"How much does it cost to print a page?" has a different answer depending on where you print it. Here's a full breakdown of printout costs in the UK — home printing, print shops, and online printing — so you can see exactly where your money goes.
The real cost of a printout at home
A home printer looks free to run once you've bought it, but ink is the hidden cost. Budget inkjet cartridges typically work out at 10–30p per black & white page once you factor in partially-used cartridges and cleaning cycles, and considerably more for colour. On top of that there's paper, and eventually a replacement printer.
The cost of a printout at a print shop
High-street print shops and copy shops typically charge 20–40p per page for black & white, more for colour, plus your own time and travel getting there and back. Fine for a single urgent page, less economical for anything longer.
The cost of an online printout
Online printing services charge a flat, transparent price per page with no printer or ink to buy:
| Print type | Cost per page |
|---|---|
| Black & white printout | from 15p |
| Colour printout | from 32p |
The price drops automatically at higher page counts — the cheapest per-page rate applies at 50+ pages in a single order — and delivery starts from £3.99, or free on orders over £10.
Why is a cheap printout hard to find locally?
Local shops have fixed overheads — rent, staff, and equipment — which keeps their per-page prices relatively high regardless of volume. Online printing spreads those costs across far more pages, which is usually how it undercuts local print shops on price while still delivering to your door.
Colour page printing costs more — why?
Colour printing uses more ink (or toner) per page and more expensive consumables than black & white, which is reflected in the price difference — 32p versus 15p per page at the entry tier. If a document doesn't need colour, printing it in black & white is the cheapest option.
How to get the cheapest printout price
- Print in black & white unless colour is necessary
- Combine multiple documents into one order — larger orders unlock lower per-page tiers
- Choose standard delivery rather than express if you're not in a hurry
- Order over £10 to get free delivery
See our related guides on A4 printing prices and whether it's cheaper to print at home or online.
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