Printer Cost-per-Page Calculator
The sticker price lies; the ink math tells the truth. Enter your cartridge numbers and see the real 4-year cost.
Cost per page: 5.0¢
Total ink cost over 4 years: $240
Compare that to the printer's sticker price — ink is usually the real purchase.
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Inkjet vs laser: the honest math ·
Home printer buying guide ·
Printer offline fixes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good cost per page?
Under 1¢ (ink tank) is excellent, 2–4¢ is fine (laser/toner), and above 10¢ (small OEM cartridges) is where printers become money pits. Always check this number before buying — cheap printers hide expensive ink.
How do I find a cartridge's page yield?
It's printed on the box and the manufacturer's site — look for 'page yield' at ISO standard (5% coverage). Divide price by yield for true cost per page.
Why is color printing so much more expensive?
Color cartridges often cost the same as black but yield fewer pages, and many printers refuse to print when one color is empty. If you mostly print documents, a monochrome laser is the budget king.