Cost Per Page Formula:
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The Cost Per Page (CPP) calculation determines the total expense for printing each page, including both ink/toner cartridge costs and paper costs. It's essential for budgeting and comparing printing solutions for ultra-high yield printing.
The calculator uses the CPP formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the ink/toner cost per page by dividing cartridge cost by page yield, then adds the paper cost per page to get the total cost per printed page.
Details: Understanding cost per page is crucial for businesses and individuals to budget printing expenses accurately, compare different printing solutions, and optimize printing costs for high-volume printing needs.
Tips: Enter cartridge cost in dollars, page yield (number of pages the cartridge can print), and paper cost per page in dollars. All values must be valid (cartridge cost ≥ 0, page yield > 0, paper cost ≥ 0).
Q1: Why calculate cost per page?
A: Calculating CPP helps compare the true cost of different printing options and make informed decisions about printing equipment and supplies.
Q2: What is a good cost per page?
A: This varies by printing needs, but generally lower CPP indicates more cost-effective printing. Commercial printing typically aims for CPP under $0.05-0.10.
Q3: Does page yield vary by content?
A: Yes, page yield is typically measured with 5% page coverage. Pages with more graphics or text will have different actual yields.
Q4: Should I include printer depreciation?
A: For complete cost analysis, consider including printer cost amortized over its lifespan, but this calculator focuses on consumable costs only.
Q5: How accurate are manufacturer yield claims?
A: Manufacturer yields are based on standardized tests. Real-world yields may vary based on content, printer settings, and environmental factors.