It usually costs between 12 and 20 cents per page to print in black and white at Staples, while color prints are around 50 to 75 cents each. Prices can vary a bit depending on the store location, paper type, and size. For example, printing on cardstock or glossy photo paper costs more than regular copy paper.
If you need to print large documents, posters, or presentations, Staples also offers bulk and wide-format printing. Bulk jobs often come with a small discount per page, and posters or banners can range anywhere from a few dollars to over $20 depending on size and finish.
You can upload your files online through Staples Print & Marketing Services and pick them up in-store or have them delivered to your home. This is handy if you want to make sure everything looks right before you go.
Overall, if you’re printing a few pages, expect to spend just a few dollars. For larger projects or color-heavy prints, your total might go up, but the convenience and print quality make it a solid option for quick, professional-looking results.
How Much Does It Cost To Print At Staples In 2025?
If you’ve ever walked into Staples with a stack of papers and thought, “How much is this going to cost me?” you’re not alone. Printing prices can be confusing, especially with so many options like color, paper type, and finishing. The good news is, it’s pretty simple once you understand the basics.
In 2025, black and white printing at Staples starts around 24 cents per page, while color printing begins at about 77 cents. But your total cost depends on a few things like paper type, size, and whether you print single or double-sided. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about printing at Staples from standard document prices to special projects and easy ways to save money.
Standard Document Printing (Black and White and Color)
When you walk into Staples and need something printed, the first thing they’ll ask is if you want black and white or color. That’s because it makes a big difference in price. Black and white printing at Staples usually starts around 24 cents per page. That’s for regular letter-size paper and simple documents like reports, homework, or forms. If you print double-sided, you’ll save a little money because you’re using fewer sheets of paper.
Color printing costs more, usually about 77 cents per page or higher. The reason is simple: color ink costs more and uses more toner. If your pages are filled with photos, charts, or bright designs, you’ll pay closer to the higher end. But if you only have a few small color logos or light images, it might be a bit less.
You can choose between self-service printing, where you use the machines yourself, or full-service, where the staff helps you. Self-service is usually cheaper because you’re doing the work on your own. Full-service costs a little more, especially if you ask for extras like cutting, stapling, or hole punching.
The type of paper you pick also changes the cost. Regular copy paper is the cheapest option. If you pick thicker or glossy paper, you’ll pay more. For example, printing school notes on plain paper might only cost a few dollars, but printing a short color brochure on heavy paper could cost several times more.
Here’s a simple example. Let’s say you print 50 pages in black and white, single-sided, at about 24 cents each. That’s around $12 total before taxes or extras. If you printed those same pages in color, you’d be looking at roughly $38.50 or more. It adds up fast, especially for large jobs.
If you’re trying to save, a good tip is to print in black and white whenever possible. Only switch to color if it’s something visual, like a presentation or flyer. Another way to cut the cost is to print on both sides of the paper. It not only saves money but also reduces paper waste.
Staples also offers online printing if you’d rather upload your files and pick them up later. The prices are about the same, but you can sometimes find online discounts or coupons. Checking the Staples website before you go can help you find special deals.
In short, black and white prints are the best option when you want something quick and affordable. Color prints are great for when you want your project to stand out but expect to pay more for that pop of color.
Special Print Jobs: Posters, Business Cards, Banners, Large Format
If you’ve ever needed something more than just plain paper printing, Staples has you covered. They do a lot more than standard copies. You can get posters, business cards, banners, or even big wall prints made there. The price depends on size, materials, and how quickly you need it.
Let’s start with posters. A basic poster at Staples starts at around eleven dollars. That’s for a smaller size with standard paper. If you want something larger or with a glossy finish, the price goes up. For example, a 24-by-36-inch poster might cost quite a bit more, especially if you choose heavy-duty or photo-quality paper. These posters are perfect for school projects, events, or art displays.
Next, there are business cards. Staples offers packs of 250 cards starting around twenty-two dollars. You can order them online and even get same-day pickup at some locations. The price depends on the design, paper thickness, and finish you choose. Simple cards on matte paper are the cheapest, while double-sided, glossy, or textured cards cost more.
Banners and large signs are also popular, especially for parties, grand openings, or community events. These usually start higher in price because of the size and material. For example, vinyl banners can start around fifteen to twenty dollars for small ones and go up depending on how big you need them. I remember making a banner for a family reunion once. It was three feet wide and six feet long, and it cost around forty dollars. The quality was strong enough to hang outdoors all weekend without tearing.
Large format prints, like blueprints or engineering drawings, are another service. These are used by builders, designers, and architects. Prices depend on size and color use, but black and white plans are usually cheaper. Staples staff can even roll or mount them on foam board for display, though that costs a little extra.
If you need something special like lamination, trimming, or foam board mounting, those add-on services can raise the total cost. A small lamination might add a couple of dollars per sheet, while a foam mount could add ten or more depending on the size.
One good tip is to plan ahead. Same-day printing can cost a bit more because of rush fees. If you order online a few days early, you’ll usually get better pricing and more time to check the design. Also, check for coupons on Staples’ website. They often run deals like 20% off posters or free upgrades on business cards.
In short, Staples is great for special print jobs when you want professional results without paying professional print shop prices. Just remember that bigger sizes, fancy finishes, and fast turnaround times will raise the cost.
Factors That Drive Up Pricing at Staples
When you’re trying to figure out why printing costs more than you expected, it helps to know what affects the price. At Staples, several little details can change how much you pay, and some of them might surprise you.
The biggest factor is color. Printing in black and white is always cheaper than printing in color. That’s because color ink and toner cost more to produce and use more of it per page.
Paper type also matters a lot. Regular copy paper is the least expensive option. But if you choose thicker, premium, or glossy paper, the price increases. Glossy paper looks great for flyers or menus, but it’s not cheap.
