GITNUX REPORT 2024

E-books Vs Print Books Statistics: Sales, Preferences & Prices Revealed

E-books vs Print Books: A Deep Dive into Reading Habits and Industry Trends Revealed!

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

45% of e-book readers prefer to read on tablets

Statistic 2

32% of e-book readers prefer dedicated e-readers like Kindle

Statistic 3

23% of e-book readers prefer smartphones for reading

Statistic 4

7% of e-book readers prefer desktop or laptop computers

Statistic 5

42% of e-book readers use multiple devices for reading

Statistic 6

61% of e-book readers use their devices daily

Statistic 7

29% of e-book readers use their devices several times a week

Statistic 8

52% of e-book readers use their devices for more than an hour per day

Statistic 9

38% of e-book readers use their devices before going to sleep

Statistic 10

25% of e-book readers use their devices during their commute

Statistic 11

47% of e-book readers use their devices while traveling

Statistic 12

33% of e-book readers use their devices during lunch breaks

Statistic 13

41% of e-book readers use their devices in bed

Statistic 14

Print books account for 74% of book sales in the US

Statistic 15

E-books make up 21% of all book sales in the US

Statistic 16

Audiobooks account for 5% of book sales in the US

Statistic 17

E-book sales account for 18% of total publisher revenue

Statistic 18

Hardcover books account for 24% of print book sales

Statistic 19

Paperback books account for 41% of print book sales

Statistic 20

E-books account for 7.5% of total book sales in Germany

Statistic 21

E-books make up 36% of adult fiction sales

Statistic 22

E-books account for 12.3% of total book sales in France

Statistic 23

E-books make up 21% of adult nonfiction sales

Statistic 24

E-books account for 7.7% of total book sales in Spain

Statistic 25

E-books make up 11% of children's and young adult book sales

Statistic 26

E-books account for 5.5% of total book sales in Italy

Statistic 27

The average price of a trade e-book in 2020 was $7.49

Statistic 28

The average price of a hardcover book in 2020 was $27.80

Statistic 29

The average price of a paperback book in 2020 was $16.80

Statistic 30

The average e-book price for the Big Five publishers is $10.31

Statistic 31

The average price of a children's e-book is $4.95

Statistic 32

The average price of a self-published e-book is $3.99

Statistic 33

The average price of a New York Times bestseller e-book is $8.99

Statistic 34

The average price of a Big Five publisher's e-book bestseller is $14.99

Statistic 35

The average price of a self-published print book is $13.99

Statistic 36

The average price of a traditionally published print book is $24.99

Statistic 37

The average price of a mass-market paperback is $7.99

Statistic 38

The average price of a college textbook is $84

Statistic 39

The average price of a children's picture book is $17.99

Statistic 40

26% of Americans read e-books in 2021

Statistic 41

37% of adults say they only read print books

Statistic 42

33% of Americans read both e-books and print books

Statistic 43

65% of Americans have read a print book in the past year

Statistic 44

28% of Americans read books only in print format

Statistic 45

77% of Americans prefer print books for reading to children

Statistic 46

45% of print book readers prefer paperbacks

Statistic 47

67% of Americans have read a book in any format in the past year

Statistic 48

20% of Americans have listened to an audiobook in the past year

Statistic 49

54% of Americans say they prefer print books over e-books

Statistic 50

39% of Americans say they only read print books

Statistic 51

72% of college students prefer print textbooks over e-textbooks

Statistic 52

67% of young adults (18-29) have read a print book in the past year

Statistic 53

E-book sales revenue in the US reached $1.1 billion in 2020

Statistic 54

Print book sales in the US increased by 8.2% in 2020

Statistic 55

E-book sales increased by 16% in 2020

Statistic 56

Print book sales revenue in the US reached $8.6 billion in 2020

Statistic 57

E-book sales in the UK grew by 17% in 2020

Statistic 58

Global e-book revenue is projected to reach $17.04 billion by 2025

Statistic 59

Print book sales in the UK increased by 5.5% in 2020

Statistic 60

Audiobook sales revenue in the US reached $1.3 billion in 2020

Statistic 61

Global print book market size was valued at $68.7 billion in 2020

Statistic 62

Print book sales in Canada increased by 1.6% in 2020

Statistic 63

Global e-book market size was valued at $18.13 billion in 2020

