UK Book Sizes

Standard Book Sizes In The UK

Below you’ll find a list of the standard book sizes used in UK publishing. Keep in mind, though, that we can produce your book in almost any size you like – just let us know.

Book Size (Trim)Dimensions (w × h)Common Uses
A Format110mm × 178mmSmall paperback fiction, mass market novels
Penguin111mm × 181mmClassic literature series, pocket paperbacks, general fiction
B Format (UK)129 mm × 198 mmTrade paperbacks, contemporary fiction
B Format (US)127 mm × 203 mmUS trade paperbacks, fiction & non-fiction
Demy138 mm × 216 mmBiographies, memoirs, academic works
Royal156 mm × 234 mmGeneral non-fiction, biographies, memoirs
American Royal (US Trade)152 mm × 229 mmPopular for self-published memoirs & novels
Pinched Crown QuartoUp to 171 mm × 248 mmSpecialist titles, illustrated works
Crown Quarto189 mm × 246 mmTextbooks, reference books
Royal Octavo Wide170 mm × 234 mmAcademic works, reference texts, biographies
American210 mm × 279 mmTextbooks, technical manuals, large format non-fiction
American Narrow200 mm × 279 mmSpecialist publications, educational materials, workbooks
A5148 mm × 210 mmJournals, manuals, pocket guides
A4210 mm × 297 mmWorkbooks, manuals, photo books
A6105 mm × 148 mmPocket-sized booklets, poetry collections
Custom SizesVariableBespoke projects, children’s books, art books

Choosing the right book size is one of the first steps in bringing your book to life. At Spiffing Publishing, we guide you through every stage: from selecting the right format to editing, design and distribution.

If you’re ready to publish your book, get in touch with us today and let’s make it happen.

Choose a time for an old-fashioned, no-obligation conversation: