---
title: "Desktop computer vs printer — size, weight and speed compared"
description: "Printer is somewhat greater than desktop computer on weight — about 1.2×. Compared on 4 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/desktop-computer-vs-printer/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Desktop computer vs Printer

**Desktop computer vs printer: Printer is larger on weight**

Printer is somewhat greater than desktop computer on weight — about 1.2×.

A desktop computer and a printer can be compared on 4 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

## Side by side

*Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.*

|  | Desktop computer | Printer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 3–25 kg | 4–45 kg |
| Typical lifespan | 4–10 yr | 3–10 yr |
| Typical cost | 350–4,000 $ | 50–900 $ |
| Power draw | 50–700 W | 12–900 W |

## What the numbers say

- Printer is somewhat greater than desktop computer on weight — about 1.2×.
- Desktop computer is somewhat greater than printer on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.
- Desktop computer is 4.5× printer on typical cost.
- Printer is 2× desktop computer on power draw.

*Weight compared.*

- Printer: 4–45 kg
- Desktop computer: 3–25 kg

## Desktop computer

A non-portable computer in a case, separate from its monitor and keyboard.

## Printer

A device that puts an image on paper, either by spraying ink or by fusing toner.

> This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

## Common questions

### Which is bigger, desktop computer or printer?

Printer is somewhat greater than desktop computer on weight — about 1.2×. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do desktop computers and printers compare on typical lifespan?

Desktop computer: 4–10 yr. Printer: 3–10 yr. Desktop computer is somewhat greater than printer on typical lifespan — about 1.2×.

### How do desktop computers and printers compare on typical cost?

Desktop computer: 350–4,000 $. Printer: 50–900 $. Desktop computer is 4.5× printer on typical cost.

## Related pages

- [Printer vs television](https://atoneplace.net/vs/printer-vs-television/)
- [Computer monitor vs desktop computer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/computer-monitor-vs-desktop-computer/)
- [Desktop computer vs television](https://atoneplace.net/vs/desktop-computer-vs-television/)
- [Office chair vs printer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/office-chair-vs-printer/)
- [Desktop computer vs games console](https://atoneplace.net/vs/desktop-computer-vs-game-console/)
- [Desktop computer vs laptop](https://atoneplace.net/vs/desktop-computer-vs-laptop/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)
- ENERGY STAR Product Specifications — US Environmental Protection Agency (https://www.energystar.gov/) [Public domain (US Government)]