Authors often ask this expecting a tidy percentage, and it is tempting to give one. But doing so would misrepresent how KDP actually calculates earnings, which differs meaningfully between an ebook and a printed paperback, and even between marketplaces and price points within the same format.
This guide explains why the "one number" framing is misleading, walks through the separate factors involved for print and ebook, and points you to where to find KDP’s current, authoritative figures rather than stating percentages here that could go stale.
Why "Amazon takes X%" is oversimplified
A flat percentage claim ignores that KDP print royalties subtract a variable printing cost before any percentage is applied, that ebook royalty options change with price, and that different Amazon marketplaces can have different rules. Two books priced identically in different formats or countries can end up with very different author earnings for reasons that have nothing to do with a single "cut" Amazon takes.
Paperback royalties
For paperbacks, KDP’s current royalty structure applies a royalty rate to the list price and then subtracts the printing cost for that specific book, which depends on its trim size, page count, ink type (black and white or colour) and the marketplace where it sold. This means a longer book, or one printed in colour, generally earns less per copy at the same list price than a shorter, black-and-white one, purely because the printing cost is higher.
Because these figures change and vary by specification, check KDP’s current print royalty pages directly for the calculation that applies to your book’s exact trim size and page count.
Hardcover, where supported
Where hardcover is available under KDP’s current programme, the same principle applies: a royalty rate is applied after subtracting a printing cost specific to hardcover manufacturing, which differs from paperback costs. Eligibility and specifications for hardcover should be confirmed on KDP’s current help pages before you plan pricing around it.
Kindle ebook royalties
Ebook royalty options on KDP are generally tied to the list price falling within a particular price band, and one option may involve a delivery cost based on file size (for example, images increase file size). The specific bands, options and any delivery cost figures are set by Amazon and detailed on KDP’s current royalty pages — these are exactly the kind of numbers this guide will not state as fixed facts, because they are the ones most likely to be updated by Amazon over time.
Printing costs in detail
Printing cost for a paperback or hardcover is not a flat number across all books — it typically scales with page count and depends on whether interior pages are black-and-white or colour, and can vary between marketplaces due to different manufacturing facilities and currencies. This is one reason two authors can report very different per-copy earnings even at similar list prices.
Digital delivery costs, where applicable
For ebooks, where a delivery cost applies under the royalty option chosen, it is generally calculated from file size, meaning an image-heavy ebook can cost more to deliver, and therefore earn less per sale, than a plain text-only one at the same price. Whether and how this applies currently should be checked on KDP’s help pages.
Marketplace differences
Selling the same book on amazon.co.uk versus amazon.com (or other marketplaces) can involve different currencies, different printing facilities and costs, and potentially different applicable royalty rules. Do not assume a UK calculation and a US calculation for the same book will produce proportionally identical results.
Expanded distribution, where relevant
Some print options may include distribution beyond Amazon’s own retail store, to other retailers and wholesalers, under different terms than direct Amazon sales. If this option currently exists on KDP, check its terms specifically rather than assuming they mirror standard Amazon sales.
Taxes
Royalty payments may be subject to withholding tax depending on your country of tax residence and any tax treaty in place, which is separate from Amazon’s own royalty calculation. Completing tax interview information correctly in your KDP account affects how much of your royalty is withheld before payment.
Price thresholds
Certain royalty options for ebooks are tied to the list price sitting within a specific range. Pricing a book just outside that range, even by a small amount, can move it into a different royalty calculation entirely — another reason to check the current thresholds before setting a final price.
Using KDP’s current calculators
Rather than estimating manually, use KDP’s own royalty calculator tools within your account or on its help pages, which apply the current, correct figures for your specific format, trim size, page count and marketplace. These are updated by Amazon directly, which is more reliable than any fixed figures quoted elsewhere, including in this article.
Common mistakes
- Quoting a single flat percentage for all books. Print and ebook royalties are calculated differently, and print also depends on manufacturing cost.
- Ignoring printing cost when setting a paperback price. A low list price on a long or colour-printed book can leave very little royalty once printing cost is subtracted.
- Assuming UK and US earnings will match proportionally. Currency, printing facilities and marketplace-specific rules can all create differences.
- Not completing tax information. Missing or incorrect tax details can lead to higher withholding than necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Why do ebooks and paperbacks earn differently at the same price?
Because paperback royalties subtract a printing cost before calculating the royalty, while ebook royalties typically do not involve a physical manufacturing cost, only a possible delivery cost.
Does a higher list price always mean higher earnings?
Not necessarily — for ebooks, price bands affect the applicable royalty option, and for print, a higher price simply means more remains after the fixed printing cost is subtracted, up to a point.
Where can I find the exact current royalty rates?
On KDP’s official pricing and royalty help pages, and via the royalty calculator inside your KDP account, both of which reflect Amazon’s current terms.
Do taxes reduce my royalty on top of Amazon’s calculation?
Yes, potentially — withholding tax is a separate deduction based on your tax residency and information provided in your KDP account, distinct from Amazon’s royalty formula.