What Does XL Mean On Ink Cartridges?

While checking ink cartridges, you must have seen the word XL next to a few models. When it comes to ink cartridges, what does the XL mean on ink cartridges, and why does it matter? In printer ink, XL signifies the extra-large capacity of a cartridge, meaning that it contains more ink than a regular cartridge. More ink means longer life and more pages printed per cartridge, and it could save you money in the long run. Let’s take a closer look at why XL ink cartridges may be the better choice for businesses alike.

What Does XL Mean On Ink Cartridges?

Ink cartridges marked with an XL stand for extra-large. XL cartridges are made to hold more ink than standard cartridges, which makes them ideal for people who need to print a lot. The main benefit of XL cartridges is that they have more ink than standard carts. The larger capacity of the ink means you will get even more pages printed from the same cartridge, making it a great choice if you want to lessen your cartridge changes and save a few bucks in the long run.

In fact, XL cartridges are the choice of businesses, schools, and individuals who regularly print documents. For those who print high volumes of text, photos, graphics, etc., XL cartridges are a great convenience and a saving opportunity.

Buying the Right Size of Ink

When choosing your ink cartridges, one of the first things you must decide is whether to go for standard or XL. It is important to choose the right size based on your individual needs. If you are a casual or light user printing a few pages a day, standard cartridges are enough. On the flip side, you should go for the XL cartridges for higher-volume jobs when you run a business, have a school assignment, or have multiple printers in the office.

You should consider the following factors when selecting a cartridge size that best suits your needs.

• If you print frequently, an XL cartridge is more realistic. For instance, a new high-yield cartridge might last a few weeks, but a standard cartridge might last a few days, depending on your volume.
• Extra-large cartridges may cost more upfront, but will save you money in the long run. Consider your sales figures carefully. Cost per page is usually lower since they print more pages.
• Before you purchase XL cartridges, check that they are compatible with your printer. Today’s printers generally support XL cartridges, but it’s worth checking.

Additional Factors to Consider When Buying Cartridges and XL Inks

There are various considerations when purchasing an ink cartridge, which may be a standard or an XL, among others. However, the capacity of the cartridge matters a lot.

• Although XL cartridges have more ink, they do not negatively impact print quality. They have the exact same ink formula as standard cartridges, so your documents and images will look just as good.
• Certain brands only recommend using their branded cartridges with their printers for optimum results.  For instance, Afinia, Primera, and Epson each have specifications regarding the size of the cartridge and their use.  Before buying a cartridge, always ensure it is suitable for your printer.
• Choosing the right kind of ink is also important. Some printers use dye-based ink, and others use pigment-based ink. Dye-based ink is a common choice for having a nice set of colors. However, pigment-based ink is less likely to fade and gets damaged by water. Ensure that you choose the right XL cartridge with the correct ink type to suit your printing needs.
• Environmental Factors: XL cartridges have a smaller carbon footprint than standard cartridges because you dispose of them less often. To further reduce waste, some manufacturers offer ink recycling programs.

What is the Difference Between a Standard and XL Cartridge?

The most obvious distinction is that standard cartridges contain less ink than XL cartridges. But let’s break down the differences in greater detail.

Ink Capacity

As mentioned, XL cartridges hold significantly more ink. An Epson standard cartridge can print approximately 200 pages, whereas an Epson XL cartridge can print up to 600 pages or more. Less frequent cartridge changes will save you a bunch of money!

Page Yield

When it comes to printing, page yield refers to how many pages can be printed before an ink cartridge runs out. In comparison to standard cartridges, XL cartridges yield more pages. This will be useful if you work in an office or at home. You need a cartridge that can handle more work.

Cost

XL cartridges may be more expensive upfront, but often have a better cost-per-page ratio. Over time, the savings become clear when you don’t replace your XL cartridge as often. 

Print Volume

XL cartridges are recommended for frequent printing in high volumes. A standard cartridge is fine for home users who only need to print one or two pages a week. However, businesses producing lots of paperwork and photos should look into investing in XL cartridges for their efficiency and overall economy.

What’s the Difference Between High-Yield and Standard Ink Cartridges? How Much Ink Is in Each Cartridge?

High-yield and XL are often used interchangeably, though their meanings can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.

• High-yield cartridges have an internal modification that allows them to hold more ink than standard cartridges. They are good if you need to print a lot over the long term and generally have more page yield.
• XL essentially has the same meaning as high-yield. When you decide to purchase XL ink cartridges, you are purchasing a cartridge that holds more ink, which gives it a higher page yield.

