How to read an HP toner number: 213X and W2131X

Say you need cyan for an HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 5700dn. Your old box says 213X. That tells you the family and yield, but all four colors carry that same short name. The full order number on the cyan box is W2131X. Compare it with two close matches:

• W2131A: still cyan, still family 213, but standard yield.
• W2130X: still high yield, still family 213, but black.

In this family the digit just before the letter identifies the color: 0 black, 1 cyan, 2 yellow, 3 magenta. The final Y in W2130Y means extra-high yield; the cartridge is black. Use the printed color name and complete part number when checking another family.

HP 213A vs 213X vs 213Y: what changes across the three boxes?

These are Genuine Ink’s four-color set photos. Read across to see how the same four colors come in three capacities. The figures below are for one cartridge, not the combined yield of the box.

For the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 5700dn, the step from X to Y doubles the rated pages for each color and for black. That ratio belongs to the 213 family; it isn’t a formula for every HP cartridge. See HP’s 5700dn replacement-cartridge specifications.

Upfront cost versus long-term value

A versus X: Choose A if you print occasionally and want to spend less today. For frequent printing, compare the extra dollars for X with the extra pages you expect to use. A high-yield black can make sense for invoices even if you use standard colors for the occasional chart, provided your printer supports each cartridge.

X versus Y: Imagine replacing 213X black twice to print 18,000 rated pages. One 213Y black has the same rating. If the Y costs less than two X cartridges, it has the lower estimated toner cost per page. If it costs more, X wins on toner cost even though Y lasts longer between changes.

Black toner for monochrome HP LaserJet printers

Both boxes in each pair print black. Start with the family your printer accepts, then compare how many pages you get before the next cartridge change. The difference varies by family. Moving from 26A to 26X adds 5,900 rated pages, while moving from 83A to 83X adds 700.

HP 26A vs 26X

HP 87A vs 87X

HP 80A vs 80X

HP 81A vs 81X

HP 83A vs 83X

Notice that 26X and 87A are both rated for 9,000 pages. One is high yield in the 26 family and the other is standard yield in the 87 family. Match the cartridge family to your printer even when two boxes show the same page count.

HP X vs Y black toner: how many more pages does Y print?

For these monochrome LaserJet families, X means high yield and Y means extra-high yield. Both cartridges print black. Check that your exact printer accepts the Y version, then compare the extra pages with the difference in price.

HP 37X vs HP 37Y

The Y cartridge gives you 16,000 more rated pages, about 64% more than X.

HP 89X vs HP 89Y

The Y cartridge gives you 10,000 more rated pages, about 100% more than X.

HP 147X vs HP 147Y

The Y cartridge gives you 16,800 more rated pages, about 67% more than X.

For example, one 89Y has the same rated yield as two 89X cartridges. If one 89Y costs less than two 89X cartridges at today’s prices, the 89Y has the lower estimated toner cost per page. Actual page counts depend on what you print.

Find your HP toner by family, color and yield

Choose the number already listed for your printer. Each part number below opens that exact cartridge on Genuine Ink. The family guide beside each printer link covers yields and other compatible models.

HP toner questions before you buy

Can I use an X cartridge if my printer came with an A cartridge?

Check the supplies list for your exact printer model. For example, the HP LaserJet P2055dn accepts both 05A and 05X, while the P2035 takes 05A. Match the cartridge family and color before choosing a yield.

Is extra-high-yield Y toner worth the money?

One HP 213Y black is rated for 18,000 pages, the same as two 213X black cartridges. If your printer accepts both and you expect to use that much toner, the Y costs less per rated page whenever its price is below the price of two X cartridges.

Why might my cartridge print fewer pages than the box says?

HP measures yield using standard test pages. A black toner cartridge used for dense charts can run out sooner than one used for short letters. Use rated yield to compare cartridges, then track your own page count to estimate your printing costs.