Book Spine Calculator

Book Spine Calculator If you want to figure out the thickness of your book's spine, use our handy spine width calculator to determine the book spine width and the overall height and width of your book cover.

Book Spine Width Calculator

For Softcover Books

Select Size

Paper Stock

50# Offset - White

60# Offset - Natural

60# Offset - White

70# Offset - Smooth

80# Gloss - White

Pages

Spine Width:0.000"

Total Width w/ bleed:0.000"

Total Height w/ bleed:0.000"

Book Cover Spine Example with Bleeds and Trim

The dimensions from the spine calculator include a 1/8" (.125") bleed on all four sides. Keep the type and elements that you don't want trimmed off at least 3/8" (.375") from the bleed edge.

Once the book is bound, it gets trimmed, and at this stage the 1/8" bleed is trimmed off. The type and elements will be 1/4" (.25") from the trim. See our trim and bleed image below for further clarification.

Pro-tip: Make the spine type and any graphics a little smaller than the book thickness, so the copy doesn't wrap onto the front or back covers when the book is bound.

What is a Book Spine?

The spine of the book is part of the cover of the book and is the same thickness of the interior pages of the book. The spine of the book should be scored, to allow the cover to wrap around the interior pages. The scoring of the cover material ensures that the paper does not crack when the text is wrapped around the cover.

The best quality perfect bound book spines are scored four times, two scores for the spine itself, and two more scores for what is called the hinge score of the spine. The best book spines use a hinged spine, and it gives the book a professional finish. Please request DiggyPOD's Free Sample Book, so you can see a book spine sample with the hinged binding.

Printing on the Spine of a Book

Most book spines will have the title and author's name on the spine of the book. The thicker the book, the bigger the spine copy can be. All perfect bound (paperback books) and Hardcover books have a spine.

Some books cannot have printing on the spine of the book because they are not thick enough and the type will be too small to read. Typically, any spine smaller than .136" of an inch will not have any type on the spine, because the type will be too small to read.

Here is a list of different binding styles that cannot have a spine: Saddle-Stitched Books Plastic Coil or Spiral Binding Wire-O Binding

If you have any questions about the book spine or the Free Book Spine Creation, please give us a call at (866) 595-7975. Our staff is eager to help you with any questions you may have.

Why Authors Choose DiggyPOD for Self-Publishing & Book Printing

With over 3,500 five-star reviews, authors trust DiggyPOD for reliable self-publishing services, high-quality book printing, and expert author support.

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The DiggyPOD organization is excellent. Every phase is handled with a professional touch. The website is simply - clear - easy to work with - plus eas ....read more

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FAQs

Explore answers to the most common questions about
our book printing and self-publishing services.

Do I need to have my book finished to book a call?

Not at all. Whether you're outlining your chapters or finalizing your manuscript, we're here to help at any stage.

What happens on the 15-minute call?

You'll speak with a real DiggyPOD expert who will walk you through the printing process, answer any questions, and help you understand next steps - no pressure, just guidance.

Can I talk about pricing and turnaround times on the call?

Absolutely. We'll give you transparent pricing, shipping info, and help you plan your timeline - especially if you're on a tight deadline.

I've never self-published before. Is DiggyPOD a good fit?

Yes - we specialize in helping first-time authors. Our team is known for hands-on support, and we'll walk you through every step with care.

Will I get help with formatting and file setup?

We offer guidance through our customer team and provide templates, tips, and resources. Basic file issues may be fixable when possible.

What kinds of books can I print with DiggyPOD?

We print everything from novels and memoirs to poetry, children's books, business books, and more - in paperback or hardcover.

Do I need to pay anything to book the call?

Nope. The consultation is completely free, and there's no obligation to order.

Can I reprint or update my book later?

Yes - once you print with us, you can easily reorder or make changes for future prints.

What if I still have questions after the call?

You'll get a follow-up email with everything we discussed - and you can always reply or call us again. We're here for you.

Does DiggyPOD keep any rights or take credit for my book?

No! DiggyPOD authors keep 100% ownership of their book rights.

View All Questions

Explore answers to the most common questions about
our book printing and self-publishing services.