KDP Cover Size Calculator Guide
A KDP cover needs the right physical dimensions and the right pixel dimensions. If either one is wrong, your cover can look blurry, stretched, or misaligned.
Prepare your cover image:
Use the Free KDP Image Upscaler Tool
Use the Free KDP Image Upscaler Tool
The basic formula
Pixels = inches × DPI. If your cover image needs to print 6 inches wide at 300 DPI, it should be at least 1,800 pixels wide.
Example sizes
| Print Width | 300 DPI Pixels | 600 DPI Pixels |
|---|---|---|
| 5 inches | 1,500 px | 3,000 px |
| 6 inches | 1,800 px | 3,600 px |
| 8 inches | 2,400 px | 4,800 px |
Do not forget bleed and spine
Full paperback covers include the front cover, back cover, spine, and bleed. The final size depends on trim size, page count, paper type, and bleed settings.
Best workflow
Calculate the required cover dimensions, export the cover at high resolution, then use an upscaler only if the image does not meet the needed pixel size.