There is a page yield for each type, which is determined by the printer and manufacturer. An Epson standard cartridge may print 200 pages, whereas an Epson XL cartridge may print 600 pages, for instance. An XL cartridge has three times more ink than a standard cartridge, which is why it is essential for volume printing. 

Are Standard and XL Cartridges the Same?

No, standard and XL cartridges are not the same. Depending on their ink capacity, each type of ink differs. There are more prints that can be achieved with XL cartridges since they contain more ink. Further, the XL cartridges cost more than the standard cartridges. However, they give better value for money due to the number of pages they print.

Are the Installation Steps the Same for an XL Cartridge?

The installation procedure for the XL cartridge is usually the same as that for standard cartridges. The cartridge holder on your printer accepts both original and compatible ink cartridges in the same manner. Just remove the old cartridge, add the new one, and follow the instructions on the printer display, if any.

Although not every printer supports XL cartridges, it is worth noting that some do. Before purchasing the XL ink, always ensure that your printer model is compatible with XL ink. Most modern printers are compatible, though. 

How Can You Save More on Printing?

XL cartridges are a great way to save money on printing, but there are even more ways to do so. 

• Reducing ink consumption with draft or economy modes is common on most printers when printing. This works best for in-house documents or printouts without requiring high-quality graphics or text.
• If your printer is color but you are only printing text, switch to black-and-white if your printer allows it. This can save a ton of ink when printing large color documents.
• You can recycle used cartridges, as several printers and office supplies have programs.  Some even offer discounts for returning empty cartridges, saving you money.

How Much More Ink Does an XL Cartridge Contain?

Standard cartridges are much smaller in volume than XL cartridges, which allows the latter to hold more. The broader ink range allows you to print more pages before replacement, perfect for users who print regularly.

Help Available 

At TCS Digital Solutions, we have all types of ink cartridges to meet your printing needs. Our support team is available to assist you with high-yield cartridges for your office printer and help you find the right cartridge for your machine. Our team can custom-make a solution for you if you email us or call.

Final Takeaway

In short, knowing what XL means on printer ink can make all the difference when you choose to purchase a cartridge. XL cartridges can produce more pages than standard cartridges and so are well suited for frequent printers. Initially, they might cost more, but in the long term, they save you money on maintenance and replacements. Whether you’re a business or anyone who has high-volume printing – it’s definitely worth considering XL cartridges. Choosing the right cartridge size can help you save money and improve efficiency.

Do You Have Any More Questions about What XL Means on Ink Cartridges? Contact our support team via email at orders@tcsdigitalsolutions.com or call us at (678) 824-2304 or +1 (762) 208-6985 to get clarification on all your questions. You can also contact the TCS Digital Solutions Expert Support Team for assistance. For more information about Printer Ink Cartridges, go to our Blog section and get answers to all your questions.

FAQ.

Is It Better to Choose XL Cartridges Over Standard Ones?

The answer is yes. If you print often, then XL cartridges are better. Ink cartridges, having a larger volume of ink, can create a larger number of pages, needing fewer replacements and lower cost per page. Although XL cartridges are expensive, in the long run, they are cheaper than regular cartridges. People who have high-volume printing needs in offices must use XL cartridges.

Should You Use XL Cartridges Instead of Standard Cartridges?

If you require printing in bulk or wish to avoid changing cartridges often, then XL cartridges are best for you. They have a lot more ink on offer, which means they have a higher page yield, meaning you won’t have to swap out the inks quite as often. While XL cartridges are expensive, their longer usage makes them cheaper to print. Therefore, buying XL cartridges is a good option if you print them frequently.

Are There Other Ways to Save Money Besides Using XL Cartridges?

One way to save money with your printer is to use the draft (or economy) mode to reduce ink use. If you prefer black and white printing, then you may want to do so instead of color. You can also participate in print cartridge recycling programs or purchase them in bulk during sales or promotions to cut costs. By combining these techniques with the XL cartridges, you can save money and print high-quality images.

Drew Strickland

Drew is the Chief Marketing Officer and E-commerce Director at TCS Digital Solutions, with over 20 years of experience in the printing industry. His extensive background in marketing within this sector has deepened his passion and knowledge. He offers valuable tips and reviews on the latest printing products and innovations, dedicated to helping businesses and individuals find the most efficient and high-quality solutions for their printing needs. For a closer look into his insights and experiences, you can connect with Drew on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.