Statistic 64

Print book sales in Australia increased by 7.8% in 2020

Statistic 65

The global audiobook market size was valued at $2.67 billion in 2019

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Summary

  • 26% of Americans read e-books in 2021
  • Print books account for 74% of book sales in the US
  • E-book sales revenue in the US reached $1.1 billion in 2020
  • 45% of e-book readers prefer to read on tablets
  • The average price of a trade e-book in 2020 was $7.49
  • 37% of adults say they only read print books
  • E-books make up 21% of all book sales in the US
  • Print book sales in the US increased by 8.2% in 2020
  • 32% of e-book readers prefer dedicated e-readers like Kindle
  • The average price of a hardcover book in 2020 was $27.80
  • 33% of Americans read both e-books and print books
  • Audiobooks account for 5% of book sales in the US
  • E-book sales increased by 16% in 2020
  • 23% of e-book readers prefer smartphones for reading
  • The average price of a paperback book in 2020 was $16.80

Move over, literary debate clubs – its time to dive into the ultimate showdown: Ebooks vs. Print Books! In a world where 26% of Americans are e-book aficionados while print books proudly claim 74% of sales, the battle for literary supremacy rages on. Explore the fascinating statistics behind the $1.1 billion e-book sales revenue, the 8.2% surge in print book sales, and the quirky habits of e-book readers who prefer to snuggle up with their tablets or Kindles. Let the pages turn as we uncover the colorful world of book format preferences and discover if ink on paper or digital screens truly reign supreme in the hearts of readers!

Device Preferences

  • 45% of e-book readers prefer to read on tablets
  • 32% of e-book readers prefer dedicated e-readers like Kindle
  • 23% of e-book readers prefer smartphones for reading
  • 7% of e-book readers prefer desktop or laptop computers
  • 42% of e-book readers use multiple devices for reading
  • 61% of e-book readers use their devices daily
  • 29% of e-book readers use their devices several times a week
  • 52% of e-book readers use their devices for more than an hour per day
  • 38% of e-book readers use their devices before going to sleep
  • 25% of e-book readers use their devices during their commute
  • 47% of e-book readers use their devices while traveling
  • 33% of e-book readers use their devices during lunch breaks
  • 41% of e-book readers use their devices in bed

Interpretation

In a world where reading habits are as diverse as a bookshelf in a library, the battle between Ebooks and Print Books rages on. With 45% of e-book enthusiasts opting for the sleek comfort of tablets, 32% cozying up to dedicated e-readers like the trusty Kindle, and 23% finding solace in the lit screens of smartphones, it's clear that the written word knows no bounds in the digital age. Whether perched in bed with a cup of tea or tapping away on a crowded commute, these statistics paint a picture of a society deeply intertwined with technology, where reading is not just a pastime but a lifestyle. So, to print or not to print? That is the electrifying question.

Market Share

  • Print books account for 74% of book sales in the US
  • E-books make up 21% of all book sales in the US
  • Audiobooks account for 5% of book sales in the US
  • E-book sales account for 18% of total publisher revenue
  • Hardcover books account for 24% of print book sales
  • Paperback books account for 41% of print book sales
  • E-books account for 7.5% of total book sales in Germany
  • E-books make up 36% of adult fiction sales
  • E-books account for 12.3% of total book sales in France
  • E-books make up 21% of adult nonfiction sales
  • E-books account for 7.7% of total book sales in Spain
  • E-books make up 11% of children's and young adult book sales
  • E-books account for 5.5% of total book sales in Italy

Interpretation

In the swirling world of book sales statistics, one thing is clear: print books are holding their ground like a stoic warrior amidst the digital invasion. With 74% of book sales in the US attributed to print, it seems that the charm of flipping through tangible pages still holds a special place in readers' hearts. However, the rise of e-books, comprising 21% of US book sales, suggests that the convenience of carrying an entire library in the palm of your hand is an enticing prospect for many modern readers. As the battle continues between the traditionalists and the tech-savvy, one thing is certain - the story of books will always find new ways to captivate readers, whether in print, digital, or audio form.

