My black cartridge ran out after less than 100 pages.

[MaxIllch]

Hi all. This is a new printer for me. I was surprised when the black ink ran out after less than 100 pages of text (no graphics). I had set the quality for 'draft', but the printing didn't change from 'normal'. But even at normal quality I would expect the cartridge to last much longer than that. I'm considering returning the printer if this performance is standard. Appreciate your feedback.

[sabretooth04]

Here is a chart to help with Ink Cartridge Page Estimation.  All cartridges are based on a 5% coverage when new.

Coverage percentage (%)	Divide by to get approximate number of pages
5	1
10	2
20	4
30	6
50	10
100	20

Note:  A 5% coverage is about 6 single spaced lines of text on a page. No bold, graphics or pictures.  A full color photo would be 100% coverage.

A ‘regular’ page of text would be about 72 lines and give us 30% coverage (more realistic).  Don’t forget the font type and size you use will use more ink too.

Example: 564 Standard Black = 250 pages at 5% coverage.  

Let’s say your average page coverage you estimate is 30%.  So…250/6 = 41.

Therefore the number of pages expected (30% coverage) out of your cartridge would be about 40 pages.

A 564 Standard Color (300 pages) at 100% coverage yields – 300/20 = 15 pages.

*********************

Your printer is using HP 63 black cartridge and rated at 190 pages at 5% coverage.

From your description You are using 30% coverage.  So here is your math.

190/6 = 31 pages black at 30% coverage.  If we assume less, like 20% here is your math.

190/4 = 47 pages black.

You are getting much better than expected.

[MaxIllch]

Thanks sabretooth04. I'm used to the hp laserjet. Though its cartridges cost a lot, I think they are much more efficient - I seem to be able to print for about a year, and I'm talking about regularly printing academic papers of 30 - 60 pages each. Bought the deskjet to save going out to get things printed while in my "winter home". I'll save about 50% of my printing cost, but then there's the cost of the printer. Hopefully it has a good longevity.