Children’s Book Trim Sizes (and Why 32 Pages Is the Industry Standard)
By Kezzia Crossley
When you're self-publishing a children's book, one of the first production questions you'll face is: What size should it be? The answer depends on your story, your illustrations, and your publishing platform.
What Is Trim Size?
Trim size is the final size of your printed book once it's been cut down (or “trimmed”) during the printing process. For example, 8.5" × 8.5" or 8" × 10".
Most Common Trim Sizes for Children’s Picture Books
Here are some industry favorites:
8.5″ × 8.5″ – A perfect square; great for a balanced, modern look.
8″ × 10″ – A classic portrait style, ideal for vertical illustrations.
10″ × 8″ – A landscape format, often used for bedtime stories and calm pacing.
7″ × 10″ or 6″ × 9″ – Less common for picture books, but sometimes used for early readers.
Keep in mind: trim size can affect printing cost, layout design, and how your book appears on a shelf.
How Trim Size Affects Illustration
The trim size you choose directly impacts how your illustrations are composed. A square format invites centered scenes. A vertical format gives you space for tall characters or storytelling down the page. A landscape layout offers breathing room and wide scenic spreads.
That’s why it’s best to choose your trim size before the illustration process begins.
Trim Size Tips for Self-Publishers
Check your platform: KDP and IngramSpark offer different trim size options.
Think about printing costs: Uncommon sizes or large formats can be pricier.
Match your story: A gentle bedtime story might benefit from wide, calm layouts, while a quirky character-driven story may work well in portrait.
The Painted Acorn Perspective
At The Painted Acorn, I help indie authors choose the best trim size for their story and design needs—before a single spread is illustrated. It’s part of making sure your book feels intentional, professional, and beautifully balanced from start to finish.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Book Length & Trim Size
Q: Why are most children’s picture books 32 pages?
A: Thirty-two pages is the industry standard because it fits printing requirements (multiples of 8), keeps costs manageable, and works well for pacing a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
Q: Can a children’s book be shorter or longer than 32 pages?
A: Yes. Some books are 24 or 40 pages, but going outside 32 usually increases printing costs. For self-publishing authors, sticking to 32 pages is the most cost-effective.
Q: What trim size is best for a children’s picture book?
A: The most common trim sizes are 8.5” x 8.5” (square), 8” x 10”, and 10” x 8” (landscape). Your choice depends on how you want your illustrations and text to flow on the page.
Q: Does trim size affect the page count?
A: Not directly. Page count is determined by your manuscript and layout, while trim size affects how much text and illustration fit comfortably on a page.
Q: What’s the difference between trim size and page count?
A: Page count is how many pages your book has (usually 32). Trim size is the physical dimensions of the book, which affects how the story looks and feels in readers’ hands.
Kezzia Crossley is a Canadian illustrator and independent publishing partner behind The Painted Acorn. She helps self-publishing children’s book authors bring their stories to life with heartfelt illustrations, thoughtful layout, and handcrafted book design. Learn more at thepaintedacorn.ca