Trim Size for Puzzle Books: 6×9 vs 8×10 vs 8.5×11

For most puzzle books the choice is between three KDP trim sizes: 6 × 9 in (regular trim, cheapest to print), 8 × 10 in and 8.5 × 11 in (large trim, more room). Use 8.5 × 11 in for large print, children's activity books, coloring books and bingo; use 6 × 9 in for compact adult puzzle books with two or more puzzles per page. This guide shows what each size does to the puzzle on the page, to printing cost and to margins, and which size suits each puzzle type.

In short: a 15 × 15 word search prints at about 14 pt on 6 × 9 in and about 22 pt on 8.5 × 11 in. Large trim costs $0.54 more per copy up to 110 pages and the gap grows with every page after that. Pick the trim for the reader first, then check the cost.

What do 6 × 9, 8 × 10 and 8.5 × 11 look like on the page?

The same puzzle, printed on each trim size at true scale:

The letter sizes are measured from pages made with the DT Labs word search maker. Smaller grids on the same page print bigger: a 12 × 12 grid on 8.5 × 11 in reaches about 27 pt, which is why large print word searches use it.

How much more does a large trim size cost to print?

On Amazon.com, KDP charges by trim class, not by exact size: every trim wider than 6.12 in or taller than 9 in is "large" and costs more per page.

At 100 pages the difference is $0.54 per copy; at 150 pages it is $0.75 and at 200 pages $1.00. Because KDP pays 50% of the list price below $9.99 and 60% from $9.99, a large-trim book often needs the $9.99 price to leave a reasonable royalty — see KDP paperback royalties and the 50% rule, and try your own page count in the royalty calculator.

Note that 8 × 10 in costs the same to print as 8.5 × 11 in. If you are paying for large trim, 8.5 × 11 in gives you the most page for the money unless the smaller format suits your buyers better.

Which trim size suits each type of puzzle book?

The guides for each type go into detail: word search, sudoku, mazes, bingo cards and mandala coloring books.

What margins does each trim size need?

The margins depend on page count, not trim size. KDP's inside margin (the gutter, next to the spine) grows as the book gets thicker:

Outside, top and bottom margins are at least 0.25 in without bleed. Puzzle interiors almost never need bleed, because nothing is printed to the edge of the page. Many puzzle makers use 0.5 in outside margins anyway, which looks less cramped. The trim size and margin guide gives the exact numbers for any page count.

Once the interior is final, the trim size and page count together set the cover width — use the spine width calculator before you design the cover.

Can you change trim size after publishing?

Not on the same book. On KDP, trim size is locked once a paperback is published; changing it means publishing a new edition. So decide before you build the interior, and print a proof at that size.

A quick way to judge is to print a few pages at home first. Our free printables are all US Letter (8.5 × 11 in), and printing one page scaled to 70% gives a rough idea of how it would look at 6 × 9 in.

Trim size checklist

• Reader chosen first: large print, children, adults, travel
• Grid or design size matched to the trim (measured, not guessed)
• Printing cost checked for your page count and trim class
• Price checked against the $9.99 royalty line
• Gutter set for the final page count
• Proof printed at the final trim size