Bookmark size: standard bookmark dimensions and print specs

The most common bookmark size is 2 x 6 inches. It fits inside most paperbacks without bending, and it leaves enough room on both sides for artwork, a book title or a website. Authors, libraries, bookshops, schools and businesses use printed bookmarks because they are inexpensive and people tend to keep them.

Standard bookmark sizes

• 2 x 6 in: the most common size. It fits paperbacks and most hardcovers.
• 2 x 7 in: a little taller, with more room for text.
• 2 x 8 in: a tall bookmark for hardcovers and trade paperbacks, where it stands above the pages.
• 1.5 x 6 in: a slim bookmark that suits small books and simple designs.
• Custom sizes and die-cut shapes: rounded tops, shaped edges and other outlines. Our guide to die cutting explains how shapes are cut.

Which size to choose

Choose 2 x 6 in if you are not sure. It fits the widest range of books and prints efficiently on a standard press sheet. Choose a taller size if the bookmark is meant to show above the top of a hardcover, or if you need more room for an event schedule or a list. Choose a slim size for a simple design or a small book.

File setup

• Build the file at the trim size, such as 2 x 6 in.
• Add 0.125 in of bleed on every side, so a 2 x 6 in bookmark is set up at 2.25 x 6.25 in.
• Keep text and logos at least 0.125 in inside the trim line.
• If you want a tassel, leave the top center clear. The hole is usually placed about half an inch from the top.
• Set up both sides, since bookmarks are usually printed front and back.

Our guide to bleed in printing explains trim and safe area.

Paper and finishes

A bookmark needs a heavy stock so it stays flat and does not curl inside a book. A 100 lb to 130 lb cover, or a 14pt to 16pt card, works well. Uncoated stock is easy to write on, which suits library bookmarks and reading logs. Rounded corners help the bookmark slide in and out of a book without catching. See our custom bookmarks for the board and finishes we print on.

Design tips

• Most bookmarks are read vertically, so plan the layout for a tall, narrow space.
• Put the main image or title on the front and details on the back.
• For an author bookmark, include the book cover, the title, a short line about the book and where to buy it.
• For a library or school, use the back for hours, a reading log or a short list.
• A QR code on the back can link to a website, an event page or an audiobook sample.

Common questions

What is the standard bookmark size?

The most common bookmark size is 2 x 6 inches. 2 x 7 inches and 2 x 8 inches are popular taller sizes.

What size is a bookmark with bleed?

A 2 x 6 inch bookmark is set up at 2.25 x 6.25 inches with 0.125 inch of bleed on every side.

What paper is best for bookmarks?

A heavy cover stock, such as 100 lb to 130 lb cover or 14pt to 16pt card, keeps a bookmark flat inside a book.

Can bookmarks have a tassel?

Yes. A small hole is punched near the top center so a tassel or ribbon can be tied through it.