Margin & Bleed Calculator
Get exact margin, bleed, and safe-area dimensions for any paper size. Use the presets or customise values — the visual diagram updates instantly.
0–10 mm, typically 3 mm
0–20 mm, for bound edge
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Bleed Trim Safe Area
Dimension Readouts
Set these in your design software
Margin & Bleed FAQs
What is bleed in printing?
Bleed is the area beyond the trim edge where your design extends. It is typically 3mm on each side. When the paper is cut to final size, bleed ensures there are no white edges if the cut is slightly off. Always add bleed for designs that go edge-to-edge.
What margins should I use for a thesis?
Most Indian universities require 25mm (1 inch) margins on all sides for thesis submissions. Some require a larger left margin (30-35mm) for binding. Add a 10-12mm gutter on the bound edge. Check your university guidelines for exact specifications.
How much bleed do I need?
Standard bleed is 3mm on each side for most commercial printing. For large format prints (posters, banners), 5mm bleed is safer. If your design has a white background with no edge-to-edge elements, you may not need bleed at all.
What is a gutter in printing?
A gutter is extra margin space on the binding edge of a page. It prevents text from being hidden in the fold or binding. For spiral-bound documents, add 10mm gutter. For perfect-bound books, add 12-15mm. Single-sided unbound documents don't need a gutter.
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