Illustration Budget Estimate

Illustration Budget Calculator

Estimate what your picture book’s illustrations will realistically cost — before you talk to a single illustrator. Nothing you type here is saved or sent anywhere; it only lives in your browser while this page is open.

📖 Your book

Double-page spreads

Single-page illustrations

A standard 32-page picture book is usually 14–16 spreads, or a mix of spreads and single pages. Not sure how your manuscript breaks down? Count each page-turn moment as one spread.

Include front cover illustration

Extra revision rounds needed (beyond what’s typically included — usually 2)

🎨 Pricing basis

Use market rate ranges

I have my illustrator’s quote

Illustrator experience level

Usage rights

Ranges below are based on published 2026 industry rate data (Reedsy, Society of Authors UK/Australia, Graphic Artists Guild, and freelance marketplace surveys). Every illustrator prices differently — treat this as a planning range, not a quote.

Price per spread ($)

Price per single page ($)

Price for cover ($)

Price per extra revision round ($)

Estimated illustration budget $0

Item	Qty	Subtotal

This is a planning estimate, not a quote. Actual prices vary by illustrator, style complexity (flat color vs. detailed watercolor/3D), timeline, and location. Always get a written quote and contract before starting a project. Rate ranges last reviewed November 2026.

💰 How many copies to break even

Net profit you keep per book sold ($)

This is what’s actually left in your pocket after printing cost and the platform’s cut — not the cover price. Rough rule of thumb: Amazon KDP paperback usually nets $1–$4/copy after Amazon’s share and print cost (check your KDP Reports for your real number); direct/event/school sales typically net $5–$10/copy since there’s no platform cut, just the printing cost.

Copies to sell to earn back your illustration budget —

🔒 Private by design — your numbers stay in this browser tab and are never saved or transmitted.