HP 138A, 138X Toner Cartridges
Get reliable text document performance with the genuine HP 138A and 138X toner cartridge series, engineered for fast mono LaserJet Pro printing. This setup offers standard 138A options alongside 138X high yield variants to suit fluctuating print demands. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows how thousands of real Australian customers successfully protect their workflow using dependable printer consumables sourced directly from the team at Ink Depot.
Printers Compatible with HP 138A & 138X Toner Cartridges
Page yield expectations and measurement metrics
Standard 138A black cartridges deliver 1500 pages, while upgrading to the high yield 138X option increases the total output to 4000 pages. HP calculates these numbers under strict ISO/IEC 19752 testing standards for monochromatic laser systems, ensuring reproducible results across standard A4 text documents.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 138A | Standard | Black | 1,500 | $0.083 |
| 138X | High Yield | Black | 4,000 | $0.059 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Strategic buying options for everyday operational use
Text-heavy small business print environments achieve the lowest price per printed page by selecting the high yield 138X cartridge option, which provides over double the output of a standard 138A toner. For fast inventory replenishment, ordering our verified 2-pack bundles ensures your print queue faces zero downtime. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply), with all orders dispatched rapidly from our regional shipping networks across Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Explore alternative print capacities by visiting our comprehensive HP toner cartridges catalogue or review transactional terms on our dedicated Returns policy page.
Pro Tip
HP LaserJet printers using this toner series enforce integrated drum structures inside the cartridge. When you install a fresh 138A or 138X unit, you automatically replace the imaging drum component, completely resetting print clarity and removing physical streak vulnerabilities without purchasing a separate tracking wear assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 138X high yield toner if my printer came with a standard 138A cartridge?
Yes, the 138X high yield toner cartridge uses an identical external form factor and slide track to the standard 138A. The difference rests completely inside the internal hopper, which carries a larger volume of physical toner powder to boost page outputs from 1500 to 4000 pages.
Why does the LaserJet Pro printer report low toner before hitting the rated page count?
Toner tracking sensors monitor pixel distribution coverage across each page. The standard 1500 and 4000 page limits rely on an industry-standard 5% coverage metric. If your office prints thick bold headers, continuous receipts, or complex layout graphics, the actual ink consumption per sheet rises significantly above 5%, prompting an early warning indicator.
How long can I safely store a spare 138X toner bundle before the powder spoils?
Genuine HP toner cartridges can remain stored safely for up to 24 months if kept inside their original, vacuum-sealed plastic wrappers. Because laser cartridges house dry plastic polymer powder rather than liquid ink formula, they will not dry out or settle, provided they stay away from direct environmental moisture and temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
