Book Printing Costs Australia: Compare 50–500 Copies
How much does it cost to print a book? The answer depends on your book's size, page count, paper, colour requirements, binding and quantity. Comparing the same specifications at different quantities is a useful way to plan your printing budget.
Below is a worked example for an A5 paperback at 50, 100, 250 and 500 copies. Single books and smaller batches are welcome too; use our online calculators to price the quantity you need.
Example paperback printing prices
This comparison uses the Budget Paperback Calculator with the following specifications:
- Finished size: A5, 148 × 210 mm, portrait.
- Internal pages: 200 black-and-white pages, printed double-sided.
- Internal paper: 80 gsm uncoated.
- Cover stock: 300 gsm coated one side.
- Cover finish: matt celloglaze.
- Binding: perfect-bound paperback with EVA glue.
- Proof option: digital / soft proof.
All prices below are in Australian dollars, include GST and exclude delivery. Examples were checked on .
| Copies | Printing total including GST |
Approx. per book including GST |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $517.95 | $10.36 |
| 100 | $890.07 | $8.90 |
| 250 | $1,982.42 | $7.93 |
| 500 | $3,778.02 | $7.56 |
These are indicative prices for the specific book described above, rather than a price list for every book. Per-book figures are rounded to the nearest cent. Different specifications or updated printing rates will change the result. Calculate your current paperback quote before ordering.
Why does the price per book change with quantity?
Some setup and production costs are shared across the print run. Increasing the quantity can therefore reduce the printing cost per copy, even though the total order cost increases.
In this example, 50 copies cost approximately $10.36 each including GST before delivery, while 500 copies cost approximately $7.56 each. The quantity you choose should suit your expected readers, available budget and distribution plans.
For help deciding on a print run, read How many books should I print? You can compare several quantities without committing to the largest one.
What else affects your book printing cost?
- Page count: additional pages require more paper and printing.
- Colour: compare black-and-white, mixed-page and full-colour options according to what your content needs.
- Book size: a different finished size can change both the production cost and the page count after layout.
- Paper and cover: compare suitable stocks and finishes for the way your book will be used.
- Binding: paperback, hardcover, saddle stitching and wire or coil binding have different specifications and prices.
- Additional services: obtain separate pricing if you need design work, file corrections, special finishing or a printed checking copy.
Include delivery in your budget
The table above shows printing prices with GST included. Delivery is additional. Enter your delivery postcode in the calculator and review the complete total, including delivery, selected delivery options and GST, before placing your order.
Use the same postcode and delivery options when comparing quantities. If your books are needed for a launch, course or school event, contact us before ordering to confirm production and delivery arrangements.
Get a quote for your own book
Have your finished size, internal page count, colour requirements, preferred paper, binding, quantity and delivery postcode ready. Choose the calculator that matches your project:
- Budget paperback printing quote
- Premium softcover and PUR binding quote
- Hardcover book printing quote
- Saddle-stitched booklet quote
- Wire, coil and comb binding quote
We print single books, small batches and short runs of 50–500 copies. If you need help choosing specifications, send your project details through our contact page.