Formats and sizes of paper and electronic books

Books have been an integral part of human knowledge since ancient times. Throughout human history, books have evolved in terms of format, size, and content. With the advent of electronic devices, the way books are consumed has changed dramatically. In this article, we will look at different formats of books, both paper and electronic, with dimensions.

Formats and sizes of paper books

The most common format of paper books is the A5 format (15 cm wide and 21 cm high). This format is used for most novels, non-fiction, and academic texts. Hardcover books are similar in size to paperback books, but have a stronger cover. They cost more. Usually used for special editions or books that will naturally have a long shelf life.

Another common paper book format is the mass market paperback. Such books are usually sold at a lower price. Mass market paperbacks are often used for genre fiction. We are talking, first of all, about romantic and fantastic novels.

The size of the book may also vary depending on its purpose. Large format books are designed to showcase artwork or photographs. Their A3 format is 42 cm wide and 30 cm high. Children’s books often come in different sizes. For example, some of them can be small 10×15 cm. And some are large for ease of study 20×30 centimeters.

Popular bindings for paper books

Books come in different formats and sizes, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of format often depends on the type of book, its binding and the preferences of the reader. In this article, we will look at some of the most common options.

Hard cover. Hardcover books are designed for durable and long-lasting use. They are usually more expensive than other options and are often used for special editions or for books with a long shelf life. Hardcover books have a hard cover made of cardboard or thick cardboard. Of course, it is covered with fabric, film or paper. The pages are usually sewn or glued into the spine of the cover, which gives the book strength and durability.
In soft cover. Paperback books are a less expensive and more portable alternative to hardcover books. They are usually printed on thinner paper and have a soft cover of cardstock or paperback. There are two main types of paperback books. First, in trade paperback and second, in mass market paperback.
Cardboard children’s book. Board books are designed for children who are learning to read. They are made of thick cardboard, the pages of which are difficult to tear. Often covered with soft, padding material.
Comics (graphic novel). Graphic novels are a type of comics that tell a longer and more complex story. They are definitely printed on higher quality paper and have a larger cover than traditional comics.

Books have come a long way since the days of handwritten scrolls. Today, readers are offered a wide choice of formats and sizes, both in paper and electronic form. Whether you prefer the traditional feel of a physical book or the convenience of an e-book, you’ll find a format and size that’s perfect for you.

Modern book formats

When you start writing a book, one of the decisions you will need to make is choosing a format and size. This decision can affect many aspects of your project. For example: price, ease of reading and accessibility for different types of readers.

There are many book formats, but some of the most common include:

Book format	Size	To cut		Sheet share	After cutting		Aspect Ratio
Book format	Size	Width, cm	Height, cm	Sheet share	Width, mm	Height, mm	Aspect Ratio
84×108/8	extra large	108	84	8 (4×2)	265	410	1.55
70×108/8		108	70	8 (4×2)	265	340	1.28
70×100/8		100	70	8 (4×2)	245	340	1.39
60×90/8	Big	90	60	8 (4×2)	220	290	1.32
60×84/8		84	60	8 (4×2)	205	290	1.41
84×108/16		84	108	16 (4×4)	205	260	1.27
70×108/16	Increased	70	108	16 (4×4)	170	260	1.53
70×100/16		70	100	16 (4×4)	170	240	1.41
70×90/16		70	90	16 (4×4)	170	215	1.26
60×90/16	Standard	60	90	16 (4×4)	145	215	1.48
60×84/16		60	84	16 (4×4)	145	200	1.38
84×108/32		108	84	32 (8×4)	130	200	1.54
75×90/32	Small	90	75	32 (8×4)	107	177	1.65
70×108/32		108	70	32 (8×4)	130	165	1.27
70×100/32		100	70	32 (8×4)	120	165	1.38
70×90/32		90	70	32 (8×4)	107	165	1.54
60×90/32		90	60	32 (8×4)	107	140	1.31
60×84/32		84	60	32 (8×4)	100	140	1.40
84×108/64	midget	84	108	64 (8×8)	100	125	1.25
70×108/64		70	108	64 (8×8)	82	125	1.52
70×100/64		70	100	64 (8×8)	82	102	1.24

Size of standard paper formats:

Format	Size, mm	Формат	Size, mm
А0	841 x 1189	B0	1000 x 1414
А1	594 x 841	B1	707 x 1000
А2	420 x 594	B2	500 x 707
А3	297 x 420	B3	353 x 500
А4	210 x 297	B4	250 x 353
А5	148 x 210	B5	176 x 250
А6	105 x 148	B6	125 x 176
А7	74 x 105	B7	88 x 125

Outdated standards for the size of printed books

Recently, established old Soviet formats were used in publishing. They were calculated from large A1 format printing machines. They were used exclusively for printing large editions.

