Print Speed - Everything you need to know about print speed
Last Updated:Last updated: September 24, 2026.
Quick answer: Print speed is usually quoted in pages per minute (PPM) or images per minute (IPM). IPM is measured under the ISO/IEC 24734 standard using real documents, so it's the number to compare. For home use, 10–15 IPM (inkjet) or 20–30 PPM (laser) is plenty. Small offices should look for 30–40 PPM or more, plus a fast first-page-out time.
What Does PPM Mean on a Printer?
PPM (pages per minute) is how many single-sided letter or A4 pages a printer produces in one minute of continuous printing. Manufacturers have historically quoted PPM in their fastest "draft" mode on simple text pages, which is why real-world speed is often much lower than the number on the box.
What Is the Difference Between PPM and IPM?
| PPM (pages per minute) | IPM (images per minute) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's measured | Manufacturer's own test, often in draft mode | ISO/IEC 24734 standard test documents at default settings |
| Realistic? | Optimistic, especially for inkjets | Closer to real-world use |
| Best use | Rough comparison between laser printers | Comparing any two printers, inkjet or laser |
A printer might advertise "up to 33 PPM" in draft mode but carry an ISO rating of 15 IPM. The ISO number is the fair one.
What Is a Good Print Speed for a Printer?
| User | Monthly volume | Good speed (ISO) |
|---|---|---|
| Light home use | Under 100 pages | 7–10 IPM is fine |
| Busy home / home office | 100–500 pages | 12–20 IPM inkjet or 25–35 PPM laser |
| Small office | 500–2,500 pages | 30–40+ PPM with auto-duplex |
| Busy workgroup | 2,500+ pages | 40–60+ PPM laser |
What Does a 30 PPM Printer Mean in Practice?
Under ideal conditions it will print 30 single-sided text pages in one minute once it's warmed up and running. A 10-page report takes about 20 seconds after the first page, plus warm-up and processing time. Two-sided printing roughly halves the sides per minute, because the paper passes through twice.
What Is First Page Out Time, and Why Does It Matter?
First page out time (FPOT) is how long it takes from clicking Print to the first page landing in the tray. For home and office users who print one to five pages at a time, FPOT often matters more than PPM. A laser printer waking from sleep might take 10–15 seconds, and many inkjets take 10–20 seconds before the first page.
Is Laser or Inkjet Faster?
For multi-page black-and-white documents, laser printers are almost always faster, and they hold their speed across long runs. Inkjets slow down on color graphics and high-quality photo modes. Business inkjets, such as HP OfficeJet Pro and Epson WorkForce Pro, close much of the gap on everyday documents.
Does DPI Affect Print Speed?
Yes. Higher-quality modes lay down more dots and make more printhead passes, so printing at "Best" or maximum DPI can be two to four times slower than "Standard." For everyday text, Standard quality at 600 dpi is sharp and fast. More on resolution is in our printer resolution and DPI guide.
What Slows Down a Printer?
- High-quality or photo print modes, and glossy paper settings
- Large images and complex PDFs that take time to process
- Weak Wi-Fi. A wired or USB connection can be noticeably faster for big jobs
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Quiet mode, sleep and warm-up
- A low memory printer handling a large file
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good PPM for a home printer?
About 10–15 pages per minute on the ISO scale is comfortable for most homes. Anything faster matters only if you regularly print long documents.
Is 20 PPM fast for a printer?
For an inkjet, 20 ISO pages per minute is fast. For a laser, 20 PPM is entry level; small-office lasers typically run 30–40 PPM.
Why is my printer printing so slowly?
The most common reasons are a high-quality mode, a weak Wi-Fi connection, large image files, quiet mode, or a clogged printhead forcing extra passes. Switch to Standard quality, move the printer closer to the router, and restart it.
Does color printing take longer than black and white?
Usually, yes. Most printers are rated lower for color, and color laser printers may slow down for mixed color and black pages.
Choosing a printer? Compare speeds and running costs in our best printers buying guide, or let the 60-second PrinterIQ Finder quiz match one to how you print.
Need replacement printer ink cartridges? Shop printer ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.
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