Kindle Author Royalty Calculator: Earnings Per Book Sold
Work out the royalty a Kindle author earns per book sold — the figure that turns a list price into actual income before taxes and ads.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Royalty per book | Amazon's cut |
|---|---|---|
| 70% of $10 | 7 | 3 |
| 35% of $1.99 | 0.7 | 1.29 |
| 70% of $4.99 | 3.49 | 1.5 |
| 35% of $14.99 | 5.25 | 9.74 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the book's list price and the royalty rate (35% or 70%, depending on price tier and Amazon's terms). The calculator multiplies the two to give the royalty per book and shows the amount Amazon keeps.
The Formula
Percentage of an Amount
Amount is the base value, Percentage is the rate applied to it
Worked Example
A $10 e-book on the 70% royalty tier earns $7 per sale, with Amazon keeping $3. The same book at $1.99 would only qualify for the 35% tier — $0.70 a sale — making the higher price band the obvious choice for most indie authors.
Key Insight
Pricing decisions on Kindle are dominated by the royalty cliff between 35% and 70%. A $2.99 book earns nearly the same as a $1.99 one ($2.09 vs $0.70) because crossing the threshold flips the tier. Most indie authors price between $2.99 and $9.99 specifically to stay on the 70% side of that line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Kindle royalty calculated?
Multiply the list price by the royalty rate. A $10 book on the 70% tier pays $7 royalty per sale, less a small per-MB delivery fee on the 70% tier only.
What is the difference between 35% and 70% royalty?
35% applies to any book at any price; 70% applies only in qualifying regions to books priced between roughly $2.99 and $9.99 that meet Amazon's terms. The 70% tier also deducts a small per-MB delivery fee.
Why are most Kindle books $2.99 or higher?
It is the floor for the 70% royalty tier. A $1.99 book earns $0.70 a sale; a $2.99 book earns $2.09 — three times more on a 50% price increase. Most indie authors anchor right at $2.99 or above.
Does Kindle Unlimited change the math?
Yes. KU pays per page read, not per copy. The headline royalty per sale only applies to outright purchases — KU revenue runs on a separate per-page formula and tends to be lower per book equivalent.
Is the royalty taxable?
Yes — typically as self-employment income for indie authors. Amazon reports earnings on 1099-MISC (US) or equivalent forms in other regions.
Related Calculators
Methodology & Review
Royalty is list price multiplied by royalty rate. Amazon offers either 35% or 70% royalty depending on list price band (typically $2.99 to $9.99 for 70%) and delivery costs. The calculator models a single flat rate; the 70% tier also subtracts a small per-MB delivery fee that is not separated here.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 17, 2026.