The page size you choose for your KDP puzzle book affects how readable your puzzles are, how much it costs to print, and ultimately how much royalty you earn per sale. Getting this decision right before you create your content saves you from having to reformat everything later.
| Size | Best For | Print Cost | Typical Price | Royalty/Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5 x 11 in | Large print, kids' activity | Higher | $8.99–$12.99 | $2.50–$4.50 |
| 6 x 9 in | Standard puzzle books | Medium | $6.99–$9.99 | $2.00–$3.50 |
| 5 x 8 in | Travel, compact editions | Lower | $5.99–$7.99 | $1.50–$2.50 |
The 8.5x11 format is the largest standard size on KDP and works best for large print puzzle books targeting seniors, kids' activity books where big grids are important, and any puzzle where readability is the primary concern.
The larger format allows bigger grids and larger text, which is a genuine differentiator in the senior market. "Large Print" in your title and on your cover is a powerful search term — and 8.5x11 is the format that delivers on that promise credibly.
The tradeoff is printing cost. An 8.5x11 book costs more to print per page than smaller formats, which either reduces your royalty or forces a higher price. Most large print puzzle books sell in the $9.99 to $12.99 range to remain profitable.
The 6x9 format is the most popular size for puzzle books on Amazon KDP. It is the same size as a standard trade paperback — familiar and comfortable for adult readers. The printing cost is moderate, which allows competitive pricing in the $6.99 to $9.99 range while still earning a meaningful royalty.
A 20x20 word search grid at 6x9 is readable without being cramped. Sudoku grids at this size are comfortable for most adults. If you are unsure which size to choose, start with 6x9.
PuzzleForge generates puzzles optimized for 6x9 page size, with appropriate margins and grid sizing built in.
The 5x8 format is the smallest commonly used size for puzzle books. It appeals to buyers looking for something portable — a travel companion, a purse-sized activity book, or a gift that feels compact and lightweight.
The challenge with 5x8 is that puzzle grids have less space. A 20x20 word search at this size uses very small text, which can frustrate readers. This format works better for smaller grids — 15x15 word search, easy sudoku — than for large complex puzzles.
The printing cost advantage is real but the royalty per sale is lower because you need to price the book lower to remain competitive. 5x8 books typically sell for $5.99 to $7.99.
KDP calculates printing costs based on page count and page size. Larger pages cost more to print. The formula for your royalty is: royalty = (list price × royalty rate) − printing cost. This means a higher list price and lower printing cost directly increases what you earn per sale.
Actual royalties vary by market and distribution channel. Use KDP's royalty calculator for precise figures.
Start with 6x9. It is the most proven format, the most competitively priced, and the easiest to sell. Once you have a few 6x9 titles live and understand the market, expand into 8.5x11 for large print editions of your best-sellers — the same word list, bigger format, higher price, different audience.
PuzzleForge supports all three sizes. Select your page size before generating to get a PDF optimized for that exact format.
Generate puzzles at 6x9, 8.5x11, or 5x8 — free, no account required
Open PuzzleForge →