Cost per page (CPP): the guide to avoid expensive long-term purchases.

Cost per page (CPP): the guide to avoid expensive long-term purchases.

Most people choose a printer based on the machine's price. The correct approach is to choose based on the total cost : supplies + paper + time + maintenance.

DECO PROteste is straightforward: ink/toner expenses can exceed the purchase price — which is why it's essential to assess the cost of printing.

1) The CPP in practice (with a quick example)

CPP = consumable price ÷ revenue (pages)

If a toner cartridge costs R$ 60 and yields 2,000 pages, CPP ≈ R$ 0.03/page.

The trick is to ensure that the yield is comparable.

2) ISO Income: What it really means

ISO standards exist to standardize testing:

  • ISO/IEC 24711 (cartridges/ink) — defines a process for measuring cartridge yield.

  • ISO/IEC 19752 (monochrome toner) — measures toner cartridge yield and emphasizes that the test is for yield, not for "total quality".

Manufacturers (e.g., Epson) explain that they measure yields following ISO/IEC 24711/24712.

What this gives you: a fairer comparison between models.
What this doesn't give you is a guarantee that you will print "exactly X pages," because your usage varies.

3) How to save ink and toner (without significantly compromising quality)

DECO suggests simple strategies:

  • Print in draft mode for simple text/graphics (saves ink).

  • Whenever possible, print in black and white (color ink cartridges can be much more expensive).

Other practical tips:

  • Avoid printing "web pages" with backgrounds and banners (use "simplified" / PDF mode).

  • Revise margins and scale (fewer pages)

  • Use duplex when it makes sense.

4) Original vs. Compatible Products: How to Choose Safely

Compatible cartridges can be a good cost-effective solution, but DECO reminds us that problems vary by brand/model — and quality can fluctuate.

Good practice:

  • Purchase compatible items from a known supplier.

  • first test in small quantities.

  • If your priority is "flawless" color/photo quality, then original images tend to be the best reference.

FAQ

How do I know if a consumable actually delivers as advertised?
Check if the yield is declared according to ISO (24711 for ink; 19752 for toner). Then estimate your standard (lots of color/photos = lower actual yield).

Is draft mode worth it?
For simple text and graphics, yes — it's a common recommendation to save ink.