Standard or High Yield: Working Out Cost Per Page

The cartridge that costs less is often the more expensive one. Cost per page is the number that settles it.

How to work it out

Divide the price of the cartridge by its stated page yield. Compare that figure between the standard and high-yield versions of the same cartridge. High-yield is usually cheaper per page, sometimes substantially.

What yield figures assume

Published yields are measured against a standard test page with a defined amount of coverage. Your documents are probably not that page. Dense reports and anything with graphics will use more; sparse text will use less. Treat the figure as a comparison tool rather than a promise.

When standard yield makes sense

If you print rarely, a high-yield cartridge may dry out or age before you use the capacity you paid for. Low volume is the one case where the smaller cartridge is the rational buy.

Colour sets

Compare like with like. A multi-pack and a single black cartridge are not comparable on price alone.