KDP trim sizes and margins for puzzle books
Two settings decide whether KDP accepts your interior file: the trim size (the size of the book) and the margins (the empty space around the edge). Getting them right the first time saves a lot of re-uploading.
Popular trim sizes for puzzle books
8.5 × 11 inches is the classic large print size. Grids can be big, which older readers and children appreciate. 8 × 10 and 7 × 10 are a little smaller and still roomy. 6 × 9 inches is the most common size for regular books; it works well for sudoku at one or two per page, but a large word search grid gets small. Pick the size first, because changing it later changes every page.
What the gutter is
The gutter is the inside margin, the edge that goes into the spine. Thicker books curve more at the spine, so KDP asks for a bigger inside margin as the page count grows. As a guide, KDP's table asks for about 0.375 inches up to 150 pages, 0.5 inches for 151 to 300 pages, 0.625 inches for 301 to 500, 0.75 inches for 501 to 700, and 0.875 inches above that. The outside margins need at least 0.25 inches when the book has no bleed.
The puzzle book maker sets the gutter for you from your page count and swaps it to the correct side on left and right pages. The meter at the top shows the gutter it is using.
Page count limits
KDP paperbacks need at least 24 pages. The maximum depends on trim size and paper type; for black ink on white paper it is 828 pages for common sizes. If a big book goes over, put more puzzles on each page or split it into two volumes, which also gives you two books to sell.
Always check KDP's current rules
KDP updates its requirements from time to time. Before you publish, compare your settings with the current paperback trim size and margin pages in KDP's help center, and always look at your file in the KDP previewer.
Ready to make your book? It is free, with no sign-up.
Open the puzzle book maker