How to calculate inkjet printing costs?

[ElyseC]

I've done everything in my power to avoid this issue for as long as I could, but now must come up with some kind of per-page cost for printing to inkjet. With paper costs easily determined, the tough part is figuring out how much heavy, medium and light ink coverage costs.

Photos are heavy ink coverage so that'll be the high-end. Then there's what I'd think of as medium ink coverage, perhaps about 50/50 text and photos. Then "light" coverage would be simple, basic business cards with a small logo and the usual limited amount of text.

Has anyone anywhere come up with some kind of percentage to multiply ink cartridge costs by for heavy, medium and light coverage?

This is first and foremost for figuring internal costs. Once I have those I believe I can calculate from them to get a retail price.

Hm...I wonder if ink manufacturers have figures available for how many of _____ type of prints one of their cartridges will print. You know they know this stuff, because you see ad claims about saving ink costs and percentages are mentioned: "Save xx% over OEM cartridges by buying our XYZ ink!"