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Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark Profit Calculator

Compare Amazon KDP and IngramSpark side by side for the same book, using each platform's own numbers. On the KDP side, enter your list price and current KDP printing cost — the royalty rate is applied from your price. On the IngramSpark side, enter the current publisher compensation per copy. Neither platform's print cost is used for the other.

Who this calculator helps

  • Authors weighing where a given sale is best fulfilled.
  • Series authors modelling per-book economics across platforms.
  • Hybrid publishers comparing what they receive per copy on the same title.
  • Teachers showing students how two different models produce different numbers.

Royalty rate applies to Amazon.com (USD)

From the KDP pricing page for your book

From your IngramSpark title setup

KDP royalty rate applied

60%

Based on your KDP list price

KDP royalty / copy

$6.54

Royalty − KDP print cost

High Profit Potential

IngramSpark compensation / copy

$3.00

As entered

Per-copy difference

$3.54

Positive = more per copy on KDP in this scenario

Monthly compensation in this scenario

  • Amazon KDP$654.40

    100 units × $6.54

  • IngramSpark$300.00

    100 units × $3.00

Difference in this scenario: $354.40 per month. Each platform uses its own print cost and its own economics, so nothing here is shared between them. Neither platform is better in every situation — this compares only the numbers you entered. Confirm the current publisher compensation and any current distribution charges shown for your title and market in IngramSpark, and the current printing cost in KDP.

All calculations are estimates based on average platform fees. Real profits may vary depending on category, ads, and shipping.

Free worksheet for your next step

Turn this calculator result into a plan with a matching worksheet, checklist, or printable resource.

  • WorkbookPublishing Toolkit

    Self-Publishing Comparison Workbook

    A printable workbook for comparing Amazon KDP and IngramSpark using your own current print costs, compensation inputs, distribution priorities, return settings, and publishing goals.

    Open the worksheet →
  • WorksheetPublishing Toolkit

    Book Pricing Worksheet

    A printable worksheet for building and comparing IngramSpark book prices using your current print cost, wholesale discount, publisher compensation, and return settings.

    Open the worksheet →

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your numbers in each field above — the calculator updates instantly as you type, so there's nothing to submit.
  2. Use your real figures when you have them, or sensible estimates while you're planning. If a field doesn't apply, leave it at zero.
  3. Compare the results, then change one input at a time to see how each lever (price, cost, fees, volume) moves the outcome.

When to use this calculator

  • Before publishing a new title and choosing a distribution mix.
  • When reviewing how much each platform pays you per copy.
  • When your print cost or compensation changes on either side.

Formula

KDP royalty/copy = (List × KDP royalty rate) − Current KDP print cost · IngramSpark = Current publisher compensation per copy

Worked example

A paperback at $16.99 on Amazon.com with a $3.65 KDP printing cost; IngramSpark currently shows $3.45 publisher compensation per copy; 100 copies a month on each.

  1. KDP royalty rate at $16.99 on Amazon.com = 60%
  2. KDP per copy = (16.99 × 0.60) − 3.65 = 10.194 − 3.65 = $6.54
  3. KDP monthly = 6.54 × 100 = $654
  4. IngramSpark monthly = 3.45 × 100 = $345

Answer: $654 vs $345 monthly in this scenario

More worked examples

A $24.99 hardcover with a $9.80 KDP printing cost; IngramSpark currently shows $0.66 compensation per copy; 30 copies a month.

  1. KDP rate at $24.99 = 60%
  2. KDP per copy = (24.99 × 0.60) − 9.80 = 14.994 − 9.80 = $5.19
  3. KDP monthly = 5.19 × 30 = $155.70
  4. IngramSpark monthly = 0.66 × 30 = $19.80

Answer: $155.70 vs $19.80 monthly in this scenario

A $8.99 paperback with a $2.60 KDP printing cost; IngramSpark currently shows $2.80 compensation per copy.

  1. KDP rate below $9.99 on Amazon.com = 50%
  2. KDP per copy = (8.99 × 0.50) − 2.60 = 4.495 − 2.60 = $1.90

Answer: $1.90 vs $2.80 per copy — the lower price tier changes the comparison

How it works

The two platforms use different models. KDP pays a percentage of the list price on Amazon-direct sales and then deducts its own printing cost. IngramSpark pays the wholesale price minus its own print cost, which is why you enter the compensation figure it currently shows for your title.

Neither platform is better in every situation. Amazon-direct sales and wholesale distribution are different channels with different economics, so compare the numbers for your own book and your own goals rather than looking for a universal winner.

Expert tips

  • Take each figure from the platform it belongs to — KDP printing cost from KDP, compensation from IngramSpark.
  • The KDP royalty rate shown here applies to Amazon.com list prices in USD; other marketplaces use their own thresholds and currencies.
  • Compare channels, not platforms: the same book can be worth publishing in both places for different reasons.
  • Re-run the comparison whenever a price or cost changes on either side.

How to interpret your results

  • Dollar values are shown per sale, per order, or per item unless a result is explicitly labelled monthly, weekly, or daily.
  • Percentages (margin, ROI, conversion rate) are easier to compare across products and price points than raw dollars — use them when you benchmark.
  • A positive result means you're ahead after the costs and fees you entered. A negative result means the current numbers don't work — change a lever (raise price, cut a cost, lower ad spend) and recalculate.
  • Treat the output as a planning estimate, not a guarantee. Fees, taxes, and conversion rates shift over time — re-run the numbers whenever a key input changes.

Limitations

  • Uses the values you enter; it does not look up current printing costs or compensation.
  • Does not model returns exposure on physical retail.
  • Does not include advertising spend on either platform.

Common mistakes

  • Using one print cost for both platforms — each prints at its own cost.
  • Treating an Amazon-direct comparison as a verdict on wholesale distribution, or the reverse.
  • Forgetting advertising spend when calling the result 'profit'.

Related Guides

Go deeper with plain-English guides on the same topic.

FAQ

Should I use KDP, IngramSpark, or both?
It depends on the channels you want and how you want to manage them. Compare what each pays you per copy here, then check the current eligibility rules on each platform — including the ISBN conditions for KDP Expanded Distribution — before deciding.
Why do the two numbers differ so much?
Different models. KDP pays a percentage of list minus its printing cost on Amazon-direct sales; IngramSpark pays the wholesale price minus its print cost. Confirm the current publisher compensation and any current distribution charges shown for your title and market in IngramSpark.
Should my list price match on both?
A consistent retail price avoids retailers choosing between two prices for the same book, but you can model different prices here if you need to.

Why trust this calculator?

This tool uses standard mathematical formulas and commonly accepted calculation methods, shown openly in the Formula section above so you can verify the math yourself. Results are estimates based on the information you enter and do not account for every individual circumstance. For important financial, tax, legal, medical, or business decisions, please double-check with a qualified professional before acting on the numbers.

What to calculate next

Once you have your number, the matching lesson walks through what to do with it step by step.

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