Book format	Size	To cut		Sheet share	After cutting		Aspect Ratio
Book format	Size	Height, cm	Width, cm	Sheet share	Height, cm	Width, cm	Aspect Ratio
60×84/8	Big	84	60	8 (4×2)	205	290	1.41
60×84/16	Standard	60	84	16 (4×4)	145	200	1.38
60×84/32	Small	84	60	32 (8×4)	100	140	1.40
60×90/8	Big	90	60	8 (4×2)	220	290	1.32
60×90/16	Standard	60	90	16 (4×4)	145	215	1.48
60×90/32	Small	90	60	32 (8×4)	107	140	1.31
70×90/16	Increased	70	90	16 (4×4)	170	215	1.26
70×90/32	Small	90	70	32 (8×4)	107	165	1.54
70×100/8	Very big	100	70	8 (4×2)	245	340	1.39
70×100/16	Increased	70	100	16 (4×4)	170	240	1.41
70×100/32	Small	100	70	32 (8×4)	120	165	1.38
70×100/64	Very small	70	100	64 (8×8)	82	120	1.46
70×108/8	Very big	108	70	8 (4×2)	265	340	1.28
70×108/16	Increased	70	108	16 (4×4)	170	260	1.53
70×108/32	Small	108	70	32 (8×4)	130	165	1.27
70×108/64	Very small	70	108	64 (8×8)	82	125	1.52
75×90/32	Small	90	75	32 (8×4)	107	177	1.65
84×108/8	Very big	108	84	8 (4×2)	265	410	1.55
84×108/16	Big	84	108	16 (4×4)	205	260	1.27
84×108/32	Standard	108	84	32 (8×4)	130	200	1.54
84×108/64	Very small	84	108	64 (8×8)	100	125	1.25

Today, these formats are not relevant. Books are printed on offset machines, risographs or laser printers up to A3 format.

How to choose the size or format of the book you want to print?

When it comes to printing a book, one of the key decisions you will need to make is the size or format. They can affect the final product, so it’s important to choose wisely. Let’s consider some factors that should be taken into account.

First of all, you should consider your target audience. Who are you writing the book for? If, for example, your book is aimed at children, you’ll want to choose a smaller format. It will be easier to hold and read. If the book is intended for adults, it is better to choose a larger format. It is more comfortable to hold in your hands for a long time.
The length of the book. If you’re writing a short book, a smaller format might work better for you. However, if you are writing a longer book, you may need a larger format to accommodate the text without making the book too thick or heavy.
Book design elements. If the book contains many images or graphics, a larger format will ensure that they are displayed correctly. On the other hand, if the book consists mainly of text, a more compact format may be more appropriate. Also consider the layout and typography of your book.
The genre of your book. For example, a standard size such as A5 (usually around 15 x 21cm) may be suitable for a novel or biography. While a coffee table book or art book may require a larger format to display images.
Printing method. For example, if you use print-on-demand services, you may be limited to certain standard sizes. If you’re using a traditional printer, you may have more flexibility with sizes and formats.
Consider the practical aspects of the book. For example, if you plan to sell your book in bookstores or online, you should consider the standard sizes and formats that are commonly used. This will help ensure that your book will fit in with the rest of the books on the shelf and will be easily recognized by potential readers.

Placing an order for printing a book at a publishing house

Ordering your book to be printed by a publisher can be a complicated process. However, with the right preparation and information, you can ensure that your book is printed the way you want it to be. Below are some important steps to take when ordering your book to be printed from a publisher.

