Understanding your true cost per page is the key to saving money on printing. This guide explains how it works and how to use it to make better buying decisions.
What is cost per page?
Cost per page (CPP) is the amount it costs to print a single page, calculated by dividing the cartridge price by its rated page yield.
Formula: Cost per page = Cartridge price / Page yield
Example: A cartridge costs £13 and is rated for 240 pages. Cost per page = £13 / 240 = 5.4p per page
Why cost per page matters more than cartridge price
A cheaper cartridge is not always cheaper to use. A £8 standard cartridge yielding 120 pages costs 6.7p/page. A £13 XL cartridge yielding 240 pages costs 5.4p/page — 20% cheaper to run, despite costing more upfront.
Standard vs XL cartridges
| Type | Upfront cost | Pages | Cost per page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Lower | Lower | Higher |
| XL / High yield | Higher | Higher | Lower |
If you print more than 30-40 pages/month, XL cartridges almost always deliver better value per page.
OEM vs compatible cartridges
Compatible (third-party) cartridges are typically 30-60% cheaper than manufacturer originals. For document printing, quality is usually comparable. Under UK and EU law, using compatible cartridges cannot legally void your printer warranty.
How to calculate your annual printing cost
- Find your cost per page (use our calculator below)
- Estimate your monthly page count
- Multiply: monthly pages x cost per page x 12 = annual ink cost
Example: 100 pages/month x 5.4p x 12 = £64.80/year
When to consider upgrading your printer
Consider upgrading if:
- Annual ink spend exceeds £80-£100
- You print 100+ pages/month on a standard inkjet
- A laser or EcoTank would pay back the hardware cost within 2 years
Use our cost per page calculator to see your actual printing costs.
Check if upgrading makes sense for your usage and volume.
Browse printers by cost per page to find the best value options.
Where to buy after you know your CPP
Once you know whether standard or XL wins for your volume: