KDP Royalty Calculator
Calculate your Amazon KDP earnings for eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers with accurate royalty rates and printing costs
Calculate Your KDP Royalties
How Amazon KDP Royalties Work
eBook Royalty Rates
Amazon KDP offers two royalty options for eBooks, each with specific requirements and benefits.
| Royalty Rate | Price Range | Delivery Costs | Territories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35% | £0.99 – £200.00 | None | All territories |
| 70% | £2.99 – £9.99 | £0.10 per MB (UK) | Selected territories |
Print Book Royalty Changes (2025)
From June 2025, Amazon implemented significant changes to print book royalties. The royalty structure now depends on your book’s list price:
| Marketplace | 50% Royalty (at or below) | 60% Royalty (at or above) |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon.co.uk | £7.98 | £7.99 |
| Amazon.com | $9.98 | $9.99 |
| Amazon.de/fr/it/es | €9.98 | €9.99 |
Important Change Alert
Books priced below the threshold now receive only 50% royalty instead of the previous 60% rate. This affects many self-published authors, particularly those with competitively priced books.
Printing Costs Explained
How Printing Costs Are Calculated
Amazon calculates printing costs using the formula: Fixed cost + (Page count × Per-page cost)
Cost Factors
- Trim Size: Larger books cost more to print
- Page Count: More pages increase printing costs
- Ink Type: Colour printing significantly increases costs
- Marketplace: Costs vary by Amazon marketplace location
Black & White vs Colour Printing
For black and white books, printing costs remain the same until 108 pages. This means a 50-page book costs the same to print as a 108-page book, providing excellent value for authors with shorter content.
Colour books have a threshold of 42 pages, after which per-page costs apply. Colour printing is substantially more expensive and can significantly impact royalty margins.
Maximising Your KDP Earnings
Strategic Pricing
Consider these pricing strategies to optimise your royalties:
- eBooks: Price between £2.99-£9.99 for 70% royalty rate
- Print Books: Price at or above £7.99 (UK) for 60% royalty rate
- Page Count Optimisation: Utilise the 108-page threshold for black and white books
- Marketplace Selection: Consider which Amazon marketplaces offer the best margins
KDP Select Benefits
Enrolling in KDP Select provides additional earning opportunities through Kindle Unlimited page reads. Authors receive monthly payouts based on pages read from the KDP Global Fund, which varies month to month.
Expanded Distribution
Whilst Expanded Distribution increases your book’s reach, it offers lower royalty rates (40% for paperbacks) and higher printing costs. Evaluate whether increased sales volume compensates for reduced per-unit earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I receive my royalty payments?
Amazon pays royalties approximately 60 days after the end of the month in which the sale occurred. You’ll receive payment once your earnings reach the minimum threshold (£10 for UK bank accounts).
How do promotional discounts affect my royalties?
Customer promotions don’t affect your royalty calculations – you still receive the same percentage of your list price regardless of what the customer pays.
Can I change my royalty rate after publishing?
Yes, for eBooks you can switch between 35% and 70% royalty rates by updating your book’s pricing information. Print book royalty rates are automatically determined by your list price.
What’s the difference between net and list price royalties?
Amazon KDP calculates royalties based on list price minus applicable taxes and fees, not the discounted price customers might pay during promotions.
How do international sales affect my earnings?
Sales in different marketplaces use local currencies and may have different tax implications. The 70% eBook royalty rate is only available in specific territories.