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Book Royalty Calculator

Estimate what you earn per copy and per month from a self-published book. Choose eBook or paperback, set the list price and royalty rate, and the calculator subtracts the delivery or printing cost using an editable formula.

Last updated:

Format
$
%

eBook 35% or 70%; paperback 60% (40% expanded distribution)

MB
$
$
$
$

0 = always use the formula

pages
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Book Royalty Calculator

  1. Pick the format: eBook or paperback.
  2. Enter the list price and royalty rate, or use a preset.
  3. Add the file size (eBook) or page count (paperback).
  4. Enter expected monthly sales for earnings totals.
  5. Press Calculate royalty and compare prices in the table.

Book royalty formulas

  • eBook, 70% option: royalty = 70% × (list price − delivery cost), where delivery cost = file size in MB × $0.15 (US)
  • eBook, 35% option: royalty = 35% × list price (no delivery cost)
  • Paperback: royalty = royalty rate × list price − printing cost
  • Printing cost (US, black ink): $1.00 + $0.012 × pages for 110+ pages; a flat $2.30 for 24–108 pages
  • Minimum paperback price = printing cost ÷ royalty rate

Example: a 250-page paperback at $14.99 with a 60% royalty. Printing = $1.00 + 250 × $0.012 = $4.00. Royalty = $8.99 − $4.00 = $4.99 per copy. A 2 MB eBook at $4.99 on the 70% option earns 0.70 × ($4.99 − $0.30) = $3.28.

Paperback royalties at 60% (black ink, US)

PagesPrinting costRoyalty at $9.99Royalty at $14.99Royalty at $19.99
100$2.30$3.69$6.69$9.69
150$2.80$3.19$6.19$9.19
250$4.00$1.99$4.99$7.99
400$5.80$0.19$3.19$6.19

Long books cost more to print, so their minimum price rises: a 400-page book needs a list price of at least $9.67 at 60%. Royalty rates and printing costs differ by marketplace, ink and trim size, and Amazon has used a lower royalty rate for low-priced paperbacks, so check your bookshelf's pricing page.

Frequently asked questions

How are KDP eBook royalties calculated?

With the 70% option the royalty is 70% of the list price minus a delivery cost based on file size ($0.15 per MB in the US). With the 35% option it is 35% of the list price with no delivery cost.

How are paperback royalties calculated?

Royalty = royalty rate × list price − printing cost. For black ink in the US the printing cost has been $1.00 plus $0.012 per page for books of 110 pages or more, and a flat $2.30 for shorter books.

What list price do I need for the 70% eBook royalty?

On Amazon.com the 70% option generally requires a list price between $2.99 and $9.99, along with other eligibility rules. Outside that range the 35% option applies.

What is the minimum price for a paperback?

The list price must at least cover the printing cost at your royalty rate: minimum = printing cost ÷ royalty rate. A 250-page black ink book costing $4.00 to print needs at least $6.67 at 60%.

What is expanded distribution?

Expanded distribution makes a paperback available to bookstores and libraries outside Amazon. Those sales pay a lower royalty, 40% of the list price minus printing, so the minimum price is higher.

Is this calculator made by Amazon?

No. It is an independent estimate based on KDP's published US formulas. Royalty rates and costs differ by marketplace and change over time; KDP's pricing page shows your exact royalty.

Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?

Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.

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