KDP Print Margin Calculator

How to calculate KDP Print Margins?

Calculating your profit on Amazon KDP involves understanding how your list price is split between Amazon's share, production costs, and your final royalty. Your net margin is the amount remaining after manufacturing expenses are deducted from your gross royalty share.

Margin = (List Price x Royalty Rate) - Print Cost

Using the KDP Calculator: an example

Imagine you are selling a 200-page black and white paperback on Amazon.com with a list price of $15.00. Most standard KDP paperback sales carry a 60% royalty rate.

Step-by-step calculation:

• Calculate gross royalty: $15.00 x 0.60 = $9.00
• Determine print cost: Based on specifications, let's assume a cost of $3.25.
• Subtract to find net profit: $9.00 - $3.25 = $5.75 per book sold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my print cost change?

Print costs are determined by the marketplace, page count, and ink type. If you increase your page count or switch to premium color, your printing expenses will rise, lowering your net margin.

Is the 60% royalty fixed?

For standard paperback distribution on Amazon, 60% is the standard rate. However, this is the gross rate applied to the list price before manufacturing costs are subtracted. Hardcovers and eBooks have different structures.

What about expanded distribution?

Enrolling in Expanded Distribution allows other retailers to buy your book, but the royalty rate drops to 40%. Because the print cost remains the same, your net margin per book will be significantly lower in those channels.