How to fix a KDP margin error (with the gutter table)
Updated October 31, 2026 · Amazon KDP
KDP's inside margin grows as your book gets thicker. Most margin errors come from using one margin for every book.
The error: “Text is outside the margins / content too close to the edge”
Text is outside the margins / content too close to the edge
Paraphrased. KDP shows this in its print previewer before you can publish.
Other ways people search for this error
- “Content outside margins KDP”
- “KDP gutter margin too small”
- “Text too close to the edge of the page”
Quick fix: SparkPrep scans your cover and interior against the exact platform rules, pinpoints the issue, and fixes it for you with one click.
Why you get “Text is outside the margins / content too close to the edge”
The inside edge of each page (the gutter) disappears into the spine. Thicker books curve more, so KDP needs a bigger inside margin as the page count grows. The outside, top and bottom margins must be at least 0.25" (0.375" if your book has bleed).
| Page count | KDP minimum inside margin |
|---|---|
| 24 to 150 | 0.375" |
| 151 to 300 | 0.5" |
| 301 to 500 | 0.625" |
| 501 to 700 | 0.75" |
| 701 to 828 | 0.875" |
Page numbers, headers and images count too. If anything sits closer to the edge than these numbers, KDP flags it.
How to fix “Text is outside the margins / content too close to the edge” manually (the hard way)
If you want to try adjusting the files yourself, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Open your manuscript in Word (or InDesign).
- Go to Layout → Margins → Custom Margins and set the inside (gutter) margin for your page count: 0.375" for 24–150 pages, 0.5" for 151–300, 0.625" for 301–500, 0.75" for 501–700, 0.875" for 701–828.
- Set the outside, top and bottom margins to at least 0.25" (0.375" if your book has bleed), choose "Mirror margins", and check page numbers and headers sit inside them.
- Re-export as a PDF at your exact trim size with all fonts embedded.
- Re-upload it and wait for the review again (KDP says a review can take up to 72 hours).
Step by step in your app
Microsoft Word
- Layout → Margins → Custom Margins.
- Set Multiple pages to Mirror margins.
- Set Inside to your number from the table, and Outside, Top and Bottom to at least 0.25" (we suggest 0.5" so text doesn't feel cramped).
- Check headers and footers: Layout → Margins → Layout tab, and keep them inside the margins.
- Save as PDF and upload again.
Adobe InDesign
- Layout → Margins and Columns (on the parent/master pages).
- Set Inside and Outside using the table above.
- Export with File → Export → Adobe PDF (Print).
You can fix this by hand with the steps above. Or drop your file into SparkPrep and let it find the problem and fix it for you, in minutes. Try it on your file.
How to fix it instantly (the SparkPrep way)
If you don't have expensive design software, or you just want to get your book published without the headache, let SparkPrep handle it.
SparkPrep was built by a self-published author whose own book was rejected 18 times. It checks your files against the exact print rules Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press and Lulu publish.
When you upload your file to SparkPrep:
- We automatically scan for page size, bleed, spine width, safety margins, ink coverage and embedded fonts.
- We explain any hidden errors in plain English.
- We fix what can be fixed automatically, tell you exactly what's left, and export a print-ready PDF/X-1a, checked again before you download it.
Stop fighting the bots. Drop your file into SparkPrep today and get back to marketing your book!
Fix my KDP marginsWhat it costs to get this fixed
| Hire a professional interior formatter | SparkPrep | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $800 | One price per book for the cover, the inside pages, or both |
| Time | Book a freelancer, wait for their schedule, then go back and forth on changes | Upload and get your fixed, print-ready files in minutes |
| Printer check | Depends on the freelancer | Checked against your printer's own rules, every time |
Freelancer prices are Reedsy's own published figures (source). A great designer is worth it for original artwork. If you just need your files right for the printer, you don't need to pay designer prices.
Quick answers
What is the minimum gutter for KDP?
0.375 inches for 24 to 150 pages, 0.5 for 151 to 300, 0.625 for 301 to 500, 0.75 for 501 to 700 and 0.875 for 701 to 828 pages.
What are KDP's outside margins?
At least 0.25 inches without bleed and 0.375 inches with bleed, on the top, bottom and outside edges.
More guides
- How to fix "font cannot be embedded because of licensing restrictions"
- How to fix the "font not embedded" error in your book PDF
- How to fix "interior content extends outside the safety area"
- How to fix a PDF page size that doesn't match your trim size
- All guides
SparkPrep is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press or Lulu.