It is nearly impossible to provide accurate toner cartridge life information because there are many variables affecting the toner requirements for a document. The formatting of the document, font type, and the inclusion of graphics significantly change the toner requirements.
To provide information about the average life of a toner cartridge, many manufacturers provide consumers with the expected number of pages that can be printed assuming a specific toner density. For instance, the LaserWriter 16/600 PS toner cartridge is expected to last 6,000 pages at 5% coverage. An average double-spaced Letter or A4 page using a single, monospaced font has a density close to 5%. Making a simple modification to the document, such as changing the font or making it bold, may increase the actual density value to 6% or 7%. Changing from a double-spaced to a single-spaced format doubles the amount of toner used.
Because most customers print a variety of different documents, the actual page life of a toner cartridge may vary significantly. For example, with a page density of 5%, the LaserWriter 16/600 PS has a rated life of 6,000 pages. However, if a solid black page (100% density) is printed, then the cartridge will run out of toner after approximately 300 pages [6,000 pages/(100%/5%)]. It is unusual to print solid black pages during normal use so most customers will experience a toner life somewhere between the two extremes.
Many laser printers also have the capability to adjust the toner density using a manual adjustment or software tool such as the Apple Printer Utility. Consult the printer's manual for more detailed information on changing the settings.
The chart below provides the approximate number of pages for the toner cartridges in each of these LaserWriter printers listed.
| Printer | Part # | Yield (5% coverage |
| LaserWriter Pro 810 (Extended Capacity) | M3602G/A | 13,000 |
| LaserWriter Pro 600, 630, and 16/600 PS | M2473G/A | 6,000 |
| LaserWriter 12/640 PS | M4683G/A | 6,000 |
| LaserWriter II series | M6002 (new) | 4,000 |
| M2795G/A (remftd) | 4,000 |
| LaserWriter Select 300, 310, and 360 | M1960G/A | 4,000 |
| LaserWriter and LaserWriter Plus | M0180 | 4,000 |
| Personal LaserWriter LS, SC, NT, and NTR | M0089LL/A | 3,000 |
| Personal LaserWriter 300, 320, and 4/600 PS | M2045G/A | 3,000 |
Color LaserWriter 12/600 PS
Color LaserWriter 12/660 PS | Cyan M3757G/A | 4,000 |
| Magenta M3760G/A | 4,000 |
| Yellow M3758G/A | 4,000 |
| Black M3756G/A | 4,000 |
| LaserWriter 8500 | M5893G/A
High-Capacity Toner Cartridge | 14,000 |