Duodecimo

With compact dimensions of approximately 5" x 7.5" (127mm x 190mm), the Duodecimo format has a small surface area of around 37.5 square inches or 242 square cm. Also referred to as 12mo, the Duodecimo gets its name from 12 leaves of paper being folded into a single signature during bookbinding. Slightly larger than mass market paperbacks, Duodecimos became popular for small, portable editions of classics and children's books. The size allowed books to remain lightweight and easy to hold, while still having enough text per page. Especially common in the United Kingdom for pocket-sized novels and nonfiction, Duodecimos became a standard size for inexpensive books. Originating in the old tradition of printing presses, the handy 5" x 7.5" format could comfortably fit around 200-300 pages printed on both sides. While less ubiquitous than larger trade paperback sizes today, Duodecimo remains a useful compact size for everything from paperbacks to hardcovers when minimal bulk is desired. Its success comes from striking a balance of portability and legible formatting.