What is an XL cartridge and is it worth choosing?

If you own a printer at home or at the office, you’ve probably noticed the XL (high-yield) option among the consumables. But what does it really mean? An XL cartridge is compatible with the same printer model as the “standard” one, but it contains more ink or toner. This translates into many more pages before replacement is needed, and a lower cost per page.

How is “page yield” measured in XL cartridges?

Page yield shows how many pages a cartridge can print before it runs out. For fair comparison, measurements are based on international ISO/IEC standards:

• ISO/IEC 24711 for inkjet cartridges: yield is calculated on five standard pages, with 5% ink coverage, printed continuously until the cartridge reaches end of life.

• ISO/IEC 19752 & 19798 for laser toner: similar methodology, with specific test documents and images.

Important: These numbers are indicative. If you print photos with heavy colors, the actual yield will be lower. If you print mostly text, you may exceed the official specs.

XL vs Standard: The key differences

• Ink/Toner content: XL contains more ink or toner, hence “high-yield.”

• Physical size: In most inkjet printers, the cartridge shell is the same; the XL simply has higher capacity and fits in the same slot.

• Cost per page: This is the crucial part. While XL has a higher purchase price, it costs much less per page. For example: a standard prints 200 pages at €0.10/page, while an XL prints 600 pages at €0.05/page.

• Replacement frequency: With XL you replace cartridges half or even one-third as often.

Is XL really worth it?

It depends on your needs:

• Home use / light printing: If you print only 20–30 pages per month, standard may be enough. But you could use XL for black (more frequently used) and standard for colors.

• Home office, students, small businesses: XL is almost always the most economical option, saving money per page and avoiding sudden ink shortages.

• High-volume printing (accounting firms, schools, businesses): XL cartridges are a must. Where available, XXL is worth considering.

Compatibility, chips & firmware

A common question: will XL work in your printer? The answer is simple: if the cartridge series is listed as compatible with your printer model, it will work—whether standard or XL.

But watch out for:

• Chips & firmware: Manufacturers (HP, Canon, Brother, etc.) sometimes release firmware updates that affect third-party cartridges.

• Trusted suppliers: At PrintKing, all cartridges (OEM & compatible) come with a compatibility guarantee.

Print quality and reliability

XL cartridges do not reduce quality. In fact, since they contain more ink, they often provide more consistent performance. Print quality mainly depends on the printer itself, not whether the cartridge is standard or XL.

Tip: If you have an inkjet printer, print at least 1–2 pages per week to avoid nozzle drying.

FAQs

What does XL mean in printer cartridges?

It means the cartridge holds more ink/toner and prints more pages than the standard one.

Is it worth buying XL instead of standard?

If you print regularly, yes. The cost per page is significantly lower and the cartridge lasts longer.

Does XL fit in the same printer?

Yes, in most inkjet and laser series the XL has the same shell and fits normally.

Are the yields accurate?

They’re based on ISO standards (5% coverage). In real life, yield may be lower or higher depending on your content.

The XL (high-yield) cartridge is the smartest way to save money if you print regularly. It lowers cost per page, requires fewer replacements, and ensures consistent quality.

At PrintKing you’ll find all XL cartridges (OEM and Premium compatibles), with quality guarantee, expert support, and cost-saving options tailored to your needs.