Demy

With dimensions of approximately 8.5" x 11" (215mm x 280mm), the Demy format is very similar to Quarto in size and surface area around 93.5 square inches or 603 square cm. Also referred to as Demy Quarto or just Demy, this book size was commonly used for high-quality publishing and first editions in the United Kingdom. The Demy name comes from a specific paper size popular in France. Though close to the US trade paperback size, Demy traditionally indicated prestige hardcover books printed on higher quality paper. Especially popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Demy was reserved for important fiction, nonfiction, and reference books. Originating from old French paper dimensions, Demy offered substantial space for printing attractive text formatting and illustrations. The 8.5" x 11" size could comfortably fit 350-500 pages printed on both sides. While less distinct from Quarto today, Demy still conjures up impressions of fine English hardcovers and important academic texts of the past. Its success came from denoting important literary content while allowing generous readable formatting.