The short version
- Typical range: £3 – £18
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Books
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used hardback books is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for hardback bookss, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £18 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £15 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £11 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £8 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £4 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a hardback books
- First editions with original dust jackets
- Signed copies with provenance
- Tight bindings with sound hinges
- Complete matched sets
What lowers it
- Missing dust jackets
- Cracked hinges and loose text blocks
- Foxing and damp staining
- Ex-library copies with stamps
How to work out what yours is worth
- Check the copyright page for edition and printing
- Confirm whether the dust jacket is present and unclipped
- Open the covers and check the hinges
Once you have those three answers you can place your own hardback books on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are hardbacks worth more than paperbacks?
Generally yes, particularly first editions. The dust jacket is usually where most of the value sits.
What is a price-clipped jacket?
One with the printed price cut from the flap. It reduces value because it removes evidence of the edition.
Do book club editions count as firsts?
No, and they are worth far less. Check the copyright page and any lack of a printed jacket price.
More value guides: books guides · all value guides · browse live books listings.