Printer ink and toner are the supplies a printer uses to put text and images on paper. Inkjet and ink tank printers use liquid ink, while laser printers use toner, a dry powder fused onto the page with heat. Supplies come in cartridges, bottles, or toner cartridges, and each lists an estimated page yield so you can compare how many pages it prints.
Ink and Toner Essentials at a Glance
Inkjet printers use liquid ink, and laser printers use dry toner powder
Ink comes in cartridges or bottles, and toner comes in sealed cartridges
Page yield estimates how many pages a cartridge prints under standard test conditions
XL and high-yield cartridges hold more ink or toner and usually lower the cost per page
Original and third-party supplies differ in how they're made, tested, and supported
Printer Ink vs. Toner
Ink | Toner | |
Form | Liquid | Dry powder |
Used by | Inkjet printers and ink tank printers | |
How it reaches the page | Sprayed as tiny droplets | Attracted to a charged drum, then fused with heat |
Strengths | Vivid color and photos | Crisp text and high page volumes |
Drying out | Can dry in the printhead if unused for long periods | Doesn't dry out |
For a deeper comparison, read about the differences between printer ink and toner.
Types of Printer Supplies
Ink cartridges
Ink cartridges are small, sealed containers that click into an inkjet printer. Some printers use one black and one tri-color cartridge, while others use separate cartridges for each color, so you replace only the color that runs out. Many cartridges include the printhead, so it's renewed with each replacement.
Ink bottles for ink tank printers
Ink tank printers, like our HP Smart Tank printers, use large built-in tanks that you refill from bottles. Each bottle holds much more ink than a typical cartridge, which lowers the cost per page for frequent printing.
Toner cartridges
Toner cartridges hold the powder a laser printer uses. Color laser printers need four cartridges: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. In many HP LaserJet printers, the imaging drum is built into the toner cartridge.
Setup and introductory cartridges
Some printers come with introductory cartridges in the box that may print fewer pages than standard replacements. Some HP inkjet printers also use a small amount of ink from the first cartridges to prepare the printer for use. Check the printer's packaging to see what's included.
Standard, XL, and High-Yield Cartridges
Many cartridges come in more than one size. Larger sizes cost more up front but usually print more pages for the money.
Cartridge size | What it means | Common HP naming |
Standard | Regular capacity for occasional printing | A number alone for ink, such as HP 67; an "A" for toner, such as 58A |
XL or high yield | More ink or toner for frequent printing | "XL" for ink, such as HP 67XL; an "X" for toner, such as 58X |
Extra high yield | The most toner, for high-volume offices | A "Y" for some toner, such as 213Y |
How to find the right cartridge number
Each printer works with specific cartridge numbers. You can find yours on the current cartridge, in the printer's manual or software, or by searching your printer model on HP's website. Always match the number exactly, since cartridges with similar numbers often aren't interchangeable.
When an XL cartridge makes sense
XL and high-yield cartridges suit anyone who prints regularly, because they usually lower the cost per page and mean fewer replacements. If you print only a few pages a month, a standard cartridge may be the better fit, since ink can age before it's used up. Learn more about printing costs.
What Is Page Yield?
Page yield is the estimated number of pages a cartridge can print before it runs out. Manufacturers measure it with standard methods from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), so you can compare cartridges fairly.
Standard | Used for |
ISO/IEC 24711 | Ink cartridges for color inkjet printers |
ISO/IEC 19752 | Toner cartridges for monochrome laser printers |
ISO/IEC 19798 | Toner cartridges for color laser printers |
In these tests, a set of standard pages mixing text and graphics is printed continuously until the cartridge runs out. Several cartridges are tested in several printers, and the results are averaged into the declared yield. HP publishes page yields for its cartridges on its page yield site.
Why your actual page yield can differ
Page yield is a comparison tool, not a promise of how many pages you'll get. Your results depend on:
Page coverage: Photos and full-page graphics use far more ink or toner than short text documents.
Print settings: Best quality modes use more ink than draft or normal modes.
How often you print: Inkjet printers use a small amount of ink for routine maintenance that keeps the printhead working.
First cartridges: Introductory cartridges and initial printer setup can reduce the yield of the first set.
Original vs. Third-Party Printer Supplies
You'll see several kinds of cartridges for sale. Knowing the difference helps you choose with confidence.
Type | What it is |
Original HP supplies | New cartridges made by HP and designed and tested with HP printers |
Remanufactured cartridges | Used original cartridges that a third party cleans, refills, and resells |
Refilled cartridges | Original cartridges refilled with ink, either by the user or a refill service |
Compatible or clone cartridges | New cartridges made by other companies to fit specific printers, often with their own chips |
What to consider with third-party cartridges
Quality and yield: Results can vary between brands and batches, since third-party cartridges aren't designed or tested by the printer maker.
Warranty: Using non-HP supplies doesn't void an HP printer's warranty on its own, but repairs needed because of those supplies may not be covered. Check your printer's warranty terms for details.
Counterfeits: Some cartridges sold as original are fakes. Buying from HP or an authorized retailer helps you avoid them.
Dynamic security on some HP printers
Some HP printers are "dynamic security enabled." These printers are designed to work only with cartridges that have a new or reused HP chip or electronic circuitry, and they block cartridges with non-HP chips or modified circuitry. Reused, remanufactured, and refilled cartridges that keep the original HP chip are not affected. Periodic firmware updates keep these measures current and can block cartridges that worked before. Product pages note when a printer is dynamic security enabled, and HP explains the feature on its dynamic security page.
Tips for Buying, Storing, and Replacing Ink and Toner
Match the cartridge number: Confirm the exact number your printer uses before you buy.
Choose the size for your volume: XL or high-yield cartridges suit regular printing, while standard sizes suit light use.
Consider a subscription: If you print regularly, an ink subscription can deliver supplies before you run out.
Store supplies properly: Keep cartridges sealed in their packaging until you need them, at room temperature and away from heat and direct sunlight. Install ink cartridges before the date printed on the package.
Replace when quality drops: Ink and toner level warnings are estimates, so you can usually keep printing until faded or streaky pages appear.
Return used cartridges: Learn how to return used supplies in our guide to recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ink and Toner
What is the difference between printer ink and toner?
Printer ink is a liquid used by inkjet and ink tank printers, while toner is a dry powder used by laser printers. Ink is sprayed onto paper in tiny droplets, and toner is fused onto paper with heat.
Are XL ink cartridges worth it?
XL ink cartridges are usually worth it for people who print regularly, because they hold more ink and typically lower the cost per page. For very occasional printing, a standard cartridge may be the better value, since ink can age before it's used up.
Why does a printer say ink is low when prints still look fine?
Printer ink level warnings are estimates. You can usually keep printing until print quality drops, but having a replacement cartridge on hand avoids interruptions.
Does using third-party ink void an HP printer warranty?
Using third-party ink doesn't void an HP printer warranty on its own. However, repairs needed because of non-HP supplies may not be covered, so check the warranty terms for your printer.
Related Printer Topics
Printers: the main types of printers and how they work
Printing costs: up-front price vs. cost per page
Ink subscriptions: how ink delivery plans work
Print quality: resolution, color, and sharpness
