Word Count to Page Count Calculator
Enter your manuscript's word count and planned layout to estimate the printed page count, before you format the book.
How the estimate works
The calculator measures the text area of the page (trim size minus 0.75" margins on each side) and assumes a 6" x 9" page at 11 pt with normal spacing holds about 350 words, a common book-design rule of thumb. Words per page scale with the text area, and inversely with the square of the font size and with line spacing. Each chapter adds about half a page, because chapters start on a new page, and the total is rounded up to an even number because printed pages come in pairs.
pages ≈ words ÷ words per page + chapters × 0.5 + front/back matterWords per page by trim and font size
| Trim | 10 pt | 11 pt | 12 pt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5" x 8" | 285 | 236 | 198 |
| 5.5" x 8.5" | 351 | 290 | 244 |
| 6" x 9" | 424 | 350 | 294 |
| 7" x 10" | 587 | 485 | 407 |
| 8.5" x 11" | 834 | 690 | 579 |
Worked examples
80,000-word novel, 6" x 9", 11 pt, 25 chapters, 10 pages of front and back matter: about 350 words per page, 242 body pages, so roughly 252 pages in total.
50,000-word novella, 5" x 8", 11 pt, 20 chapters, 8 extra pages: about 236 words per page and roughly 230 pages.
Once you have an estimate, check the printing cost and spine width for that page count. Moving from 6" x 9" to 5.5" x 8.5" adds pages but keeps the cheaper regular-trim price either way.
Frequently asked questions
How many words are on a page of a novel?
A typical 6" x 9" trade paperback set in 11 pt type holds around 300 to 400 words per page. Smaller 5" x 8" books hold about 250. Dialogue-heavy fiction has fewer words per page because of the short lines.
How accurate is this estimate?
Usually within about 10% for plain prose. Your exact count depends on the font (Garamond fits more words than Georgia), paragraph spacing, headings and images. Lay out a sample chapter in your real template and compare.
Why does page count matter before I format?
It drives your printing cost, your spine width and the gutter margin KDP requires. Knowing it early lets you pick a trim size and price that work.
What should I count as front and back matter?
Title page, copyright page, dedication, table of contents, acknowledgements, about the author, and any blank pages you add so chapters start on the right-hand page. 6 to 12 pages is common.
Related tools
- KDP Spine Width CalculatorSpine width from page count and paper type
- KDP Cover Size CalculatorFull wrap cover dimensions with bleed, in inches, mm and pixels
- KDP Margin and Bleed CalculatorInterior page size, gutter and outside margins
- KDP Printing Cost CalculatorPrint cost per copy for every ink, trim and marketplace