Pricing

  • The average price of a trade e-book in 2020 was $7.49
  • The average price of a hardcover book in 2020 was $27.80
  • The average price of a paperback book in 2020 was $16.80
  • The average e-book price for the Big Five publishers is $10.31
  • The average price of a children's e-book is $4.95
  • The average price of a self-published e-book is $3.99
  • The average price of a New York Times bestseller e-book is $8.99
  • The average price of a Big Five publisher's e-book bestseller is $14.99
  • The average price of a self-published print book is $13.99
  • The average price of a traditionally published print book is $24.99
  • The average price of a mass-market paperback is $7.99
  • The average price of a college textbook is $84
  • The average price of a children's picture book is $17.99

Interpretation

In the ever-evolving battle between Ebooks and print books, the price tags often dictate the skirmishes. As the literary marketplace teems with options, readers are confronted with a plethora of choices that range from the frugal pleasures of a $3.99 self-published Ebook to the weighty commitment of a $84 college textbook. While the allure of a $7.49 trade Ebook may entice the budget-conscious reader, the prestige of a $27.80 hardcover beckons those who value a tangible bookshelf trophy. As the pricing strategies of the Big Five publishers and self-publishers clash in the digital arena, readers find themselves navigating a complex narrative of cost and convenience. So, dear readers, as you embark on your literary adventures, remember that the price tag is not merely a number but a gateway to a world of words waiting to be explored.

Reading Habits

  • 26% of Americans read e-books in 2021
  • 37% of adults say they only read print books
  • 33% of Americans read both e-books and print books
  • 65% of Americans have read a print book in the past year
  • 28% of Americans read books only in print format
  • 77% of Americans prefer print books for reading to children
  • 45% of print book readers prefer paperbacks
  • 67% of Americans have read a book in any format in the past year
  • 20% of Americans have listened to an audiobook in the past year
  • 54% of Americans say they prefer print books over e-books
  • 39% of Americans say they only read print books
  • 72% of college students prefer print textbooks over e-textbooks
  • 67% of young adults (18-29) have read a print book in the past year

Interpretation

In a world where e-books and print books battle for our attention, the statistics paint a colorful picture of reading preferences. It seems that while some Americans are diving into the digital realm, a significant chunk still clings to the comforting embrace of a traditional paperback. The love affair with print books is evident, especially when it comes to reading to children or snuggling up with a good old-fashioned novel. With the ongoing debate between paperbacks and e-books, one thing is clear - the joy of reading transcends format, uniting us all in the common pursuit of knowledge and escape. So whether you're team e-book or team print, the most important thing is that we keep turning those pages and exploring new worlds.

Sales Revenue

  • E-book sales revenue in the US reached $1.1 billion in 2020
  • Print book sales in the US increased by 8.2% in 2020
  • E-book sales increased by 16% in 2020
  • Print book sales revenue in the US reached $8.6 billion in 2020
  • E-book sales in the UK grew by 17% in 2020
  • Global e-book revenue is projected to reach $17.04 billion by 2025
  • Print book sales in the UK increased by 5.5% in 2020
  • Audiobook sales revenue in the US reached $1.3 billion in 2020
  • Global print book market size was valued at $68.7 billion in 2020
  • Print book sales in Canada increased by 1.6% in 2020
  • Global e-book market size was valued at $18.13 billion in 2020
  • Print book sales in Australia increased by 7.8% in 2020
  • The global audiobook market size was valued at $2.67 billion in 2019

Interpretation

In the epic battle of Ebooks Vs Print Books, the year 2020 proved to be a thrilling chapter with both formats flexing their literary muscles. E-books, with their sleek digital appeal, saw a meteoric rise in sales and revenue, threatening to rewrite the narrative of the publishing industry. However, the classic charm of print books fought back valiantly, showcasing a surprising surge in sales that left even the most ardent e-book enthusiasts turning the page. As audiobooks chimed in with their own success story, it became clear that the realm of reading was evolving into a multi-faceted adventure. With projections painting a promising future for both e-books and print books, it seems that the story of literature continues to unfold with unexpected plot twists and turns that keep readers captivated worldwide.

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