Step 1 Preparation of the layout. Before contacting a publisher, you need to prepare your book file. Depending on your level of knowledge, you can edit and design it yourself. Or turn to professional editors and proofreaders. In addition, you need to prepare a cover design if you want your book to look professional.
Step 2 Selection of typography. When your layout is ready, you must choose the typography to print your book. You can choose a local printer that is close to where you live, or you can choose an online printer. Our online printing house offers a wide range of options and services. Convince yourself of our reliability with positive customer reviews.
Step 3 Providing information. Once you have chosen a printer, you need to provide them with all the necessary information. The text of your book, the cover design, the number of pages and the desired size of the book. You can also discuss additional options such as paper quality, binding type, printing method and additional services.
Step 4 Payment and printing. Once you have provided all the necessary information, the printer will calculate the cost of printing your book and notify you. After you agree to the terms and the printing cost, you must pay for the order. Once payment is received, the printer will begin printing your book.

E-books: advantages and formats

In the modern world, electronic books are becoming more and more popular, which is connected with the development of technologies and the availability of the Internet. E-book formats play a huge role in our lives. Thanks to them, we can store and read books on computers, phones, tablets and other electronic devices. E-books have a number of advantages that attract the attention of readers, such as accessibility, space saving and ease of use.

One of the main advantages of e-books is their accessibility. Readers can download them from the Internet using special services, stores or libraries. While traditional books may be expensive or unavailable in regions where there are no bookstores or libraries.
In addition, e-books save space. Collecting traditional books requires a lot of space on shelves or cabinets. E-books can be stored on a computer or electronic device, which frees up space in the house.
E-books are also convenient to use. They are light, portable and can be read even in the dark with the help of backlight. The ability to change the font size and control the screen lighting makes reading more comfortable and easy on the eyes.

Common e-book formats

There are many formats of e-books, each of which has its own characteristics.

EPUB (Electronic PUBlication) is an open e-book format supported by most devices. It can contain text, images, tables, audio and video files. In addition, it supports built-in design elements, such as fonts, text sizes, etc.
FB2 (FictionBook) is specially designed for storing fiction. FB2 Books uses XML markup to store data and allows you to include images, footnotes, hyperlinks, and other elements. The FB2 format is one of the most common today.
MOBI – designed specifically for Amazon Kindle. It uses data compression to reduce the size of the book and supports built-in design elements.
KF8 (Kindle Format 8) is a new e-book format developed for the latest models of Amazon Kindle devices. It supports a wider range of built-in design elements such as text color, background, image, etc.
AZW – Used in Amazon Kindle devices. It is very similar to the MOBI format. But it supports a wider range of built-in design elements.
LRF is developed by Sony. It supports inline design elements such as tables, images, etc. Can be used on Sony Reader devices.
TXT is a plain text format that contains only text without any images or formatting. This format is great for simple text documents. Unless they require complex markup or visual effects.
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a format that preserves the original appearance and markup of a document, including images, graphics, and formatting. It is most often used for documents that need to look the same as the originals. For example, for scientific articles, manuals and brochures.
DOC and DOCX are formats created by Microsoft Word for creating and editing text documents. DOC is an older format, while DOCX is more modern. However, both formats can be read on most devices that have Microsoft Word software installed.

Kindle book formats and sizes for Amazon

Kindle is an e-book developed by Amazon. The device quickly gained popularity and is one of the most popular ways to read books today. Kindle books have their own characteristics. You should definitely know what format and size of books is suitable for the device.

Kindle book format is MOBI (Mobipocket) format. It was designed to read e-books on mobile devices, including the Kindle. This format supports various features such as:

bookmarks;
text selection;
search;
automatic translation of words.

Books for Kindle must be in the following format:

MOBI;
AZW;
KF8.

AZW is a format developed by Amazon for use only on the Kindle. KF8 is a new format that supports higher image and video quality. However, not all books may be available in MOBI format. In this case, you need to use converters to change the format of the book, such as Caliber.

The size of Kindle books also matters. The book size should be optimized for Kindle to provide the best possible reading experience. Some books may have too small font size or images, making it difficult to read on a device.

There are several sizes that fit the Kindle:

6 inches (15.2 cm) is the standard size and the most popular;
7 inches (17.8 cm) has a larger screen, which makes it more suitable for reading magazines and comics;
10 inches (25.4 cm) is the largest size and is suitable for reading graphic novels and other books with lots of images.

It’s important to know what size and format books are suitable for your Kindle to get the best reading experience. And while MOBI books are the primary format, there are other formats that can be used to read on Kindle.