Typesetters perform this calculation before setting any text to determine the final length of a book. The process involves counting the characters or words in the raw copy and dividing that by the average number of characters that will fit on a page at the chosen typeface, size, and leading. An accurate calculation ensures the final page count fits neatly into standard press signatures.
Heard on the job
Do a quick cast off on this manuscript so we know if we need to tighten the leading to hit our 256-page target.