PUBLISHING GUIDE
Understanding KDP royalties
What ‘up to 70%’ means once price, territory, tax, delivery and printing costs are included.
Seventy per cent is not automatic on every sale
KDP offers 35% and 70% eBook royalty options. The 70% option applies only when price-band, sales-territory, rights and other programme conditions are met. A non-qualifying sale may be calculated at 35%.
The eBook formula
Under the 70% option, the core calculation applies the rate after tax and delivery cost are removed from list price. Delivery cost is not separately deducted under the 35% option. Price matching, tax and customer territory can change the actual result.
- 70%: rate × (tax-exclusive price − delivery cost)
- 35%: rate × tax-exclusive price
- Amazon.com’s 70% band is USD 2.99–12.99 from 7 July 2026
- Some territories require KDP Select for 70%
Print books use a different calculation
Paperback and hardcover income uses a rate determined by sales channel and list price, then subtracts printing cost. Page count, trim size, ink and marketplace change that cost, so one universal per-copy figure is misleading.
Use the calculator as a decision tool
Estimated platform income does not include editing, design, advertising, returns, currency conversion or other operating costs. Compare pricing scenarios, but do not read the result as a sales guarantee or net profit.