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HP DesignJet T850
36" wide-format MFPs
- Model2Y9H0H
- Prints36" wide
- Score62/100
Authorized HP dealerGenuine hardware & ink
1-year warranty includedExtendable to 5 years
Free shippingContinental U.S.
Plotter specialistsAEC experts, not just sellers
Analyst take
- 36-inch single-roll thermal inkjet aimed at small-to-mid AEC workgroups, not production volume.
- 2400 x 1200 DPI with matte black pigment gives clean CAD lines and legible small text on plain bond.
- Roll feed plus a sheet input tray means no manual swapping between full-size and half-size sheets.
Not sure if the 2Y9H0H is right for you?
Compare key specs and an AI analyst read-out against similar models.
- Wide-format reach Prints up to 36" wide on rolls and sheets.
- Fine detail 2400 x 1200 DPI maximum resolution for crisp line work.
- Ink platform Cyan, Matte black, Magenta, Yellow.
- Connectivity Wi-Fi + Ethernet for shared team printing.
- Analyst score Scores 62/100 in our class-relative rating.
Overview
A 36-inch plotter for the small AEC shop that prints full-size and half-size all day
Here’s the job at the output tray: an architect or civil engineer needs a full D-size permit set and a stack of half-size review prints before the 4:45 courier pickup. The T850 handles both without you kneeling on the floor swapping media. It carries a 36-inch roll for full-size sheets and a separate input tray for smaller cut sheets up to 12″ x 18″. That dual-path handling is the practical win here. Fewer reloads, less user error, fewer jams when the deadline is tight.
It’s a four-color thermal inkjet running HP 712 or HP 738 inks with the HP 739 printhead. Line work at 2400 x 1200 DPI is clean; small text and dimension strings hold up on bond. HP rates it at 90 A1 pages per hour (25 seconds per A1). Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and Gigabit Ethernet are all standard, and it drives from the HP Click app or the HP Click Driver.
- Small architecture or MEP studios printing mixed full- and half-size sets
- Surveyors and GCs needing a compact 36-inch plotter near the desks
- Firms that want roll-plus-sheet handling without a floor-standing production box
Where it’s not the tool: no scanner or copier. If you need built-in scanning, look at the HP DesignJet T830 24-in MFP. Need dual-roll unattended runs? Step up to the HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in.
- 606 ft²/hRated speed
- 4Ink channels
- 2,400 dpiMax resolution
- 12 moIncluded warranty
Spec Analysis
overall
overall
At a glance
- Print width
- 36 in (91.4 cm) max roll width
- Max print size
- A0 / 33" x 47"
- Print technology
- Thermal inkjet, 4 ink cartridges
- Resolution
- 2400 x 1200 DPI
- Print speed
- HP rates 90 A1 pph (25 s/A1), normal quality
- Media handling
- 36-in roll plus cut-sheet input tray (to 12" x 18")
- Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
- Consumables
- HP 712 / HP 738 inks, HP 739 printhead
Ideal for: small-to-mid AEC studios printing mixed full-size and half-size sets from a compact 36-inch machine. Not the tool for: shops needing built-in scan/copy (see T830 24-in MFP) or unattended dual-roll production (see T1600dr 36-in).
Features
What sets it apart
Swipe to explore →
Expert analysis
What you should know
Key takeaways
- 36-inch single-roll thermal inkjet aimed at small-to-mid AEC workgroups, not production volume.
- 2400 x 1200 DPI with matte black pigment gives clean CAD lines and legible small text on plain bond.
- Roll feed plus a sheet input tray means no manual swapping between full-size and half-size sheets.
- HP rates it at 90 A1 pph (25 s/A1) in normal quality — workgroup pace, enough for a small bid set in minutes.
- No scanner or copy function; the T830 24-in adds one if you need to convert legacy drawings.
- Single roll makes the T1600dr 36-in the logical step-up for unattended, dual-roll runs.
