HP 218A & 218X is the toner for HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301.
All HP 218A & 218X cartridges
| Cartridge | Type | Color | Page yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 218A Black Toner Cartridge | Genuine · Standard | Black | — |
| HP 218A Cyan Toner Cartridge | Genuine · Standard | Cyan | — |
| HP 218A Magenta Toner Cartridge | Genuine · Standard | Magenta | — |
| HP 218A Yellow Toner Cartridge | Genuine · Standard | Yellow | — |
| HP 218X Black High-Yield Toner Cartridge | Genuine · High yield | Black | — |
| HP 218X Cyan High-Yield Toner Cartridge | Genuine · High yield | Cyan | — |
| HP 218X Magenta High-Yield Toner Cartridge | Genuine · High yield | Magenta | — |
| HP 218X Yellow High-Yield Toner Cartridge | Genuine · High yield | Yellow | — |
Printers that use HP 218A & 218X
HP 218A & 218X: standard or high yield?
Both fit the same printers. The high-yield cartridge holds more toner, so you change it less often and pay less per page. Choose standard if you print only a few pages a week. What high yield means.
FAQ
What is the part number for HP 218A & 218X?
W2180A, W2180X, W2181A, W2181X, W2182A, W2182X, W2183A, W2183X.
Which printers use HP 218A & 218X?
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301.
Not sure it fits?
Send us your printer model and we'll confirm before you order.
More: all HP toner & ink · find my toner
Related guides
Understanding the HP 218A
What this is
Toner is a fine powder that a laser printer fuses onto paper with heat. Unlike ink, it never dries out, which is why laser printers suit offices that print in bursts.
Genuine (also called OEM or original) means made by HP. It gives the most consistent quality and color, and it is what the manufacturer designs and tests the printer with.
Page yield & cost per page
~1,300 pages · about 8.4¢ per page
Page yield is how many pages a cartridge prints in the industry-standard test (ISO/IEC 19752). That test prints pages with about 5% coverage, roughly a short business letter. Pages full of photos or dark graphics use more, so your real count may be lower.
Cost per page = price ÷ page yield. It is the fairest way to compare cartridges. High-yield (often marked X or XL) versions usually cost less per page. How yield works
How to install it
- Open the front or top cover and pull the old cartridge out by its handle.
- Unpack the new cartridge and remove all orange or plastic tabs, tape and seals.
- Rock it gently side to side 5–6 times to spread the toner evenly.
- Slide it in along the guides until it clicks, then close the cover.
- Print a test page. Streaks on the first few pages usually clear on their own.
Get more pages for your money
- Don't swap at the first "low" warning. Most printers warn early. Keep printing until pages actually fade.
- Use draft or toner-save mode for internal documents and printing you don't need to look sharp.
- Faded pages? Take the cartridge out and rock it gently. It often gives you dozens more pages.
- Buy in pairs. Keeping one spare means you never stop mid-job, and larger orders get our volume discount.
Storage & shelf life
Keep spare cartridges sealed in their bag, lying flat, at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Most are best used within about two years. Check the date on the box. Once opened, install the cartridge right away.
Will it fit my printer?
Match the cartridge number (this one is part number W2180A) or your exact printer model, found on the front or top of the printer. Models that differ by one letter often take different cartridges.
Toner & ink terms, explained
Page yield
How many pages a cartridge prints in the standard ISO test at about 5% coverage (a short letter). Heavy graphics and photos print fewer pages.
Standard, high yield, XL, XXL
Same printer, different amount of toner or ink. HP marks high yield with X (and A for standard), and Brother and Canon often use H, XL or XXL. Bigger cartridges cost more but less per page.
Cost per page
Cartridge price ÷ page yield. It is the fairest way to compare two cartridges, or two printers' running costs.
Genuine / OEM / original
Made by the printer brand itself. It gives the most consistent results and is what the printer was designed and tested with.
Compatible
A new cartridge made by another company to fit the same printers, usually 30–60% cheaper. Ours carry a 1-year replacement guarantee.
Remanufactured
An original cartridge that was emptied, cleaned, fitted with new worn parts and refilled. It is lower-cost and keeps cartridges out of landfill.
Drum unit
The laser printer part that transfers toner to paper. On many printers, especially Brother, it is separate from the toner and lasts through several toner cartridges.
Toner vs ink
Toner is a dry powder used by laser printers and never dries out. Ink is liquid used by inkjets, better for photos, but it can dry out if unused. More
Cartridge number vs part number
The cartridge number (like 58A or TN760) is the short name on the box. The part number (like CF258A) is the exact code. Both identify the same item. Match either one to your old cartridge.
Buying for several offices, or reselling? Get a volume quote or apply for wholesale pricing →
