Self-publishing · KDP paperback
KDP paperback royalty calculator.
Enter your list price, page count and trim to see what you earn per paperback sold on Amazon, and the lowest price KDP will accept.
Your paperback
Royalty per copy
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How is a KDP paperback royalty calculated?
KDP pays a royalty rate on the list price, then subtracts the printing cost: (royalty rate x list price) - printing cost = royalty. The rate is 50% for list prices at or below 9.98 USD (or 9.98 EUR, 7.98 GBP, 13.98 CAD or AUD) and 60% at or above 9.99 USD (9.99 EUR, 7.99 GBP, 13.99 CAD or AUD). Through Expanded Distribution channels the royalty is 40% of the list price minus the same printing cost. Printing cost is a fixed cost plus a per-page cost that depends on the marketplace, ink and paper, page count and whether the trim is large; bleed and cover finish do not change it.
Worked example. KDP's own example is a 15 USD list price on a 333-page black-ink paperback in the US store: printing cost is $5.00, so the royalty is (0.60 x 15) - $5.00 = $4.00. Through Expanded Distribution the same book earns (0.40 x 15) - $5.00 = $1.00.
The minimum list price is the printing cost divided by the royalty rate. This tool shows it as an estimate; KDP shows the exact figure in title setup.
Frequently asked questions
How much royalty does KDP pay on a paperback?
KDP pays 50% of the list price when the list price is at or below 9.98 USD and 60% at or above 9.99 USD (other marketplaces have their own thresholds), minus the printing cost. KDP's example: a 15 USD, 333-page black-ink paperback earns (0.60 x 15) - 5.00 = 4.00 USD.
What is the minimum list price for a KDP paperback?
KDP will not accept a price whose royalty would not cover the printing cost. The minimum is the printing cost divided by the royalty rate (60% or 50% depending on the price band). KDP shows the exact figure in title setup.
Does trim size or bleed change my KDP printing cost?
Trim size matters only above the large-trim limit (wider than 6.12 in or taller than 9 in), which has higher rates. Bleed settings and cover finish do not affect printing cost, according to KDP.
What royalty do I get through Expanded Distribution?
KDP states the royalty is 40% of the list price in the distribution channel at the time of purchase, minus printing costs.
Are taxes taken out of my list price?
In some marketplaces Amazon adds local VAT, GST or consumption tax on top of your list price, so the customer sees a higher price. KDP says royalties are calculated on the list price you enter.
Sources
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KDP supports the 50% and 60% thresholds, the 40% Expanded Distribution rate, the royalty formula, the printing cost tables and the large-trim limit. The minimum list price shown here is an estimate from the stated formula. Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
Scope
Estimates from KDP's published tables as checked on 15 October 2026. KDP can change rates; your title setup page and KDP's own Printing Cost and Royalty Calculator are the final word. Not tax or accounting advice.