Calculate Amazon KDP printing costs for paperbacks and hardcovers. Get accurate estimates based on page count, paper type, and book size.
Uses Amazon's official printing cost formulas for all book formats and sizes.
Calculate costs for black & white paperbacks, color paperbacks, and hardcover books.
Understand printing costs to set profitable book prices and calculate net royalties.
Amazon KDP charges printing costs based on page count, paper type (black & white vs color), and trim size. Black & white paperbacks cost approximately $0.012 per page plus a fixed cost. Color paperbacks cost significantly more at around $0.06 per page.
These printing costs are deducted from your list price before calculating royalties. For example, a 300-page black & white paperback costs about $4.45 to print. If you price it at $15.99, your 60% royalty is calculated on the remaining $11.54.
Understanding printing costs is essential for profitable pricing. Always ensure your list price covers printing costs plus leaves room for a reasonable royalty per sale.
A 300-page black & white paperback costs approximately $4.45 to print ($0.85 fixed + $3.60 for pages). Color would cost around $18.85. Hardcover costs are higher.
Yes, printing costs differ slightly between Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, and other marketplaces due to currency and local printing costs.
KDP requires a minimum list price that covers printing costs plus allows for a small royalty. This varies by page count and format but typically starts around $2.99 for short books.
Calculate net royalty after printing costs are deducted.
Determine how many print books you need to sell to profit.
Compare profitability at different print book price points.