KDP Paperback vs Hardcover Profit Calculator
Paperback Royalty
Calculate net royalty for KDP paperback
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pages
Formula
Royalty = (List Price × 60%) − Printing Cost (Fixed + Per-Page)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Amazon KDP pay for paperbacks?
KDP paperback royalty = (List Price × 60%) − Printing Cost. A 200-page B&W paperback costs ~$3.25 to print. At $14.99 list price: $14.99 × 60% = $8.99 − $3.25 = $5.74 royalty per sale.
Should I do paperback or hardcover on KDP?
Paperbacks sell 3–5x more than hardcovers on Amazon but with lower per-unit revenue. Hardcovers appeal for gift books, cookbooks, and prestige non-fiction. Most authors do both formats.
How do I set the minimum KDP paperback price?
KDP sets a minimum price that covers printing costs. Your minimum price = Printing Cost ÷ 0.60. For a 200-page B&W paperback ($3.25 printing), minimum price = $5.42. Pricing too close to minimum leaves no profit.
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