Reference · Updated June 2026
Print Cost Index
Typical ranges for the numbers buyers argue about, so you can answer "is my number normal?" These are published bands, not live quotes. Refreshed quarterly.
| Metric | Typical range | Per |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per page, mono | 1.0–3.0¢ | page |
| Cost per page, color | 6.0–15.0¢ | page |
| Click rate, mono | 0.8–2.0¢ | click |
| Click rate, color | 6.0–9.0¢ | click |
| Lease factor, 36 mo | 2.8–3.5% | of equipment / mo |
| Lease factor, 60 mo | 1.9–2.4% | of equipment / mo |
| Mono cartridge | $60–$120 | each |
| Color cartridge | $90–$180 | each |
Ranges are national ballparks covering common business devices and standard terms; your contract, volume, and region move the numbers. Each metric links to the calculator that prices your own. See how we calculate these.
How to use this
Find your metric, compare your number to the band, and if you're outside it, run the matching calculator to see why. A figure well above the range usually signals retail supply pricing, an undersized plan, or an aging device, all things a free print assessment can confirm.
Common questions
Is my cost per page normal?
For a typical business device, mono pages run about 1.0–3.0¢ and color about 6.0–15.0¢. If you're paying more, it usually points to retail supply pricing, an undersized plan, or an aging device.
What is a typical copier click rate?
On a lease or service contract, mono clicks commonly fall in the 0.8–2.0¢ range and color clicks in the 6.0–9.0¢ range. A click bundles toner, service, and parts, so it's higher than buying toner alone.
How often is the Print Cost Index updated?
The bands are reviewed quarterly. They were last reviewed in June 2026.