Free KDP royalty calculator
Publishing glossary
Book royalties: the share of each sale you keep.
A royalty is the portion of a book's sale price paid to the author after retailer and production costs.
Checked:
✓Ebook and print rates are different✓Printing cost is deducted from paperbacks✓Price bands control the royalty rate
How KDP calculates the royalty
Ebooks use the 35% or 70% option. For standard-distribution paperbacks, KDP uses a 50% or 60% rate based on list price and marketplace, then calculates (rate × list price) minus printing cost.
- The ebook 70% option needs specific price ranges
- Delivery fees apply to ebooks
- Royalty estimates belong in your metadata plan
Estimating before you publish
The quickest way to compare scenarios is a calculator that includes rate, printing cost, and delivery fee. It turns a guess into a publish-or-adjust decision.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the 70% KDP royalty rate?
It is the higher KDP royalty option for eligible ebooks. Paperbacks instead use 50% or 60% based on list price and marketplace.
Does KDP take printing cost from the royalty?
Yes. The standard paperback formula is (50% or 60% × list price) minus the per-copy printing cost.
Was this publishing guide or tool helpful?
Put the definition to work for free.
Run your manuscript through the matching free check and see how the term applies to your own book.