What Coverbind binding spine size do I need?

Depending on the thickness of materials you are binding, you will want to use a different Coverbind binding spine size. It is important that you use the Coverbind size selector on your machine to help determine the best fit for your document thickness for a couple of reasons: 1) sheet capacity is always going to vary depending on the paper stock or paper thickness that is being bound (a book made with basic 20 lb. copy paper will have more sheets than one with a 50 lb., but may be the same thickness), and 2) if a spine is too small for your book, the bind will not be as strong as it should, as the glue will not have room to fully saturate the sheets.

With that being said, here is a general Coverbind capacity chart to help you determine the best size for your document:

Coverbind Spine Size Approximate Sheet Capacity
1/16" 2 - 15 Sheets
1/8" 15 - 30 Sheets
1/4" 30 - 60 Sheets
3/8" 60 - 90 Sheets
1/2" 90 - 120 Sheets
5/8" 120 - 150 Sheets
3/4" 150 - 180 Sheets
1" 180 - 240 Sheets
1 ¼" 240 - 300 Sheets
1 ½" 300 - 360 Sheets
1 ¾" 360 - 430 Sheets
2" 430 - 500 Sheets


This is a general capacity chart that is accurate for all different kinds of Coverbind thermal binding covers, so whether you are using any of the many soft covers or hard covers available, you can use these general rules of thumb to get the perfect spine size for your book thickness. Remember not to over-stuff your covers; this prevents the glue from fully saturating the sheets and will compromise the bind integrity.


Mallory Morsa, Binding101 Product Expert About the Author • Mallory Morsa has worked in several different departments in her 10+ years at Binding101. Beginning in customer service and sales, she honed in her skills to provide the customer with professional, fast, and accurate information. Shortly after, she was promoted to sales supervisor and also took on the role of product expert, training the team on new products and offering support wherever needed. Throughout this time, she also wrote content for the site, as well as contributed stock photography and videography. As the team grew, she was able to move to a new official position as the content specialist and social media manager. Her skills in these variety of areas give her the unique expertise to not just create content for the web, but to create content for YOU, the customer.

In her free time, Mallory's favorite things to do include volunteering at the animal shelter bottle feeding neonatal kittens, reading at the park, and binge streaming TV shows with her 3 furbabies and family beside her.