Why do I get only 400 pages out of my printer cartridge?

[hcb2019]

The ads for cartridges for the HP 17A printer say it will print 1600 pages. I am getting 400 pages or less. What a total rip off for close to $70 per cartridge! To whom do I complain? Thanks for your help.

[Bob_Headrick]

According to the Specs for the HP 17a cartridge:

Page yield footnote

Approximate average yield based on ISO/IEC 19752. Actual yield varies considerably based on content of printed pages and other factors. For details see http://www.hp.com/go/learnaboutsupplies.

[Repairatrooper]

Bob is correct,  print volume can vary widely depending on how dense your prints are. Standard rating is based on 5% coverage which is basically a double spaced text page.

[ShlomiL]

Additionally, do you refer to a purchased HP 17A cartridge or to a cartridge supplied in the printer box?

Be aware that the included cartridge in the box of the printer is smaller and intended for approx. 500-700 pages, not for 1600 pages as a cartridge purchased separately:

https://www8.hp.com/emea_middle_east/en/printers/product-details/product-specifications/9365259

Shlomi

[hcb2019]

I have had the same problem with the cartridge that came with the printer as I have had with cartridges that I have purchased since. It seems that, with each new cartridge, I get fewer and fewer pages printed. This seems like a total rip-off to me. I wish I didn't need my printer. It's very fussy, and it doesn't work well. But then again, that seems to be a universal problem with printers.