KDP Print Royalty Calculator
Calculate exactly how much you'll earn per paperback or hardcover sale on Amazon KDP. See printing costs, royalties, and minimum pricing instantly.
KDP Print Royalty Calculator
Calculate your paperback & hardcover royalties on Amazon KDP
Enter your book details to see exactly how much you'll earn per sale. Includes printing costs, royalty breakdown, and minimum price calculations.
Minimum: 24 pages
How KDP Print Royalties Work
Your royalty = (List Price × 60%) - Printing Cost. Amazon takes 40% of the list price, and you pay for printing from your share.
Tips to Maximize Royalties
- Use black & white interior when possible - it's much cheaper to print
- Choose common trim sizes to avoid custom printing fees
- Price at $9.99+ for better perceived value
- Consider expanded distribution for additional reach
- Bundle with Kindle version for broader audience
Calculations based on Amazon KDP printing costs as of 2024. Actual costs may vary.
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The KDP Print Royalty Formula
Amazon KDP uses a straightforward formula for calculating print book royalties:
Royalty = (List Price × 60%) - Printing Cost
Amazon takes 40% of your list price as their distribution and fulfillment fee. From your remaining 60%, the printing cost is deducted. Whatever remains is your royalty.
KDP Printing Cost Breakdown
Printing costs on Amazon KDP depend on several factors:
Paperback Printing Costs (US Marketplace)
| Interior Type | Fixed Cost | Per Page | 200 Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black & White | $0.85 | $0.012 | $3.25 |
| Standard Color | $0.85 | $0.04 | $8.85 |
| Premium Color | $0.85 | $0.07 | $14.85 |
Hardcover Printing Costs (US Marketplace)
| Interior Type | Fixed Cost | Per Page | 200 Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black & White | $6.80 | $0.012 | $9.20 |
| Premium Color | $6.80 | $0.07 | $20.80 |
📊 Example Royalty Calculation
Let's calculate the royalty for a typical paperback:
Expanded Distribution Explained
Expanded distribution makes your paperback available through additional sales channels:
Bookstores
Libraries
Online Retailers
Trade-off: Lower royalty rate (40% instead of 60%). For the same $14.99 book, expanded distribution royalty would be: ($14.99 × 40%) - $3.25 = $2.75
💡 Tips for Maximizing Print Royalties
Choose black & white interior
The printing cost difference between B&W and color is substantial. Only use color when absolutely necessary.
Optimize page count
Consider your content layout to avoid unnecessary pages while maintaining readability.
Price strategically
Higher prices mean higher royalties, but consider your market and competition.
Use common trim sizes
Standard sizes like 6" × 9" are most cost-effective and professional-looking.
Consider your ACOS
If running Amazon Ads, keep your ACOS below the break-even point to stay profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are KDP print royalties calculated?
KDP print royalties are calculated as: (List Price × 60%) - Printing Cost. Amazon takes 40% of your list price as their share, and the printing cost is deducted from your remaining 60%. The printing cost depends on page count, interior type (black & white vs color), and trim size.
What is the minimum price for a KDP paperback?
The minimum price for a KDP paperback must cover the printing cost plus enough margin for a small royalty. For example, a 200-page black & white interior book has a printing cost around $3.25. Your minimum price would be approximately $5.42 to earn even $0.01 per sale. Our calculator shows you the exact minimum price for your book specifications.
How much does Amazon charge to print a paperback?
Amazon KDP printing costs for paperbacks consist of a fixed charge ($0.85 in the US) plus a per-page charge ($0.012 per page for black & white, $0.07 for premium color). For example, a 200-page black & white paperback costs $0.85 + (200 × $0.012) = $3.25 to print.
What is expanded distribution on KDP?
Expanded distribution allows your paperback to be sold through additional channels like bookstores, libraries, and academic institutions. The royalty rate for expanded distribution is 40% instead of 60%, which typically results in lower per-sale earnings but broader reach.
Should I choose black & white or color interior?
Choose black & white interior whenever possible as it's significantly cheaper ($0.012/page vs $0.07/page for premium color). Only use color interior if your content truly requires it, such as photo books, cookbooks with food photography, or children's picture books.
What is break-even ACOS for Amazon Ads?
Break-even ACOS (Advertising Cost of Sale) is the percentage of your list price that equals your royalty. If your royalty is $3 on a $10 book, your break-even ACOS is 30%. Any ACOS below this means you're profitable on ad spend; above this means you're losing money.
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