KDP Royalty Calculator
Work out exactly what Amazon pays you per paperback after KDP's printing cost.
ⓘEstimates Amazon KDP paperback royalties (60% of list price minus print cost). Real fees vary by marketplace and trim — check KDP at publish. Comparing a print run? Try the KDP vs Short-Run Calculator.
Wondering how much KDP actually pays you? This free KDP royalty calculator works out your Amazon paperback royalty per book from your list price, page count and ink choice. It estimates KDP's print cost, applies the standard 60% royalty rate, then subtracts printing so you see the real figure you keep. It is the clear, numbers-first answer authors ask for from any Amazon KDP calculator.
KDP pays 60% of your list price minus its printing cost, so your page count and whether you choose black or colour ink change your kdp royalties significantly. A longer or full-colour book costs more to print, which eats into your margin. Enter your details to see how much KDP pays, your estimated kdp print cost, and the margin left over before you settle on a price.
- Test a few list prices to see where your royalty becomes worthwhile.
- Choose black ink unless your book genuinely needs colour interiors.
- Check the real figure in your KDP dashboard before you publish.
- 01
Enter your list price
Add the price you plan to set on Amazon. The calculator uses this to work out your 60% royalty before printing is deducted.
- 02
Add pages and ink
Enter your page count and choose black or colour ink. Both drive KDP's print cost, which directly affects the royalty you keep.
- 03
See your royalty
Read your estimated print cost, royalty per book and margin instantly, then adjust the price to find a figure that pays you fairly.
Common questions
- How much does KDP pay per book?
- For paperbacks, KDP pays a 60% royalty on your list price, then deducts its printing cost. So on a book priced around £9.99 you might keep a few pounds once the print fee comes out. Longer books and colour ink cost more to print, lowering your royalty. The calculator estimates the exact figure for your book.
- How is the KDP paperback royalty calculated?
- KDP takes 60% of your list price, then subtracts the printing cost for your page count and ink type. What remains is your royalty. Black ink is cheaper to print than colour, and fewer pages cost less, so both lift your margin. This calculator applies that same method to give you a realistic per-book figure.
- Why does page count affect my royalty?
- KDP's print cost rises with page count, because every page adds paper and printing. Since your royalty is 60% of list price minus that print cost, a longer book leaves you less per copy. Colour interiors cost considerably more than black ink, so an illustrated book reduces your margin further than a plain text one.
- Are these KDP royalty figures exact?
- No, they are realistic estimates to help you plan. Actual KDP fees vary by marketplace, and prices, exchange rates and the 60% versus expanded distribution rate can all change your final figure. Treat the result as guidance for pricing, then confirm the exact royalty in your KDP dashboard before you publish.
- Should I sell on KDP or print my own copies?
- It depends on how many you sell and where. KDP needs no upfront stock but caps your margin, while a short run costs money upfront yet earns more per copy on direct sales. Our KDP vs Short-Run Calculator shows the break-even point between the two so you can choose the more profitable route.
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Run the numbers with our free tools, then print with real UK book printers.