How to Figure Laser Printer Cost Per Page

When evaluating the true cost of a printer, a user should know how to figure laser printer cost per page. This important calculation takes a few separate factors into account. Some printers have a high price tag but a low cost per page, while other printers are a bargain in the store but wind up costing more in the long run.

1. First: Read about it

   Check the literature that comes with the printer. The more expensive printers often include cost per page in the summary of features, since the low cost per page justifies the high price tag. The sales materials provide advice on how to make the most of the ink cartridge. Because the cost of ink is the largest factor of figuring cost per page, it is important to maximize how many pages a cartridge can produce.

2. Second: Add it up

   When the cost per page is not spelled out in the literature, the calculation requires more research. Determine what ink cartridges the laser printer uses. The packaging may indicate a range of pages that print with one cartridge. The cost of a replacement cartridge combined with the pages printed per cartridge can determine how much is spent on ink for each page. Dividing the price of the ink by the number of pages gives cost per page, in terms of ink. The energy cost of running the printer makes up the additional cost per page.

3. Third: Figure it out

   If the manufacturer did not include the number of pages printed per cartridge, you can figure this out yourself. Starting with a new printer cartridge, print documents using the typical print quality. Keep a running count of the pages printed. When the cartridge runs out, divide the cost of the cartridge by the number of pages printed.

4. Fourth: Search for it

   To determine how much energy the printer is using, do an internet search for your printer to see whether anyone has a calculated figure for your printer's energy usage. Add that to the cost of the ink before dividing by the number of pages. The final total is the laser printer cost per page.