Free author pricing tool

See the paperback royalty before you set a KDP price.

For Amazon.com paperbacks: enter the tax-exclusive list price and the printing cost shown in KDP, then compare the per-copy estimate with the 50% / 60% price threshold.

Your book inputs

Use the numbers KDP gives you.

US list price, before tax

The $9.99 US price is the standard-distribution 60% threshold.Printing cost per copy

Copy the current estimate from KDP; it varies by book details.Expected copies sold

copies

Optional planning figure, not a sales forecast.

Distribution channel Amazon standard distribution Expanded DistributionExpanded Distribution uses a 40% royalty rate for paperbacks; it is a separate KDP setting.

Check KDP's current paperback royalty rules ↗

How it works

A small pricing check, not a publishing promise.

Standard Amazon distribution. For US paperbacks, KDP's published rate is 50% below $9.99 and 60% at $9.99 or above. This page applies that price rule only to Amazon.com.

Expanded Distribution. The estimate applies the separate 40% paperback rate, then subtracts the same printing-cost input.

Keep the printing cost current. KDP calculates it from your book's page count, ink choice, and marketplace. This page deliberately does not invent a cost table or upload your manuscript details.

Privacy and limits

Your inputs stay in this browser.

This calculator does not save or send your book information. It estimates US paperback royalties only and is not connected to KDP or Amazon.

Actual royalties can differ because KDP rules, taxes, price matching, printing costs, marketplaces, and distribution settings can change. Confirm the current price, printing cost, eligibility, and royalty shown in your KDP dashboard before publishing.

KDP: print-book pricing and royalty formula ↗