comparison

KDP eBook Cover vs Paperback Cover

Use a fixed 1600 x 2560 px image for a KDP eBook cover. Use calculated paperback cover dimensions for print because page count and spine width change the full wraparound cover.

Last checked: 2026-05-03

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At a glance

Use a fixed 1600 x 2560 px image for a KDP eBook cover. Use calculated paperback cover dimensions for print because page count and spine width change the full wraparound cover.

Source confidence: Calculated Last checked: 2026-05-03 Source: KDP Cover Calculator and Templates Found a spec change? Send correction.

How we calculate this

Methodology and source handling

We compare dimensions, aspect ratio, area difference, and crop risk so the page answers which size fits the job.

Methodology Editorial policy

Quick answer

Copy-ready answer

Use a fixed 1600 x 2560 px image for a KDP eBook cover. Use calculated paperback cover dimensions for print because page count and spine width change the full wraparound cover.

KDP eBook Cover vs Paperback Cover

Dimensions and specs

KDP eBook Cover	1600 x 2560 px; 1:1.6
KDP Paperback Cover	Calculated from trim, pages, spine, and bleed

Decision

Which one should you use?

Use a fixed 1600 x 2560 px image for a KDP eBook cover. Use calculated paperback cover dimensions for print because page count and spine width change the full wraparound cover.

Common mistakes

Avoid these kdp ebook cover vs paperback cover problems

Starting without the destination

Confirm whether the final output is print, upload, screen, or a template.

Ignoring aspect ratio

A size mismatch creates crop, padding, or distortion at export.

Skipping the source check

Confirm sources, limits, and output settings before sending the file onward.

Tools

Resize workflow

Open both source pages before exporting. If the aspect ratios differ, rebuild text and safe-area placement instead of only scaling the same artwork.

Compare

Dimensions and crop

Asset	Size	Best use
KDP eBook Cover	1600 x 2560 px; 1:1.6	Use when the destination is KDP eBook Cover.
KDP Paperback Cover	Calculated from trim, pages, spine, and bleed	Use when the destination is KDP Paperback Cover.

Related pages and tools

reference KDP eBook Cover reference KDP Paperback Cover tool Open in Compare Sizes tool trust Methodology Formulas, rounding rules, bleed assumptions, platform confidence labels, and source handling. trust Editorial Policy How PixelMeasures reviews sources, labels confidence, and handles correction reports.

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References

Sources and references

Dimensions come from PixelMeasures reference entries and listed source documentation. Area, aspect-ratio, and crop implications are calculated editorial guidance.

KDP Cover Calculator and Templates
Official KDP calculator and downloadable print cover templates.
KDP Paperback Submission Guidelines
Official KDP paperback cover formulas for bleed, cover width, cover height, safe area, and spine measurements.
KDP eBook cover image requirements
Official KDP eBook cover image quality guidance.

Last checked: 2026-05-03