Black & White Printer Test Page
This test uses only black. It prints a fine 21-step grayscale ramp, a smooth black-to-white gradient, a large solid black density block, a fine-line pattern, and text at descending sizes — ideal for checking a laser printer's toner, a black inkjet cartridge, or general text and line quality without spending color ink.
If the button doesn't work, press Ctrl+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+P (Mac) to open your browser's print dialog.
This is an on-screen preview. Your printer, paper, ink or toner level, and print driver settings all affect the final physical result.
How to use this printer test
- In your print dialog, set the color mode to "Black & White" or "Grayscale" if you want to conserve color ink (this page uses only black regardless).
- Choose your paper size above — the preview updates instantly.
- Print at 100% scale on plain paper.
- Inspect the page under normal indoor lighting, not direct sunlight, which can wash out light gray steps.
What should the printed page look like?
Grayscale bar
All 21 steps from white to black should be visibly distinct from their neighbors, especially in the lightest and darkest thirds of the range.
Black density block
This large solid block should be uniformly dark edge to edge, with no streaks, faded strips, or a lighter patch anywhere in it.
Fine lines
Every line in the fine-line pattern should print as a continuous, unbroken line of consistent thickness.
Text sample
Even the smallest point size should remain legible, with clean letterforms and no smearing or fuzzy edges.
Common printer problems
Streaks or a faded band running through the black density block
Likely cause: On inkjets: a partially clogged black nozzle. On laser printers: uneven toner distribution or a toner cartridge nearing the end of its life.
How to fix it: Inkjet: run a nozzle cleaning cycle. Laser: gently rock the toner cartridge side to side to redistribute toner, then reprint; replace it if streaking continues.
Light gray steps in the grayscale bar all look the same as white
Likely cause: The print driver's brightness/contrast setting is too high, or the printer is in a low-ink "draft" mode.
How to fix it: Switch off draft/eco mode and set print quality to "Normal" or "Best" in the driver, then reprint.
Fine lines have visible gaps
Likely cause: Clogged inkjet nozzles or a scratched/worn laser drum.
How to fix it: Run our Nozzle Check test to isolate the problem, then clean the print head or inspect the drum unit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my printer in black and white?
Print this page at 100% scale. It uses only black, so it works even if you're low on color ink, and lets you check tonal range, density and text sharpness in isolation.
Why are my black and white prints coming out gray or faded?
This usually means low toner or ink, a print quality setting that's too low, or a partially clogged black nozzle on an inkjet printer — check the density block and grayscale bar on this test to narrow it down.
Does this test use color ink?
No — every element on this page is pure black (0% cyan, magenta and yellow), so it won't consume any color ink even if your printer is in color mode.
Can I download the black and white test page as a PDF?
Yes. Use the Download PDF button above the preview to save the black and white test page in your chosen paper size, then print it from any PDF viewer. If your printer defaults to color, choose grayscale or black-only in the print dialog so the test only uses black.
How can I print in black and white only?
In the print dialog, open Properties or Preferences and choose Grayscale, Black and White, or Black ink only. Some printers still draw on color ink for grayscale unless a black-ink-only option is selected, so look for that setting if you want to protect your color cartridges.
What do the 21 grayscale steps tell me?
Each step is a slightly different shade of gray. If neighboring steps merge into one block, your printer is losing tonal range, which usually comes from low toner or ink, the wrong paper type, or a draft-quality setting.
Why does my laser printer print gray text or faint lines?
Faint or gray black usually comes from low toner, an aging drum or a toner-saver or EconoMode setting. Turn off the toner saver, gently rock the toner cartridge to redistribute toner, and print this test again to compare.