It’s 4:45 on a bid day. Somebody needs a 12-sheet permit set — full-size D drawings plus a couple of half-size sheets for the field — and they need it before they lock the door. That’s the job this machine is built for. A 36-inch roll printer for a small architecture studio, a civil or MEP team, a surveyor’s office, or a GC trailer that prints its own sets instead of driving them to a repro shop.
The HP DesignJet T850 36-in isn’t a production plotter and doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a four-ink thermal inkjet sized for a workgroup, bundled here with a 2-year warranty so the support conversation is settled on day one.
36" (91.4 cm)Max roll widthFull D/E-size drawings off the roll
90 pphA1 print speedHP rates 25 s/A1 in normal quality
2400 x 1200 DPIResolutionFine linework and small text
Cyan, Matte black, Magenta, YellowInk setFour cartridges, one printhead
What it actually does well
Line quality first, because that’s what an engineer squints at. At 2400 x 1200 DPI with matte black pigment, the T850 lays down clean CAD linework and legible small text on plain bond — the stuff that has to survive a redline marker and a field folder. HP rates the four inks for smudge and water resistance, which matters when a drawing rides in a truck cab all afternoon.
The media handling is the quiet win. You get a 36-inch roll for full-size sheets plus a sheet input tray for smaller stock, so you’re not standing there swapping paper between a bond blueprint and an A3 half-size. HP rates it at 90 A1 pph, or 25 seconds per A1 in normal quality. Translate that: a modest bid set clears in a few minutes, not a coffee break. It’s not a T7100 spitting out D-size all shift — but that’s not who’s standing at this tray.
Connectivity is straightforward. Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct, plus the HP Click app for drag-and-drop PDF and HP-GL/2 submission from Windows, macOS, and mobile. For a small office without a print-room operator, that reduces the number of ways a job goes sideways.
Where it isn't the right tool
Name the failure mode before the feature. This is a single-roll printer. If your day is long unattended runs where a roll runs out mid-set and nobody’s watching, the HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in with its dual rolls is the honest step-up — it switches media without you and keeps going. Need width beyond 36 inches for E-size or oversized site plans? Look at the HP T790 44-in.
Going the other direction: a one- or two-person studio that never prints past 24 inches can save floor space with the HP DesignJet T830 24-in, which also adds a scanner if you need to copy and archive drawings. The T850 has no scanner and no copy function — if legacy drawing conversion is part of your week, that’s a gap you fill elsewhere. And running costs sit mid-tier; a high-volume department burning through media daily will want a machine built for that duty, not this one.
Worth a look across the aisle too: the Canon GP-300 36-in competes in the same width and use case. Local dealer and service coverage should weigh into that call as much as the spec sheet.
Feed in your bid-set size and see roughly how long it runs at HP's rated 25 s/A1. Real drying, roll handling and mixed sizes add time — treat it as a floor, not a promise.
One set: – · Weekly plotting time: –
Computed from the manufacturer's rated 606 ft²/h. Real-world mixed sets run slower — treat this as a best case for comparing machines, not a promise.
Compare and dig deeper
The read
Buy the T850 if you’re a small-to-mid AEC workgroup that prints its own sets, values clean CAD linework on bond, and wants roll-plus-sheet handling without a print-room operator babysitting it. The bundled 2-year warranty takes the support question off the table. It’s the wrong buy if you need dual-roll unattended output — that’s the T1600dr — a scanner in the same box, or width past 36 inches. For everyone else standing at the tray at 4:45, it does the job and goes home when you do.
