What is the best printing size for my book;

What is the best printing size for my book;

The best book size depends on the book category and content.

Usually 14×21 cm for a novel and a book full of text.

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The choice of format for book printing is crucial, because it affects both cost and artistic book appearance, as well as readability.

1.  Most popular book sizes

• Novel/literature, 14x21 or 15x23

classic size, comfortable to read and easy to carry.

• Poetry, 13×20 or 14×21 or 17×24

a more "elegant size", leaves nice white margins.

• Essay / Scientific, 17×24 format

larger, fits more words per page, looks more "serious".

• Children's book rectangular for illustration, 20×20 or 21×28

square or large.

• Pocket book, 11×17 or 12×18 size

Ideal for low cost and portability.

Obviously, there can be book formats in custom sizes, usually with a higher printing cost.

If you do not know exactly how to convert the file you have to its most correct final size, please fill out the corresponding form for book pagination from a word file.

2. How to choose the right book size

✔ Content & category of book

• If it has a lot of text, prefer 14×21 or 15×23, because it balances readability and cost.

• If it has many images/math tables, choose a larger size (e.g. 17×24 or 21×28).

✔ Printing cost

• The larger the book, the more expensive the printing.

• Printers usually have “economical” sizes that perform best on A3 or A4 paper if it is digital printing or 61x86 or 70x100 if it is offset printing (so 14x21 or 15x23 are very efficient).

✔ Reading experience

• Readers are used to specific sizes.

• A 22×30 cm novel may seem out of place.

• Small sized books can be tiring for reading if the font is small.

• large sized books can be  uncomfortable to hold.

• 14×21 is considered to be  the “golden size”.

✔ Artistic book appearance and audience targeting

• If you are targeting a literary audience, a smaller book format looks more “classic”.

• If it is educational or academic, the larger book format looks more “professional”.

What is the ideal book size:

Best overall choice: 14×21 cm

✅ Balance of cost – book artistic appearance – readability

✅ Flexible for most book categories (novels, essays, poetry collections)

✅ Popular with publishing houses

✅More economical way of packaging and shipping

Tips before you decide

• Ask to see samples from your printer (mock ups or printed books).

• If you are self-publishing, consider the total printing cost, the category of subject your book belongs to, and the final cost you will be asked to pay.

We can discuss together what is the most suitable format for your printing and publishing work. You can find us at 210 5156300 or send us your message at info@printhouse.gr. 

Ask us for a cost estimate.

You can watch our video with the most common book size here