Compiled From 13 “Best Graphic Design Books” Articles

I've collated the results from 13 "best graphic design books" articles to create this semi-scientific ultimate best graphic design books list. Each design book was given a score between 20 and 1 each time they featured on one of the 13 articles. Jump to the bottom of the page to see exactly how the scores were calculated.

How The Scores Were Calculated

Each design book was given a score between 20 and 1 for each of the 13 articles. If the book was top in the article it received 20 points. If it was bottom in a top 20 list then it got 1 point.

Some articles were not strictly top 10 or top 20 articles, but the books were still entered in the order they appeared on the page.

Want to see the full spreadsheet of 140 books? Or course you do. Here it is.

Amazon Review Bonus Points

Additionally each graphic design book received bonus points depending on how many stars it received on Amazon.

• 5 stars: 6 bonus points
• 4.5 stars: 3 bonus points
• 4 stars and below: 0 bonus points

Books need to have at least five reviews to receive bonus points. If they have less than five reviews then they receive 0 bonus points.

Pages used

The following pages were used to create the scores:

• 30 books every graphic designer should read
• 10 Graphic Design Books Every Designer Should Read
• 10 essential books every graphic designer must read
• The Best Graphic Design Books to Buy
• Books Every Graphic Designer Should Read
• 11 must-read design books
• 10 Essential Books for Graphic Designers
• 10 design books to consider for graphic design students
• Patrick Cramsie's top 10 graphic design books
• 28+ Graphic Design Books You Should Read
• 12 Design and Business Books I’ve Read & Recommend
• 19 Books Every Design Professional Should Own
• Books for Graphic Design Students