Cost Per Page Calculator Explained: How to Calculate True Printing Costs

Understanding your true cost per page is the key to saving money on printing. This guide explains how cost per page works and how to use it to make better buying decisions.

What Is Cost Per Page?

Cost per page (CPP) is the amount you pay for each page you print. It's calculated by dividing the cartridge price by the number of pages it can print.

Simple Formula

Cost Per Page = Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield

Example

If an HP 305 Black cartridge costs £20 and prints 200 pages:

Cost per page = £20 ÷ 200 = £0.10 (10p per page)

Why Cost Per Page Matters

The upfront price of a cartridge can be misleading. A cheaper cartridge might actually cost more per page if it prints fewer pages.

Example Comparison

Cartridge A (Standard)

Price: £18

Yield: 200 pages

Cost per page: 9p

Cartridge B (XL)

Price: £35

Yield: 500 pages

Cost per page: 7p

Even though Cartridge B costs more upfront, it's cheaper per page. If you print 500 pages, you'd save £5 with Cartridge B.

Factors Affecting Cost Per Page

1. Cartridge Size

Standard Cartridges

Lower upfront cost

Higher cost per page

Good for occasional printing

XL/High-Yield Cartridges

Higher upfront cost

Lower cost per page

Better value for regular printing

2. Color vs Black

Black Cartridges

Usually cheaper per page

Single color

Higher yield

Color Cartridges

More expensive per page

Multiple colors (or tri-color)

Lower yield per color

3. Original vs Compatible

Original Manufacturer Cartridges

Higher price

Guaranteed yield

Reliable quality

Compatible Cartridges

Lower price

Similar or slightly lower yield

Can significantly reduce cost per page

How to Calculate Your Monthly Printing Cost

Step 1: Determine Your Printing Volume

Track how many pages you print per month:

Check printer usage reports

Count pages manually for a week, then multiply

Use printer software to see usage

Step 2: Calculate Black vs Color Pages

Most people print more black than color. Estimate the split:

Example: 70% black, 30% color

For 200 pages/month: 140 black, 60 color

Step 3: Calculate Monthly Cost

Black Pages:

Pages per month × Black cost per page

Example: 140 × £0.05 = £7/month

Color Pages:

Pages per month × Color cost per page

Example: 60 × £0.08 = £4.80/month

Total Monthly Cost:

£7 + £4.80 = £11.80/month

Step 4: Calculate Annual Cost

Monthly cost × 12 = Annual cost

£11.80 × 12 = £141.60/year

Using Our Cost Per Page Calculator

ink calculator

1. **Select your printer** - We know which cartridges it uses

2. **Enter your printing volume** - Pages per month

3. **Choose cartridge options** - Standard vs XL, original vs compatible

4. **See results** - Cost per page, monthly cost, annual cost

The calculator shows:

Cost per page for black and color

Monthly and annual ink costs

Savings from using XL cartridges

Comparison with other printers

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Light User (50 pages/month)

Standard Cartridges:

Black: 50 × £0.09 = £4.50/month

Color: 15 × £0.12 = £1.80/month

**Total: £6.30/month**

XL Cartridges:

Black: 50 × £0.07 = £3.50/month

Color: 15 × £0.09 = £1.35/month

**Total: £4.85/month**

Savings: £1.45/month (£17.40/year)

Example 2: Heavy User (500 pages/month)

Standard Cartridges:

Black: 350 × £0.09 = £31.50/month

Color: 150 × £0.12 = £18/month

**Total: £49.50/month**

XL Cartridges:

Black: 350 × £0.07 = £24.50/month

Color: 150 × £0.09 = £13.50/month

**Total: £38/month**

Savings: £11.50/month (£138/year)

Tips for Lowering Cost Per Page

1. **Use XL cartridges** if you print 50+ pages/month

2. **Print in draft mode** for internal documents

3. **Use grayscale** when color isn't needed

4. **Consider compatible cartridges** for non-critical printing

5. **Print double-sided** to reduce page count

6. **Use print preview** to avoid wasted pages

7. **Consider upgrading** to EcoTank or laser for high volume

When to Upgrade Your Printer

If your cost per page is high, consider:

**EcoTank printers** - Can reduce cost per page to 1-2p

**Laser printers** - Lower cost per page for black and white

**Subscription plans** - HP Instant Ink can reduce costs

upgrade advisor

Conclusion

Understanding cost per page helps you make informed decisions about cartridges and printers. Don't just look at the upfront price - calculate the true cost based on your printing volume.

Use our cost per page calculator

Browse printers by cost per page