How Fast Should Your Office Copier Be?

In this article, you’ll learn how to choose the right copier speed based on monthly print volume, what faster machines are really built for, and why speed alone isn’t the whole story.

When it comes to choosing a copier, speed is one of the most misunderstood specs.

It’s tempting to think faster is always better. But that’s not necessarily true. A 60-page-per-minute (ppm) copier might sound impressive—but for many offices, it’s more machine (and more cost) than you’ll ever need. On the other hand, choosing a copier that’s too slow can lead to bottlenecks and frustration.

So, how fast should your copier really be?

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Start with 30 Pages Per Minute

For most business offices, 30 ppm is the ideal baseline. These models are affordable, reliable, and well-suited for everyday workloads under 3,000 pages per month.

This speed hits the sweet spot for teams that print regularly but don’t require high-volume output.

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Scaling Up for Heavier Workloads

If your monthly print volume goes beyond 3,000 pages, you’ll want to step up to faster—and more durable—devices:

• 3,000–10,000 pages/month: 30–55 ppm

• 10,000+ pages/month: 60+ ppm

The key isn’t just speed—it’s durability. High-speed copiers are engineered with heavier-duty parts to run longer, withstand more wear, and deliver consistent performance over time.

Think of it like vehicles:

• A pickup truck works fine for weekend errands.

• A landscaping crew needs a tougher work truck.

• A cross-country hauler needs a heavy-duty rig.

Your copier should match how much “hauling” your office does each month.

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Why Speed Isn’t Everything

High-speed copiers often include extras—like Fiery controllers, booklet finishers, or larger paper trays. While those can be valuable, they’re not always necessary.

For example:

• Your marketing team may need graphic-quality, full-color prints.

• Your operations team may only need quick black-and-white documents.

In many cases, the best solution is a mix of devices—different speeds for different needs.

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The Bottom Line

The right copier speed depends on your monthly volume, durability needs, and workflow—not just how fast the spec sheet says it can print.

At Novatech, we’ve been helping businesses choose the right copiers for over 30 years, and we manage more than 100,000 devices nationwide. Whether you’re printing contracts, training manuals, or high-end marketing materials, we’ll match you with the speed, size, and features that make sense for your team.

Not sure what speed your office really needs?
Let’s talk. We’ll help you find the copier that fits your workflow—and your budget.