Page yields express the total number of pages that one can expect to print with a specific toner cartridge or ink cartridge.
These yields are important to accurately calculate costs per page and to compare brands when evaluating printers, copiers, or even fax machines.
However, manufacturers can each decide the method and the environment to run those tests, so the results are not as reliable as they should be.
In December 2006, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) approved new standards for ink and color toner cartridge yield measurements. A standard for black toner cartridges was already published in June 2004 and endorsed by companies like HP, Lexmark, Canon, and Epson.
The new standard defines a uniform methodology to measure these yields:
- 9 cartridges will be used for the test. They must have different manufacturing dates, come from different locations, and be used until empty.
- A minimum of 3 different cartridges are tested on a minimum of 3 different printers to reduce printer-based variability.
- Printer default settings are set.
- A standard PDF document suite is used.
- The paper size must be 8.5”x11” (letter size) or A4.
- The environment is kept at a controlled temperature.
- The reported yield must be at, or below, 90% of the mean.
We hope this standard is promptly applied by all toner manufacturers. Consumers will benefit from this long overdue transparence.
