How to Read a Cartridge Page Yield (ISO 5% Explained)
Page-yield numbers come from the ISO/IEC standard test, which prints a fixed document covering about 5% of each page — roughly a normal business letter with a few short paragraphs.
If your pages have more text, bold fonts, tables, images or full-color graphics, each page uses more ink or toner, so you get fewer pages than the rating. Photos can cut yield by 80% or more.
Use the rated yield to compare cartridges fairly, not as a promise. To estimate your real cost, divide the cartridge price by a realistic yield for your documents — the calculator on each cartridge page does this for you.
FAQ
Why do I get fewer pages than advertised?
The rating assumes light 5% coverage. Heavier text, color and images use more ink, lowering real yield.
Does draft mode increase yield?
Yes — draft or economy mode lays down less ink/toner and can stretch a cartridge significantly for everyday documents.
Related
Yields are ISO estimates at ~5% page coverage; actual results vary. Prices are approximate and for guidance only.