size for a hardcover book measures 6 x 9 inches or 8.5 x 11 inches. In millimeters, the measurements are 152 x 229 mm and 216 x 279 mm, respectively. A hardcover book size can be used for both fiction and non-fiction genres. Hardcovers also tend to be heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than paperback ones.
Book Sizes for Print
Printed books come in a number of different sizes. The most common ones for fiction are 4.25 x 6.87 inches, 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 6 x 9 inches. Science fiction, thriller, romance, and fantasy are just some of the most popular genres for fiction. And as for non-fiction books, the recommended sizes are 5.5 x 8.5 inches, 6 x 9 inches, and 7 x 10 inches. Non-fiction books also cover a broad range of topics such as history, biographies, self-help, and different kinds of academic subjects.
Book Sizes for MS Word
When it comes to writing a book, authors will obviously need to use a word processing software to come up with a draft or manuscript. Microsoft Word is a popular word processor application that both professional and amateur writers use. You can begin by setting the size to a height of 198 millimeters and a width of 129 millimeters under the Page Setup menu. When converted to centimeters, that is 19.8 x 12.9 cm. Again, you want to refer to the standard book sizes because the appropriate size would depend on the type of book you are creating and your individual objectives.
Book Sizes for Apple Pages
Another alternative word processor is Apple Pages. Just like Microsoft Word, Pages features tools that help create and format text for book chapters. There is no one size for a book but you can start off with a page size that has dimensions of 7.8 x 5 inches. This is a popular book size for fiction novels but you can adjust the size according to the type of book you are creating. As for the margins, it is recommended to set it to 1 inch. It is also important to know that Apple Pages supports the EPUB file format which makes it easier to create eBook-compatible work.
Book Sizes for Google Docs
Google Docs is a widely used online word processor application that is used to create all kinds of documents, including book drafts. Take not that you would need an active Google account to access, create, and edit Google Docs files. If you are unsure of the kind of book you want to publish, you can start with a standard Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) for your first draft then adjust the document size later as needed. Further, make sure to set the page orientation to portrait.
Book Sizes FAQs
What size is a normal paperback book?
The most common type of paperback book is the mass market paperback book which measures 4.25 inches x 6.87 inches.
What is the proper book format?
The proper format to use when creating a book is the standard US Letter size of 8.5 inches x 11 inches; additionally, the font should be readable and the margins should be set to 1 inch on all sides.
Is A5 a standard book size?
Yes, the A5 size- which has dimensions of 148 mm x 210 mm- is a standard book size, but mainly for school books.
What is the measure length of a book?
The length of a book is normally established by measuring the height against the width of the leaf or the height and width of the book cover.
What size is a school book?
A standard school book usually measures 6 x 9 inches, 8.5 x 11 inches, or sometimes 7 x 10 inches.
What size is a 6×9 book?
Most general fiction books, both hardcover and soft cover, have a trim size of 6 x 9 inches or 15.24 x 22.86 centimeters.
What is the best size font for a book?
The recommended font size for a book is between 10 to 12 point size.
What is the size of an A6 book?
An A6 book size has dimensions of 105 x 148 millimeters or when converted to inches, 4.13 x 5.83 inches.
What size is an A5 book in inches?
An A5 book size measures 5.8 inches x 8.3 inches or when converted to millimeters, it measures 148 mm x 210 mm.
What is a medium sized book?
Generally, a medium sized book measures 6 inches in width and 9 inches in height.
What is the most popular book size?
In the United States, the most popular book sizes are 5.5 x 8.5 inches and 6 x 9 inches.
What is a normal book size?
A 6 x 9 inch book size is considered normal and pretty standard for both fiction and non-fiction categories.
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