Spec analysis
How the specs grade
Overall performance
within wide-format MFPs
100% spec coverage
- This printer
Verified specifications
The specs that decide it
| Print technology | Thermal inkjet |
|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Printing colors | Cyan, Matte black, Magenta, Yellow |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, TIFF, JPEG, HP-RTL, CALS G4, URF |
| Internal memory | 1024 MB |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Media thickness | 0.3 mm |
| Maximum roll diameter | 3.94" (10 cm) |
| Scanning | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| Power consumption | 35 W |
Specifications
Full technical detail
Print technologyThermal inkjet
Max resolution2400 x 1200 DPI
Max print width36"
ColorColor
ConnectivityEthernet (Gigabit LAN), Wi-Fi
Use caseCAD / Technical
Printing
| Color | Yes |
|---|---|
| Printing colors | Cyan, Matte black, Magenta, Yellow |
| Print technology | Thermal inkjet |
| Resolution color | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Maximum resolution | 2400 x 1200 DPI |
| Number of print cartridges | 4 |
| Page description languages | HP-GL/2, TIFF, JPEG, HP-RTL, CALS G4, URF |
Performance
| HP segment | Business |
|---|---|
| Certification | Compliant with Class B requirements, including: USA (FCC rules), Canada (ICES), EU (RED Directive), Australia (ACMA), New Zealand (RSM), China (CCC), Japan (VCCI); Korea (KCC) |
| Product color | Black |
| Internal memory | 1024 MB |
| Country of origin | China, Thailand |
Paper handling
| Cut sheets | Yes |
|---|---|
| Media thickness | 0.3 mm |
| Custom media sizes | Input tray: 210 x 279 to 305 x 457 mm; Manual feed: 210 x 279 to 914 x 1676 mm |
| Maximum print size | A0 (841 x 1189 mm) |
| Maximum roll width | 36" (91.4 cm) |
| Maximum roll diameter | 3.94" (10 cm) |
| Paper tray media types | Coated paper, Plain paper, Bond paper, Photo paper, Matte paper, Banner, Heavy paper, Satin paper |
| Recommended media weight | 60 – 280 g/m² |
| ISO A-series sizes (A0…A9) | A0, A1, A2, A3, A4 |
Ports & interfaces
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
|---|---|
| Ethernet LAN | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Ethernet LAN data rates | 1000 Mbit/s |
Technical details
| Box contents | HP DesignJet T850 Printer, printhead, introductory ink cartridges, printer stand, spindle, guide, warranty flyer, power cord |
|---|
Weight & dimensions
| Depth | 27.6" (701 mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 55.4" (1407 mm) |
| Height | 38.1" (967 mm) |
| Weight | 103.6 lbs (47 kg) |
Power
| AC input voltage | 100 – 240 V |
|---|---|
| AC input frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption (off) | 0.2 W |
| Power consumption (sleep) | 2.5 W |
| Power consumption (typical) | 35 W |
Operational conditions
| Operating altitude | 0 – 118110.2" (0 – 3000 m) |
|---|---|
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -25 – 55 °C |
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 5 – 40 °C |
| Storage relative humidity (H-H) | 0 – 95% |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 20 – 80% |
Other features
| UNSPSC-code | 43212104 |
|---|---|
| Electromagnetic compatibility | Compliant with Class B requirements, including: USA (FCC rules), Canada (ICES), EU (RED Directive), Australia (ACMA), New Zealand (RSM), China (CCC), Japan (VCCI); Korea (KCC) |
Copying
| Copying | No |
|---|
Scanning
| Scanning | No |
|---|
Packaging data
| Package depth | 22.4" (570 mm) |
|---|---|
| Package width | 62" (1575 mm) |
| Package height | 25.6" (650 mm) |
| Package weight | 156.5 lbs (71 kg) |
| Bundled software | HP Click App, HP Click Driver for Windows 11, HP app for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS |
Sustainability
| Sustainability certificates | ENERGY STAR |
|---|
Carbon footprint
| Total carbon footprint (kg of CO2e) | 430 |
|---|---|
| Carbon emissions, logistics (kg of CO2e) | 32 |
| Carbon emissions, end-of-life (kg of CO2e) | 21 |
| Carbon emissions, manufacturing (kg of CO2e) | 360 |
| Total carbon emissions, w/o use phase (kg of CO2e) | 16 |
Brand-specific features
| HP GTIN (EAN/UPC) | 197029467188 |
|---|---|
| HP dynamic security | Yes |
Everything that fits the HP DesignJet T850 MFP
The full supplies hub lists every cartridge, printhead, roll and accessory verified against the manufacturer's own documentation for this machine.
