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Free print economics tool

KDP Print Cost Calculator

Run the unit-cost math before you finalise paperback pricing

Estimate paperback production cost before you set pricing, approve trim choices, or promise a margin that the print spec cannot support.

  • 50k+authors served
  • KDPrate basis
  • B&W/Colorink modes

How it works

The flow should be simple enough to use quickly and structured enough to produce a useful publishing decision.

Step 1

Enter the book specs

Start with real page count, trim size, and paper choices so the estimate reflects the manufacturing decision you are actually making.

Step 2

Set the physical format

Compare trim and binding combinations before the cover is final, because design and manufacturing costs are linked.

Step 3

Check colour impact

Use the calculator to see how ink choices change the unit cost and what that does to margin on every copy sold.

Step 4

Price against the margin

Move from printing cost into profit planning so the paperback price is grounded in real production numbers.

FAQ

Print-cost questions authors usually ask before approving production

Next step

If the unit cost is clearer, the next move is connecting it to pricing and publishing budget.

Print manufacturing is only one layer of the economics. Use it alongside pricing and publishing-cost planning to avoid margin surprises.