If you sell on Amazon, three fees decide whether a product actually makes money: the referral fee (a percentage Amazon takes of each sale, set by category), the FBA fulfillment fee (a flat fee per unit, set by size and weight), and your prep cost. Get those right and your margin is predictable. Here is how each one works in 2026 — and a free tool to run your exact numbers.
1. Amazon referral fees by category
The referral fee is a percentage of the total sale price and depends on the product category. Most categories are 15%, but several are lower or higher. Typical rates:
| Category | Referral fee |
|---|---|
| Most categories (Home, Kitchen, Toys, Pet, Baby, Sports, Office) | 15% |
| Electronics, Computers, Consumer Electronics | 8% |
| Automotive & Powersports | 12% |
| Industrial & Scientific | 12% |
| Grocery & Gourmet | 8% (15% over $15) |
| Beauty, Health & Personal Care | 8% under $10, 15% over |
| Clothing & Accessories | 17% |
| Watches | 16% |
| Jewelry | 20% |
Rates are typical 2025–2026 values and some are tiered by price — always confirm against Amazon’s current fee schedule for your exact item.
2. Amazon FBA fulfillment fees by weight
If Amazon ships the item for you (FBA), you pay a flat fulfillment fee per unit based on size tier and weight. Lighter, smaller units are cheapest — which is why fast-moving wholesale goods under a pound tend to have the best economics. Approximate standard-size fees:
| Size & weight | FBA fee (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Small standard, under 4 oz | $3.06 |
| Small standard, 4–8 oz | $3.30 |
| Small standard, 8–12 oz | $3.50 |
| Small standard, 12–16 oz | $3.65 |
| Large standard, under 8 oz | $3.95 |
| Large standard, 8–16 oz | $4.40 |
| Large standard, 1–2 lb | $5.20 |
| Large standard, 2–3 lb | $5.65 |
Approximate 2025 standard-size rates; oversize and peak-season surcharges differ. Use the calculator below for your exact unit.
3. How to calculate your Amazon FBA profit
The formula is simple:
Net profit = Sale price − Product cost − Referral fee − FBA fee − Prep
Example: a $29.99 item in a 15% category, a light 4–8 oz unit ($3.30 FBA), $0.60 prep, costing you $14.00 lands at about $7.59 profit per unit (≈25% margin, ≈52% return on cost). Drop your cost by even $2 and the margin jumps — which is the whole point: your margin is decided at the moment you buy.
Run your own numbers instantly with our free Amazon FBA Profit & ROI Calculator — pick your category and weight and it fills in the fees for you.
4. The biggest lever on profit: your sourcing
Amazon’s fees are largely fixed — you can’t negotiate them down. The one number you control is your buy price. Lower wholesale cost is what turns a thin listing into a profitable one. That’s where a wholesale supplier matters: Groovin Fulfillment supplies Amazon and Walmart sellers with branded consumer goods at wholesale pricing, with Amazon-compliant invoices.
Apply for a wholesale account →
Amazon FBA fees FAQ
Do Amazon referral fees change by category? Yes — most are 15%, but electronics and computers are 8%, automotive and industrial are 12%, clothing is 17%, and jewelry is 20%.
How much is the FBA fee? It depends on size and weight. Light units under a pound run roughly $3.06–$3.65; heavier and oversize items cost more.
What’s a good Amazon margin? Many sellers target a 15–20%+ net margin and 30%+ return on cost after fees, depending on category and how fast their cash recycles.