The size of the paper plays a part too. Letter-size (8.5×11 inches) is the standard and cheapest option. Legal-size or ledger-size sheets cost a little more. Once you move up to poster or banner sizes, the cost per page jumps even higher because of the material and ink needed.
Finishing options can also add up fast. Things like stapling, hole-punching, binding, or laminating might seem small, but they each add a few extra cents or dollars to your order. For example, if you want your document spiral-bound with a plastic cover, that can add several dollars to the total.
Another factor that raises the price is turnaround time. If you need your prints right away, like same-day or even within a few hours, you might pay more for rush service. Printing stores often charge extra for quick jobs because they have to bump your order to the front of the line.
Quantity can work both ways. If you’re printing only a few pages, the per-page cost stays high. But when you print in bulk, you might qualify for a discount. For big print runs, it’s smart to ask Staples for a custom quote.
Even small choices like single-sided versus double-sided printing can make a difference. Printing on both sides saves paper and lowers your total cost.
Finally, delivery or pickup options can affect the total. If you choose delivery, Staples sometimes adds a small fee unless you meet a minimum order amount. Picking up in-store is free and often faster.
So, if you’re looking to save, think carefully about each part of your print job: color, paper, size, finishing, and timing. Every small choice can either raise or lower the total.
How to Estimate Your Printing Cost at Staples
If you’ve ever walked into Staples with a pile of papers and no idea how much it’ll cost to print them, you’re not alone. The good news is, figuring it out isn’t too hard once you know what to look for.
The first step is to know exactly what you need printed. That means how many pages, whether it’s black and white or color, and if you want it printed on one or both sides. Staples’ base price for black-and-white printing usually starts at about twenty-four cents per page, while color starts around seventy-seven cents.
Let’s say you have 100 pages to print in black and white. At twenty-four cents each, you’re looking at around twenty-four dollars. If those same pages were in color, the total could jump to seventy-seven dollars.
Next, think about whether you’ll need extras like binding, laminating, or hole punching. Each of those adds a small cost per document.
Paper type matters too. If you stick to standard copy paper, your cost stays low. But if you want thicker, glossy, or special paper, expect to pay more.
Staples has an online quote tool that’s super helpful for larger or custom jobs. You can enter your details like paper type, size, color, and quantity and it’ll give you a ballpark price before you even head to the store.
Don’t forget to factor in pickup or delivery. In-store pickup is usually free, while delivery might add a few extra dollars unless you hit the free delivery minimum.
If you’re printing a lot, always ask if they have bulk discounts. Staples sometimes lowers the per-page rate if you’re printing hundreds of pages at once. They might even give you a custom quote if your job is big enough.
Knowing these small details can save you both time and money. Once you get used to estimating your printing cost, you’ll never be caught off guard at checkout again.
Ways to Save Money When Printing at Staples
Printing at Staples can be super convenient, but the costs can pile up quickly if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are several easy ways to cut down your total and still get high-quality prints.
The simplest tip is to print in black and white whenever you can. Color printing looks great, but it costs about three times more per page.
Another great trick is to print double-sided. This can cut your paper use in half and make your documents look cleaner.
Paper choice is another big money-saver. It’s tempting to pick thicker or glossy paper because it feels nice, but for most everyday printing, standard paper does the job just fine.
Timing can also play a part in how much you pay. If you need your prints the same day, Staples might charge a rush fee. Ordering online and picking up the next day can help you avoid that extra cost.
Keep an eye out for coupons and promotions. Staples regularly offers deals like 20% off printing or “buy more, save more” events.
If you’re printing large quantities, ask about bulk pricing. The per-page cost often drops for big print jobs, especially over 100 pages or more.
If you don’t need help from the staff, use the self-service printers. These usually cost a bit less because you’re not paying for labor.
You can also save by grouping your print jobs together. Staples often gives free delivery or special deals when you reach a certain total.
Finally, if you print often, think about joining the Staples Rewards program. You earn points on purchases, which can be turned into coupons or cash back for future print jobs.
What to Ask When You Walk into Staples for Printing
Walking into Staples for printing can be confusing if you don’t know what to ask. The right questions can help you save money and get exactly what you want.
Start by asking, “What’s the per-page rate for black and white versus color?” That tells you the base cost right away.
Next, ask, “Do you charge extra for double-sided printing?” Most stores don’t, so this is an easy way to save.
Ask about finishing costs too. “How much extra is binding, laminating, or stapling?” These small extras can add up fast.
Another smart question is, “Are there any same-day or rush fees?” If you’re flexible on timing, you can avoid these extra costs.
If you’re printing posters or banners, ask, “What’s the price for different sizes and finishes?” Bigger or fancier always costs more.
Also, ask, “Is there a bulk discount if I print a lot of pages?” Staples often gives volume discounts.
If you’re unsure what paper to choose, say, “What paper do you recommend for this project?” The staff can guide you.
Lastly, ask about deals and programs: “Do you have any coupons or rewards?” Staples Rewards can give you cashback or discounts on future orders.
A few simple questions can make your visit smoother, faster, and cheaper.
Conclusion
When it comes to printing at Staples, knowing the details can make a big difference in what you spend and what you get. The average cost for printing at Staples in 2025 starts around twenty-four cents per page for black and white and seventy-seven cents for color.
If you take one thing away from this, it’s that smart choices save money. Print in black and white when possible, use standard paper, print double-sided, and skip extras you don’t really need.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about pricing and options. The staff can often suggest cheaper ways to get the same results.
Another tip: use online tools. Staples’ website lets you upload your documents, get price estimates, and check for coupons.
At the end of the day, printing at Staples is convenient, flexible, and affordable if you plan ahead. You’ll walk out with professional-looking prints and money still in your wallet.