๐จ๏ธ Print Cost Calculator
Enter the total page count, how many are color pages, the per-page cost for mono and color printing, and the number of copies, and this tool calculates the total printing cost and the number of sheets needed. Supports duplex (double-sided) printing. Useful for estimating printing costs at a convenience store, university co-op, or print shop before you go.
How to use
- Enter the total page count and how many of those are color pages.
- Enter the per-page cost for mono and color printing.
- Enter the number of copies, and check duplex if printing double-sided โ the total cost is calculated automatically.
How the calculation works
This tool works out the cost of a print job and the number of sheets from the page count, copies, colour pages and per-page prices. Cost per copy = black-and-white pages ร B&W price + colour pages ร colour price Total cost = cost per copy ร copies Sheets = pages รท 2 rounded up (double-sided) or pages (single-sided), times the copies Black-and-white pages are the total minus the colour pages. Prices are per printed side (page).
Worked example
20 pages, 1 copy, all black and white (3 per page), double-sided Cost: 20 ร 3 = 60 Sheets: 20 รท 2 = 10 With 2 of the 20 pages in colour (15 each) Cost: 18 ร 3 + 2 ร 15 = 84 21 pages double-sided uses 11 sheets, the last printed on one side only.
Things to be aware of
- Copy shop and convenience-store prices vary by location and paper size, so check the actual price list.
- For a home printer, the cost per page can be worked out from the price of ink or toner and its page yield.
- Double-sided printing roughly halves the number of sheets.
FAQ
How is the number of sheets calculated?
For duplex printing it's the total page count divided by 2, rounded up. For single-sided printing it equals the total page count.
What happens if I enter more color pages than total pages?
Color pages must be less than or equal to the total page count, so no result is shown in that case.
Where can I find the per-page cost?
Check the price list posted on a convenience store multi-copy machine or a print shop's rate sheet for the per-page cost.