8 ink cartridges · 12 paper & media items · 4 accessories · 17 coverage plans
HP DesignJet T850 MFP ink and paper →Supplies
Compatible ink, printheads & media
Genuine consumables that fit the HP DesignJet T850 36-in Printer (2-Year Warranty) — only the cartridges, printheads and media compatible with this model.
Ink Cartridges 8
Paper & Media 12
Representative image350g Vivid Matte Poly/Cotton CanvasRepresentative image5 Mil Water-Resistant Self-Adh Vinyl (3" AC)Representative imageHP Universal Gloss Photo Paper
HP Universal Coated PaperRepresentative imageHP Universal Bond Paper, 4-packRepresentative imageHP Bright White Inkjet Paper, 4-pack
HP Opaque ScrimRepresentative imageKODAK Water-Resistant Scrim BannerRepresentative imageMagic 36LB Heavyweight Coated Inkjet Paper (JS036)Representative imageMagic 98gsm/26# Coated Matte Paper (DMPG98)Representative imageMagic 4mil Inkjet Clear Film w/ Side Stripe (DMCF4HPS)Representative image6.5mil Matte Coated Paper w/ PSA (746PSA)Accessories 4
Coverage & Support Plans 17
Hp 1-Year Post Warranty Next Business Day T850 Hardware Support (U56U2PE)Hp 1-Year Post Warranty Next Business Day T850 Mfp Hardware Support (U56U6PE)
Hp 2-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Hardware Support (U56R8E)Hp 2-Year Post Warranty Next Business Day T850 Hardware Support (U56U3PE)Hp 2-Year Post Warranty Next Business Day T850 Mfp Hardware Support (U56U7PE)
HP 3-Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support for T850 MFP (A and M Series) (U56RSE)Hp 3-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Hardware Support (U56RJE)Hp 3-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Mfp Hardware Support (U56S0E)Hp 3-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Hardware Support (U56R9E)
HP 4 year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support for T850MFP (A and M Series)Hp 4-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Hardware Support (U56RKE)Hp 4-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Hardware Support (U56RBE)Hp 4-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Mfp Hardware Support (U56S1E)
HP 5-Year Next Business Day Onsite Hardware Support for T850 MFP (A and M Series) (U56RVE)Hp 5-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Hardware Support (U56RLE)Hp 5-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Hardware Support (U56RCE)Hp 5-Year In Warranty Next Business Day T850 Mfp Hardware Support (U56S2E)Questions
Straight answers
Can the T850 print full E-size or oversized sheets?
No. Its maximum roll width is 36 inches, which covers D/E-size on the roll but not wider stock. For 44- or 47-inch output, step up to the HP T790 44-in or HP T930 47-in.
Does it scan or copy drawings?
No — the T850 is print-only. If you need to scan, copy or archive legacy drawings in the same box, the HP DesignJet T830 24-in includes an integrated scanner.
What inks and printhead does it use?
It uses HP 712 or HP 738 inks across four cartridges — cyan, matte black, magenta, yellow — with the HP 739 printhead. HP rates the pigmented inks for smudge and water resistance on technical drawings.
Can I run long jobs unattended without changing rolls?
Only within a single roll’s capacity. It has no second roll, so once one runs out you reload manually. For automatic media switching on unattended runs, the HP DesignJet T1600dr 36-in is the in-family answer.
How does it submit jobs?
Over Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct, using the HP Click app and drivers for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. It handles HP-GL/2, PDF-based workflows, TIFF, JPEG and CALS G4.
Is the T850 still a current model?
Yes. As of mid-2026 it’s an active model in HP’s wide-format lineup, positioned as a mainstream workgroup printer above entry-level units and below higher-volume and production-class machines.
Ready to put the HP DesignJet T850 to work?
Configuration, media and a quote tailored to your workflow — from AEC plotter specialists.