diff --git a/src/calibre/ebooks/pdf/output.py b/src/calibre/ebooks/pdf/output.py
index e302f67441..2e3fc2b007 100644
--- a/src/calibre/ebooks/pdf/output.py
+++ b/src/calibre/ebooks/pdf/output.py
@@ -94,6 +94,7 @@ class PDFOutput(OutputFormatPlugin, CoverManagerPDF):
         self.log.debug('Serializing oeb input to disk for processing...')
         self.opts.no_svg_cover = True
         self.opts.no_default_epub_cover = True
+        self.opts.preserve_cover_aspect_ratio= False
         self.setup_cover(self.opts)
         self.insert_cover()
         with TemporaryDirectory('_pdf_out') as oeb_dir: