21-step tonal range diagnostic

Free grayscale printer test page with 21-step tonal wedge

Print a free 21-step grayscale printer test page to reveal clipped shadows, blocked highlights, banding and color casts in black and white photos. A4 and Letter.

Free and private A4, Letter, A5, Legal and A3 No download required

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Print setup

Preview and print this diagnostic page

The pattern prints locally from your browser. No file or printer information is uploaded.

Scale: 100% or Actual size Enable background graphics Use the matching paper size

To download a PDF, choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog.

PRINTTEST.ORG

Advanced Grayscale Test

21-step wedge with highlight and shadow detail

21-step tonal wedge · 0% to 100%

05101520253035404550556065707580859095100

Continuous grayscale gradient

Highlight detail · 0% to 10%

0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%

Shadow detail · 90% to 100%

90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%

25% uniformity

50% uniformity

75% uniformity

What this sheet checks

What is the grayscale printer test page?

A grayscale printer test page is a printable sheet with a multi-step gray wedge, highlight and shadow ramps and a continuous gradient used to reveal clipped tones, banding and unwanted color casts in black and white output.

Twenty-one distinguishable gray steps
Highlight detail from 0% to 10%
Shadow detail from 90% to 100%
Continuous gradient smoothness and neutrality

When to use it

When to use the grayscale test page

Use this focused grayscale sheet when adjacent gray tones merge, black-and-white photos lose detail, or neutral areas print with a tint. The main wedge advances in five-percent steps, while the two detail strips isolate the hardest zero-to-ten and ninety-to-one-hundred percent ranges.

Read the result

Common grayscale printing problems and how to fix them

Compare the physical sheet with the on-screen structure. Paper, driver settings, supplies, and maintenance state can all affect the result.

What you seeWhat it may meanWhat to do next

Several light steps disappear into the paperHighlight tones may be clipping, or toner density may be too low.Return density and contrast controls to default and retest at normal quality.

The darkest steps merge into solid blackShadow detail may be crushed by excessive density, dot gain, or the paper profile.Verify the paper setting and reduce driver density only one step at a time.

Neutral gray has a pink, green, or blue castComposite grayscale may be using uneven color channels or color management.Compare grayscale and black-only driver modes, then run the CMYK channel test.

How to print the grayscale test page accurately at 100% scale

Load clean, uncreased paper and choose the same paper size in this page, your browser, and the printer driver. Open the print dialog, select 100% or Actual size, and enable background graphics so solid patches and gradients are retained. Use the paper type that matches the sheet in the tray.

Start with normal quality. Draft mode intentionally reduces density, while high-quality or photo modes can use different passes and inks. A standard print establishes a useful baseline before you change driver controls or run maintenance.

Frequently asked questions about this printer test page

Should all 21 grayscale steps look equally spaced?

Each adjacent step should be distinguishable, but paper, ink, toner, and the printer tone curve can make the visual spacing slightly uneven. Judge separation and neutrality rather than matching the screen exactly.

Why does a grayscale page sometimes use color ink?

Many drivers build neutral gray from multiple color channels. Select black-only or monochrome mode when you specifically want to test the black cartridge or toner path.

What this browser test page can and cannot tell you

This page reveals visible output symptoms but cannot read ink levels, identify a failed component, or control your printer. Built-in manufacturer diagnostics are model-specific and should be used for maintenance decisions. Avoid repeating deep cleaning cycles without consulting the applicable printer guidance because cleaning can consume substantial ink.