The 60%/35% ebook rates and how paperback royalty really works.
Short answer: KDP royalties explained: the 60%/35% ebook rates, how paperback royalty works (60% minus print cost), and a free royalty calculator to price your book.
Reference · Updated for 2026
Try the Free Generator →Ebooks: 60% royalty when priced between $2.99 and $9.99 (and enrolled in KDP Select), 35% outside that range or for most other cases. Paperbacks & hardcovers: 60% royalty minus the printing cost. So price your ebook in the 60% band, and price paperbacks knowing the print cost eats into royalty.
Print royalty = 60% × list price − printing cost. Printing cost depends on trim size, page count, paper type (white or cream), and whether the interior is B&W or color — color costs more. A thicker, bigger, or color book earns less per copy unless you price it up. KDP shows the exact print cost before you publish.
Rather than eyeball it, plug your price and page count into the free KDP royalty calculator to see your per-copy royalty before you set a price — then price to stay in the 60% ebook band and to keep print royalty reasonable.
What royalty does KDP pay on ebooks? 60% at $2.99–$9.99 in KDP Select; 35% otherwise.
How is paperback royalty calculated? 60% of list price minus printing cost.
Does print cost vary? Yes — trim size, page count and color interior all change the print cost.
Where can I see exact numbers? KDP shows print cost and royalty in the pricing step before publishing.
Use the free royalty calculator — and our title & keyword generators for the launch.
Try It Free — 3 Uses, No Signup →