Learn / Binding and page count / How to count pages (all bindings)
Topic 3 · Binding and page count
How to count pages (all bindings)
The short answerCount every printed side of every interior sheet as one page. Never count covers or endsheets. Then check your total fits your binding's rule.
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How to count pages of a hardcover book or journal
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How to count the pages of a spiral or Wire-O planner
Short
Children's books: page counting tipThe details
Page 1 is the first right-hand page. Page 2 is the back of page 1, page 3 faces it, and so on.
For offset printing, the page count for hardcover picture books needs to be divisible by 4. The first inside page of your book is page 1 and starts on the right side, after the inside front cover or endsheets.
Page counting tips
- 1 sheet = 2 pages (front and back).
- Don't forget to include blank pages in your overall page count.
Typical page counts
- Picture books are usually 32 pages (not including the cover).
- Journals and planners are a minimum of 80 pages (not including the cover).
- Board books are typically 12 to 24 pages, though they can be fewer or more. Because board book binding is different, the page count only needs to be divisible by 2.
Page count rules by binding
| Binding | Page count must be | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Smyth sewn | Divisible by 4 | Depends on the book: about 16 for a children's book, 100 to 300 for a journal or planner |
| Perfect-sewn | Divisible by 4 | 48 pages minimum |
| Saddle stitch | Multiple of 4 | Under 80 pages |
| Wire-O | Divisible by 2 | Under 250 pages |
| Spiral | Divisible by 2 | All page counts; recommended over 250 |
| Board book | Count pages, not spreads | e.g. 8 pages = 4 spreads + covers |
More on mcrlprinting.com: Page count and paper →
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