The number of pages a standard ink cartridge prints varies depending on the type of cartridge (black or color), the printer model, and the page coverage. Generally, a standard black ink cartridge prints around 200-1,000 pages, while a color ink cartridge prints fewer, typically between 150-750 pages.
Several factors influence the actual page yield you'll experience:
- Cartridge Type: Standard cartridges contain less ink than high-yield ("XL") cartridges. High-yield cartridges will print significantly more pages. For example, a standard HP 952 black ink cartridge might print up to 1,000 pages, while the color cartridge prints around 700.
- Printer Model: Different printers use ink differently. A printer with a more efficient print engine might get more pages per cartridge.
- Page Coverage: This refers to the amount of ink used on each page. A page with mostly text will use far less ink than a full-color photograph. Manufacturers often base their page yield estimates on 5% page coverage.
- Print Settings: Printing in draft mode uses less ink than printing in normal or best quality. Selecting grayscale printing will also conserve color ink.
- Frequency of Printing: Infrequent printing can lead to ink drying out in the cartridge, reducing its lifespan and potentially clogging print heads.
Therefore, it's difficult to provide an exact number for all "standard" ink cartridges. However, understanding these influencing factors can help you estimate your printer's ink consumption and choose the appropriate cartridge type.
