How to Format a Book for Amazon KDP in Google Docs
If you are writing a book and plan to self-publish through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you’ve probably hit a frustrating wall: Google Docs™ does not natively support the custom page sizes that KDP requires. You can choose Letter or A4, but there is no built-in option for the 6 x 9 inch trim size that most paperback books use, let alone the dozen other formats KDP accepts.
You don’t need to switch to Word or InDesign. With DocSize, a free Google Docs™ add-on, you can set any KDP trim size, configure proper margins, and prepare your manuscript for upload — all without leaving your browser.
This guide walks you through every step of formatting a book for Amazon KDP in Google Docs™, from choosing the right trim size to exporting a print-ready PDF.
What Are KDP Trim Sizes and Why Do They Matter?
A trim size is the finished dimensions of your printed book after the pages have been cut. Amazon KDP supports a range of trim sizes, and the one you choose directly affects how your book looks on the shelf, how readers perceive it, and whether it meets KDP’s file submission requirements.
If your manuscript’s page dimensions do not match an accepted KDP trim size, your upload will be rejected. Getting the trim size right from the start also saves you hours of reformatting later, because changing page dimensions after writing can shift your text, break page breaks, and alter your total page count.
Popular KDP Trim Sizes and When to Use Them
Amazon KDP accepts trim sizes ranging from 5 x 8 inches up to 8.5 x 11 inches. Here are the most commonly used options and the genres or formats they suit best.
5 x 8 in (12.7 x 20.32 cm)
A compact, pocket-friendly size that works well for genre fiction such as romance, mystery, and thrillers. It’s also a good fit for poetry collections and shorter novellas. The smaller footprint keeps printing costs low and gives your book a portable feel readers appreciate.
5.25 x 8 in (13.335 x 20.32 cm)
Slightly wider than the 5 x 8 format, this size offers a bit more breathing room on each line while still feeling compact. It is a solid choice for literary fiction, memoirs, and narrative non-fiction where readability matters but you want to keep the book manageable in size.
5.5 x 8.5 in (13.97 x 21.59 cm)
A versatile middle-ground size that suits both fiction and non-fiction. Many traditionally published novels use dimensions close to this. If you are unsure which size to pick for a general-audience book, 5.5 x 8.5 inches is a safe and professional choice.
6 x 9 in (15.24 x 22.86 cm) — Most Popular
The 6 x 9 inch trim size is the single most popular choice among KDP authors, and for good reason. It provides ample space for body text, headings, and even simple diagrams. This size is the standard for non-fiction, self-help, business books, and technical guides. It’s also widely used for longer novels and anthologies. If you are publishing your first book and want a universally accepted format, start here.
7 x 10 in (17.78 x 25.4 cm)
A larger format that gives you room for more complex layouts. This size works well for textbooks, cookbooks, how-to guides with photographs, and any book that benefits from wider margins or multi-column layouts. The extra width accommodates tables, code snippets, and illustrations without making the text feel cramped.
8.5 x 11 in (21.59 x 27.94 cm)
The largest standard KDP trim size, equivalent to US Letter. Use this for workbooks, activity books, coloring books, planners, and reference manuals. It provides maximum usable space per page and is the natural choice when your content includes full-page images, worksheets, or large diagrams.
Understanding KDP Margin Requirements
Amazon KDP enforces minimum margin requirements to ensure that text is not cut off during printing or lost in the gutter (the inside edge where pages meet the spine). Getting margins wrong is one of the most common reasons KDP uploads fail review.
Outside Margins
The minimum outside margin (top, bottom, and the edge opposite the spine) is 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) for all trim sizes. However, most professionally formatted books use at least 0.5 inches on the top and bottom and 0.25 to 0.5 inches on the outside edge for a cleaner look.
Inside (Gutter) Margins
The inside margin must be larger than the outside margins because pages curve into the binding. KDP’s minimum inside margin depends on your book’s page count — thicker books need wider gutter margins. Here’s the reference table:
| Page Count | Minimum Inside Margin |
|---|---|
| 24 — 150 | 0.375 in (9.525 mm) |
| 151 — 300 | 0.5 in (12.7 mm) |
| 301 — 500 | 0.625 in (15.875 mm) |
| 501 — 700 | 0.75 in (19.05 mm) |
| 701 — 828 | 0.875 in (22.225 mm) |
Keep in mind that these are absolute minimums. Many authors add an extra 0.125 inches to the inside margin for additional comfort. A 200-page novel at 6 x 9 inches, for example, would work well with a 0.625-inch inside margin, 0.5-inch top and bottom margins, and a 0.5-inch outside margin.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your KDP Book with DocSize
Follow these steps to configure your Google Docs™ manuscript with the correct KDP trim size and margins using DocSize.
Step 1: Install DocSize
Visit the Google Workspace™ Marketplace listing for DocSize and click Install. Grant the required permissions (document access and UI access only — DocSize does not collect or store any personal data). The installation takes just a few seconds.
Step 2: Open DocSize in Your Document
Open the Google Docs™ document that contains your manuscript. Navigate to Extensions > DocSize > Change Document Size in the menu bar. The DocSize sidebar will appear on the right side of your screen.
