Publishing a paperback through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is one of the easiest ways to bring your book into the hands of readers worldwide. But before you set your book’s retail price, there’s one crucial factor every author must understand—KDP print cost. Knowing how much Amazon charges to print your book helps you set the right list price, calculate royalties, and maximize your profits.
To make this process effortless, we created a user-friendly KDP Cost Calculator. With this tool, you can instantly estimate your total print cost and cost per book simply by entering your page count, per-page printing cost, and fixed printing cost.
KDP Cost Calculator
What Is the KDP Cost Calculator?
The KDP Cost Calculator is an interactive online tool designed to estimate the printing cost of your Amazon KDP paperback. When Amazon prints a physical copy of your book, you are charged a combination of:
- A fixed printing fee
- A per-page printing rate
These two values change depending on factors like page count, ink type (black & white or color), and distribution region (US, UK, EU, etc.).
Instead of manually calculating these values every time, this tool allows you to input:
- Total page count
- Print cost per page
- Fixed printing cost
Once entered, the calculator instantly displays:
- Total Print Cost
- Cost Per Book
This helps authors make quick and accurate pricing decisions.
Why Understanding KDP Print Cost Is Important
Whether you are a first-time author or a seasoned publisher, knowing your KDP print cost matters because:
1. It Determines Your Minimum List Price
Amazon will not allow you to set a list price that fails to cover the printing cost + fees.
2. It Helps You Calculate Your Royalty Profit
KDP royalties for paperbacks are typically 60% of list price minus printing cost.
3. It Helps You Price Competitively
You can compare your print cost with similar books in your niche and adjust pricing.
4. It Helps You Budget as an Author or Publisher
Whether ordering author copies or bulk prints, knowing printing costs helps you manage expenses.
5. It Prevents Pricing Mistakes
Many authors accidentally price too low and end up earning little or nothing. This tool prevents that.
How to Use the KDP Cost Calculator
Using the calculator is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Enter the Total Page Count
In the Page Count field, type the number of pages in your book.
This number must be:
- A whole number
- Above 1 page
For example:
200 pages
Step 2: Enter the Print Cost Per Page
This is the cost Amazon charges to print each page. It depends on factors like:
- Ink type (B&W or color)
- Print region (US, UK, EU)
Example values (approx.):
- Black & white: $0.012 per page
- Color: $0.07–$0.12 per page
Enter your rate, such as:
0.012
Step 3: Enter the Fixed Print Cost
Every paperback has a fixed printing fee, regardless of page count.
Example values (approx.):
- B&W fixed cost: $0.85
- Color fixed cost: $0.85–$1.00+
Enter it in the field, such as:
0.85
Step 4: Click “Calculate”
The calculator instantly displays:
✔ Total Print Cost
✔ Cost Per Book
Both values appear in a clean, easy-to-read results section.
Step 5: Click “Reset” (Optional)
This clears all fields so you can start over or test different pricing scenarios.
Example KDP Print Cost Calculation
Let’s calculate the print cost of a 300-page black and white paperback.
- Pages: 300
- Cost per page: $0.012
- Fixed cost: $0.85
Formula:
Total Cost = (Page Count × Cost Per Page) + Fixed Cost
Calculation:
300 × 0.012 = $3.60
$3.60 + $0.85 = $4.45 total print cost
So the Cost Per Book = $4.45
This means:
- If you list the book at $9.99, Amazon pays you:
60% of $9.99 = $5.99
Royalty = $5.99 − $4.45 = $1.54 profit per sale
By adjusting the tool inputs, you can find your ideal pricing point.
Benefits of Using This KDP Cost Calculator
⭐ Instant results with zero effort
Just enter your numbers and let the tool perform the calculations.
⭐ Helps you set the best list price
Avoid pricing too low or losing profits.
⭐ Works for any book type
- Low-content books
- Novels
- Workbooks
- Textbooks
- Journals
- Children’s books
⭐ Eliminates calculation errors
Manual calculations often lead to mistakes—this tool is accurate and reliable every time.
⭐ Great for bulk calculations
If you're ordering author copies, you can multiply your print cost to estimate total cost.
Advanced Tips for Reducing KDP Print Cost
If you're looking to increase profits, consider these tips:
1. Reduce Unnecessary White Space
Wider margins = more pages = higher cost.
2. Use Standard Trim Sizes
Sizes like 6×9 often cost less and print faster.
3. Keep Fonts & Line Spacing Efficient
Readable formatting does not need excessive space.
4. Avoid Full-Color Unless Needed
Color books have significantly higher print costs.
5. Combine Content When Possible
Two volumes = double fixed costs. Consider merging if appropriate.
20 Frequently Asked Questions About KDP Printing Costs
1. What is KDP print cost?
It is the amount Amazon charges to produce a physical paperback copy.
2. How is KDP print cost calculated?
By adding a fixed cost plus a per-page cost.
3. Does page count affect KDP print cost?
Yes. Every page increases the printing price.
4. What is the fixed cost for KDP printing?
Usually between $0.85–$1.00, depending on region and style.
5. Are color books more expensive to print?
Yes, often costing 5–10× more than black and white.
6. What trim size has the lowest print cost?
Common sizes like 6×9 tend to be the most economical.
7. Does paper type affect print cost?
Yes—color, premium, or special formats cost more.
8. How do I reduce my KDP print cost?
Lower page count, trim size optimization, and black-and-white printing help.
9. Does KDP charge differently by region?
Yes, printing costs vary between US, UK, EU, and other markets.
10. Can I calculate royalties using this tool?
This calculator focuses on print cost, but knowing print cost helps compute royalties.
11. Does Amazon charge printing fees for eBooks?
No, eBooks do not have printing costs.
12. Can I calculate bulk order print cost?
Yes. Multiply the result by the number of copies.
13. Does page size affect print cost?
Indirectly—different sizes may require more pages.
14. Is bleed printing more expensive?
Yes, bleed often increases page count or requires color printing.
15. Can I set any price I want on Amazon?
You must price above the minimum to cover printing + distribution fees.
16. Do author copies include Amazon fees?
No. You only pay printing cost + shipping.
17. How does ink type affect cost?
Black & white is much cheaper than color.
18. What happens if I price too low?
Amazon will not allow publishing until you raise the price.
19. Does the calculator work for hardcover books?
Yes, as long as you input the correct per-page and fixed cost for hardcover.
20. Can I use this tool for non-KDP printing?
Yes, it works for any printing scenario that uses per-page + fixed costs.
Final Thoughts
The KDP Cost Calculator is an indispensable tool for every self-publisher. It helps you understand your printing expenses, set profitable prices, and make informed decisions about your book production. Whether you're creating a low-content journal or a detailed textbook, knowing your exact print costs ensures successful pricing and maximum royalty earnings.