KDP help
Fix Amazon KDP Margin & Bleed Errors
If KDP's previewer says your content is outside the margins, your page size doesn't match your trim, or your bleed is wrong, your book can't be published until it's fixed. Here's what the errors mean, the sizes KDP expects, and the quickest way to fix your existing PDF.
The common KDP interior errors
- Content outside the margins — text or artwork sits too close to the page edge or the spine.
- Page size doesn't match trim size — your PDF isn't the size you chose in KDP (with or without bleed).
- Bleed errors — artwork meant to run to the edge doesn't extend past the trim line, or bleed was selected but the PDF has none.
- Low-resolution images — pages below 300 DPI can print blurry.
How big should my PDF be with bleed?
With bleed, add 0.125″ to the width and 0.25″ to the height of your trim size. Examples:
- 8.5″ × 8.5″ trim → 8.625″ × 8.75″ PDF page
- 8.5″ × 11″ trim → 8.625″ × 11.25″ PDF page
- 6″ × 9″ trim → 6.125″ × 9.25″ PDF page
Without bleed, the PDF page should match the trim size exactly.
KDP margin sizes
Outside margins (top, bottom and outer edge): at least 0.25″ without bleed, 0.375″ with bleed. The inside (gutter) margin grows with page count:
| Page count | Inside margin |
|---|---|
| 24–150 pages | 0.375" |
| 151–300 pages | 0.5" |
| 301–500 pages | 0.625" |
| 501–700 pages | 0.75" |
| 701–828 pages | 0.875" |
Fix it without redesigning your book
The KDP Converter takes the PDF you already have and rebuilds it for KDP:
- Upload your interior PDF and choose your trim size.
- Each page is resized to trim plus bleed at 300 DPI and scaled into the safe area, with alternating gutters for left and right pages.
- Check the preview, adjust any page, then download your KDP-ready PDF.
Your original file is never changed. Need a matching cover? The converter can also build a full-wrap cover with the correct spine width for your page count.
Questions
How much bleed does Amazon KDP need?
For paperbacks with bleed, add 0.125 inches to the width and 0.25 inches to the height of your trim size. For example, an 8.5 x 8.5 inch book needs a 8.625 x 8.75 inch PDF page.
What is the minimum outside margin on KDP?
At least 0.25 inches for books without bleed, and at least 0.375 inches for books with bleed.
Why does the inside margin depend on page count?
Thicker books curve more at the spine, so KDP asks for a larger inside (gutter) margin as the page count rises — from 0.375 inches for 24–150 pages up to 0.875 inches for 701–828 pages.
Can I fix margin errors without redesigning my book?
Yes. KDP Ready resizes your existing PDF to the correct trim plus bleed and scales each page into the safe area, with alternating gutters for left and right pages.