Book Condition Grades Explained: As New to Reading Copy

Condition is the second biggest factor in a used book’s value after demand. For collectible books the gap between grades can be dramatic, and even for everyday reading copies an accurate grade prevents returns and disappointment. This guide explains the standard scale, how dust jackets are graded, the vocabulary sellers use, and a simple inspection routine.

The standard scale

Booksellers broadly follow a scale used for decades in the trade. Interpretations vary a little from seller to seller, but the ladder is the same:

Sellers often add “+” or “-“ (Very Good+, Good-) for finer distinctions. The key insight: “Good” is the middle of the scale. A book described simply as “Good” is expected to show its age.

Grading the dust jacket

For hardcovers issued with a dust jacket, the jacket is graded separately and written after the book grade, such as “Fine / Very Good” (book Fine, jacket Very Good). Jacket defects to note include chips (small pieces missing), tears, creases, rubbing, fading (sunning), staining and price-clipping (the price corner cut off). For modern first editions, the jacket can carry much of the value, so its grade matters as much as the book’s.

Defects that are always mentioned

Whatever the grade, careful sellers always disclose:

• Ex-library status: stamps, pockets, spine labels, barcodes
• Book club edition
• Remainder marks on the page edges
• Price-clipped dust jacket
• Writing, underlining or highlighting
• Previous owner’s name or bookplate
• Missing pages, maps, plates or supplements
• Water damage, mould or strong odours
• Repairs such as rebacking or tape

Common condition vocabulary

• Bumped: corners or spine ends dented
• Rubbed: surface wear from friction
• Shelf wear: light wear along edges from handling
• Cocked: spine leans so the book is no longer square
• Foxing: brown spots from age and moisture
• Toning: even yellowing or browning of pages
• Sunned: faded by light, usually the spine
• Hinges cracked: the inside joint where cover meets pages has split
• Shaken: text block loose in the binding

Our glossary defines many more terms.

A five-minute inspection routine

Grade in good light, in the same order every time:

1. Outside: look at the covers, corners, edges and spine. Is the spine straight? Are corners bumped? Any fading?
2. Dust jacket: check edges for chips and tears, the spine panel for fading, the flap for a price or price-clipping.
3. Hinges and binding: open the front and back covers. Are the hinges tight or cracked? Is the text block secure?
4. Pages: fan through every page. Look for writing, highlighting, folded corners, tears, stains, loose or missing pages, and plates or maps that should be present.
5. Smell and touch: a musty smell suggests damp storage; check for mould or warping.

Then grade by the single worst defect, and describe everything. The Condition Grader follows exactly this logic and writes the condition note for you.

How marketplaces differ

Some marketplaces use the traditional scale. Others use simpler labels such as Like New, Very Good, Good and Acceptable, each with its own definition. A “Good” at one store may correspond to “Very Good” at another. When buying, rely on the written description. When selling, follow the platform’s definitions exactly and add specifics.

Grade conservatively

The single best rule for sellers: when in doubt, grade down. Buyers are pleased when a book arrives better than described and unhappy when it arrives worse. Conservative grading leads to fewer returns, better reviews and repeat customers. For collectible books, clear photos of every flaw do more than any adjective.