The number of pages a printer can print varies significantly depending on the type of printer and the cartridge being used. Based on Page Yield, a key metric, laser printers can typically print many more pages per cartridge than inkjet printers.
Understanding Page Yield
Page Yield refers to the estimated number of pages a printer can produce with a single cartridge. This figure is often based on industry standards, such as ISO/IEC 19752 for monochrome toner cartridges and ISO/IEC 24711 for color ink cartridges, which assume a standard page coverage (typically 5% of the page being covered by ink or toner).
Laser Printer vs. Inkjet Printer Yield
There's a substantial difference in the number of pages you can expect from a laser toner cartridge compared to a typical ink cartridge, as highlighted in the reference:
- Laser Printer Toner: A laser printer toner's total yield is between 2,500 and 3,000 pages with a single cartridge.
- Ink Cartridge: In comparison, a typical ink cartridge will yield 250 to 300 pages, depending on the color density of the prints.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Cartridge Type | Estimated Page Yield (Per Cartridge) |
|---|---|
| Laser Printer (Toner) | 2,500 to 3,000 pages |
| Inkjet Printer (Ink) | 250 to 300 pages |
Factors Affecting Actual Page Yield
While the ranges above provide a good estimate, the actual number of pages you can print may vary based on several factors:
- Print Coverage: The density of ink or toner on the page significantly impacts yield. Printing pages with high-density images or full-page color uses much more ink/toner than printing text documents with 5% coverage. The reference notes that ink cartridge yield depends on "the color density of the prints."
- Print Settings: Draft quality uses less ink/toner than standard or high-quality settings.
- Maintenance: Printer cleaning cycles, especially on inkjet printers, consume ink.
In summary, the exact number of pages a printer can print is determined by the cartridge's page yield, which differs greatly between laser and inkjet technologies, and is also influenced by printing habits.
