Why page count matters more than word count
Amazon prints by the page, not by the word. A 60,000-word novel can range from 180 pages in a 6×9 trim to 240 pages in a 5×8 trim — a 33% difference that affects print cost, list price and even buyer perception. Knowing your final page count before you typeset saves headaches at launch.
Trim size impact
Smaller trims (5×8) produce more pages because fewer words fit on each page. Larger trims (7×10, 8.5×11) work for non-fiction with images and tables but feel less novel-like. Most mass-market fiction uses 5.25×8 or 6×9; non-fiction and self-help often choose 6×9 for the professional feel.
Font size and leading
Most published books use 10.5–11pt body text with 1.2× leading (line spacing). Going to 12pt for accessibility adds about 10% to page count. Tighten margins to 0.625" inner and 0.5" outer to reclaim space without hurting readability.
Front matter and back matter
Title page, copyright, dedication, TOC and back matter (about the author, also by) add 6–14 pages. The calculator gives you a body-text-only estimate; add 10 pages of safety buffer to budget conservatively.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this estimate?
Within ±10% for novels using standard formatting. Heavy headings, lists or images will increase pages.
Does font choice affect page count?
Yes. Serifs like Garamond fit slightly more words per line than Times New Roman; sans-serif fonts often fit fewer.
What trim is best for non-fiction?
6×9 is the safe default. Use 5.5×8.5 for shorter books or 7×10 if you have callouts and tables.
How many pages is a typical novel?
200–400 pages for genre fiction at 6×9. Epic fantasy can hit 600+.