Self-publishing · IngramSpark
IngramSpark publisher compensation calculator.
Set a list price and wholesale discount and see what you keep per sale, and the cost of a return.
Your pricing
Compensation
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How does IngramSpark pay the publisher?
IngramSpark's rate card says: the publisher is compensated the title list price less discount less print cost for each sale made. The user guide's example is a 20.00 USD list price with a 53% discount: wholesale price $9.40, less 3.66 print cost, equals $5.74. The 2026 rate card also lists a global distribution fee of 1.875% of the local list price at the time of sale; on that same example it is $0.38, leaving $5.36. The user guide example does not show the fee, so this tool lets you switch it off to reproduce the guide.
Returns are charged back: for a returnable title IngramSpark nets the wholesale price of the returned book against your compensation. A discount of 53% to 55% with returnable status generally gives the widest retailer availability, according to the user guide. IngramSpark states that negative compensation can occur when price and discount do not cover the print cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I make per sale on IngramSpark?
List price minus the wholesale discount minus the print cost. IngramSpark's example, 20 USD at 53% discount with a 3.66 USD print cost, pays $5.74. The 1.875% global distribution fee on the 2026 rate card would reduce it to $5.36.
What wholesale discount should I set?
IngramSpark says 53% to 55% with returnable status generally allows the widest availability through retailers and bookstores. The minimum allowed discount is set by IngramSpark and shown in title setup.
What happens when a bookstore returns a book?
For a returnable title, IngramSpark charges back the wholesale price (list price less discount), netted against compensation on other sales.
Can IngramSpark compensation be negative?
Yes, if list price and discount leave less than the print cost. IngramSpark reports negative compensation through accounts payable.
Where do I get the print cost?
Use IngramSpark's own calculator for a binding figure, or leave the override blank to estimate from the 2026 USD rate card.
Sources
Checked
- IngramSpark user guide v3.3, 24 August 2026 (PDF)
- IngramSpark rate card, effective 1 February 2026 (PDF)
IngramSpark supports the compensation formula, the 53 to 55 percent discount note, the returns charge-back, the negative-compensation warning, the 1.875% global distribution fee and the print rates. The estimate treats the fee as a percentage of the list price. Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
Scope
Based on IngramSpark documents dated February to August 2026. Currency conversion, market-specific discounts and taxes are not modelled. Not tax advice.