Self-publishing · break-even
Self-publishing break-even calculator.
Add up what the book cost to make, pick how it earns, and see the copies and months to get your money back.
Costs and royalty
Break-even
Enter your details.
How many books do I need to sell to break even?
Break-even copies are total upfront costs divided by royalty per copy, rounded up. The royalty is where KDP rules matter: a paperback earns rate x list price - printing cost with a 50% or 60% rate by price band, and an eBook earns 35%, or 70% of the price less a per-MB delivery fee when the price is in the 70% band. This tool runs those rules for you, or accepts a royalty you enter, for example an IngramSpark compensation figure.
Worked example. A 14.99 USD, 300-page black-ink paperback on Amazon.com earns (0.60 x 14.99) - 4.60 = $4.39 per copy. With $1,450 of upfront costs you need 331 copies; at 20 sales a month that is about 16.6 months. Upfront costs here are only what you enter. Time is not counted.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my self-publishing break-even?
Add your upfront costs (editing, cover, formatting, ISBN, ads, proof copies) and divide by the royalty you earn per copy. Round up to whole copies.
How much royalty does a KDP paperback earn per copy?
List price times 50% (at or below 9.98 USD) or 60% (at or above 9.99 USD), minus the printing cost, according to KDP.
Should I use the eBook or paperback royalty?
Use the format most of your sales come from. Run the calculator once per format; this tool does not blend them.
Does break-even include income tax?
No. It compares royalties before tax with your costs. Speak to an accountant about deductions.
Why does my break-even jump when I change the price?
Crossing KDP's royalty-rate threshold (9.99 USD) or the eBook 70% price band changes your per-copy royalty sharply.
Sources
Checked
- KDP: Paperback royalty
- KDP: Paperback printing cost
- KDP: eBook royalties and list price requirements
- KDP: Digital Book Pricing Page (delivery costs)
KDP supports the royalty rates, printing costs, 35% and 70% eBook options and the delivery fee used when you choose a KDP format. The costs you list are your own figures. Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
Scope
A planning estimate, not a sales forecast. Royalties as published by KDP on 15 October 2026. Not tax or accounting advice.