Resources
Spine Calculator
Calculate your book spine width in seconds using our handy online Spine Width Calculator.
To calculate the thickness of a book or brochure we need to know the thickness of the paper rather than its weight. This is because the same weight paper will vary in thickness due to its bulk.
Paper thickness is measured in microns (a thousandth of a millimetre). As a rough guide, we can use an uncoated paper like Edixion Offset as an example; 90gsm is 114 microns, 120gsm is 143 microns, 170gsm is 187 microns and 250gsm is 275 microns.
For a more accurate calculation check with your printer, they will be able to give you the actual figure for the paper stock they will be using.
Other resources
Our A–Z glossary of printing terms to better understand key industry jargon and processes.
Discover standard paper sizes at a glance to choose the right format for your print project.
Download our quick guide to preparing print-ready files using Adobe InDesign.
Our cutter guide book includes over 100 capacity and non-capacity folder guides.
Learn more about common binding methods and what they’re best suited for.
A practical guide to some of the most effective special finishing options.
Explore optional extras and finishes for your hardback book printing project.