Embodiments herein generally relate to printing systems and methods that use toner and more particularly to a system and method that observes the distribution, for different levels of transfer field, of mass per area of toner remaining on the drum/belt as the drum/belt transfers the toner. The distribution is compared to predetermined standards and/or other networked printing systems to evaluate characteristics of the toner. Actuators can then be used to improve the toner characteristics resulting in improved print quality within a printing system and improved printing consistency between internally or externally networked printing systems and/or marking engines.