A toner remain detecting method according to this invention including:
detecting toner density; supplying a toner amount corresponding to
predetermined toner density; detecting a toner remain amount every time
toner supply is carried out; and displaying toner near-empty if the toner
remain amount becomes equal to or less than a prescribed value; wherein
the toner supply step includes calculating a toner supply amount on the
basis of a predetermined toner density level and the toner remain amount
detected at the toner remain amount detecting step and supplying toner of
the amount calculated at the toner supply amount calculating step. With
the toner remain detecting method according to this invention, the toner
remain amount can be detected more accurately than in conventional
techniques.