Self-Publishing Royalties Calculator (KDP-focused)

Formula used: per-unit net royalty = (list price * royalty_rate) - per-unit delivery_or_print_cost - other_per_unit_cost. Total royalties = per-unit net royalty * units_sold, floored at zero to prevent negative royalties.

Rationale: Most self-publishing platforms calculate royalties as a percentage of list price (royalty rate) and subtract platform-specific variable costs (e.g., ebook delivery fee, print manufacturing cost). This calculator models that common pattern and exposes per-unit costs so users can adapt to platform specifics.

Assumptions and limitations: Users must input the effective royalty rate and per-unit costs. Defaults are illustrative — for precise results, replace defaults with the platform's published fees. This model does not include one-time fees (e.g., setup, ISBN purchases) or taxes. It does not model returns, refunds, or currency conversion impacts.

Sources and references: Platform royalty rules (e.g., Amazon KDP royalty and delivery rules), publisher guidance on print costs, and tax treatment references (IRS). Links provided in external references. When exact platform rules differ (e.g., territorial restrictions or delivery-cost formulas that depend on file size), use platform-published calculators or raw data to adjust per-unit delivery cost.

Use this tool to estimate gross royalties from self-published ebook and print sales based on list price, royalty rate, and per-unit costs.

Replace default per-unit cost values with exact platform fees for precise estimates. This tool does not replace platform calculators or professional tax advice.