Step 3: Select Your KDP Trim Size
In the DocSize sidebar, look for the Presets dropdown. DocSize includes presets for all major KDP trim sizes. Select the one that matches your target format — for example, “Amazon KDP 6x9” for the popular 6 x 9 inch size. The width and height fields will populate automatically.
If you need a KDP trim size that is not listed as a preset, you can enter the exact dimensions manually. Simply type the width and height values in the fields provided, making sure your unit is set to inches. For a comprehensive overview of setting custom dimensions, see our guide on how to set a custom page size in Google Docs™.
Step 4: Configure Your Margins
After selecting your trim size, set up your margins in the DocSize sidebar. Enter the appropriate values for:
- Top margin: 0.5 inches or more (recommended)
- Bottom margin: 0.5 inches or more (recommended)
- Inside margin (left for right-hand pages): Refer to the margin table above based on your estimated page count
- Outside margin (right for right-hand pages): 0.25 inches minimum, 0.5 inches recommended
For a typical 200-page, 6 x 9 inch book, a good starting configuration is: top 0.5 in, bottom 0.5 in, inside (left) 0.625 in, outside (right) 0.5 in.
If you need more guidance on margin configuration, our article on how to change page size in Google Docs™ covers margin adjustments in detail.
Step 5: Apply the Settings
Click the Apply button in the DocSize sidebar. Your entire document will instantly reformat to the new dimensions and margins. Scroll through your manuscript to verify that text reflows correctly and no content is cut off at the edges.
Exporting Your Manuscript as a PDF for KDP
Once your document is formatted with the correct trim size and margins, you need to export it as a PDF for upload to KDP.
- In Google Docs™, go to File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf).
- Open the downloaded PDF and verify that the page dimensions match your chosen trim size. You can check this in any PDF reader’s document properties.
- Confirm that all text, images, and page numbers appear within the safe margins.
- Upload the PDF to your KDP bookshelf under the “Paperback Content” section.
KDP will run an automated review of your file. If the dimensions or margins do not meet their requirements, you will receive specific error messages indicating what needs to be corrected. With DocSize, this is rarely an issue because the presets are configured to KDP’s exact specifications.
Formatting Tips for a Professional KDP Book
Setting the right page size and margins is the foundation, but a few additional formatting choices will make your book look polished and professional.
Font Selection
Choose readable serif fonts for body text. Garamond, Georgia, and Palatino are popular choices for print books. Set your body text between 10 and 12 points depending on the font and your target audience. Avoid decorative or sans-serif fonts for long passages of body text — they cause eye fatigue in print.
Line Spacing
Use line spacing between 1.15 and 1.5 for body text. Single spacing (1.0) feels too tight for most readers, while double spacing (2.0) wastes pages and increases printing costs. A setting of 1.3 is a common sweet spot for fiction.
Headers and Footers
Add headers with your book title on left pages and the chapter title on right pages for a traditional look. Keep headers simple and use a smaller font size than your body text (typically 8 to 10 points).
Page Numbers
Insert page numbers through Insert > Headers & Footers > Page number in Google Docs™. Place them at the bottom center or bottom outside corner of each page. Remember that your front matter (title page, copyright page, dedication) typically uses Roman numerals or no page numbers at all, with Arabic numbering starting at the first chapter.
Chapter Starts
Begin each chapter on a right-hand (odd-numbered) page. Add a page break before each chapter heading and consider dropping the chapter title about one-third of the way down the page for a classic look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I format both paperback and hardcover books for KDP in Google Docs™?
Yes. KDP hardcover books use the same trim sizes as paperbacks. The margin requirements are identical as well. Format your document once with DocSize, and the same PDF can be used for both paperback and hardcover listings on KDP.
What if my page count changes after I set the margins?
If significant edits push your manuscript into a higher page-count bracket (for example, from 148 pages to 155 pages), you will need to increase your inside margin to meet KDP’s minimum for that range. Open DocSize again, update the inside margin value, and re-export your PDF. This takes only a few seconds.
Does DocSize work with Google Docs™ on mobile devices?
DocSize is a Google Workspace™ add-on that runs in the desktop version of Google Docs™ accessed through a web browser. For the best formatting experience, use Google Docs™ on a desktop or laptop computer. Once your document is formatted, you can review it on any device.
Do I need to set bleed for my KDP book in Google Docs™?
Bleed is only required if your book has images or design elements that extend to the very edge of the page. For most text-based books, you do not need bleed. If your book does require bleed, KDP asks for 0.125 inches of bleed on the top, bottom, and outside edges. You would add this extra space to your trim dimensions when setting up your page in DocSize — for example, a 6 x 9 inch book with bleed would be set to 6.125 x 9.25 inches.
Start Formatting Your KDP Book Today
That’s the entire workflow: pick your trim size, set your margins, write your book, export to PDF. No desktop software, no subscription fees.
Get DocSize free from the Google Workspace™ Marketplace and have your KDP formatting sorted in under a minute.