Buying printer ink should be simple. In reality, Canon has produced so many printer models and cartridge numbers over the years that it can sometimes feel like you need a degree just to buy a black cartridge.
The good news is there are a couple of quick ways to find the right one.
Check the Cartridge Already in Your Printer
If you've still got an old cartridge installed, take it out and check the number on the label.
You might see something like:
- PG-545 and CL-546
- PG-540 and CL-541
- PG-560 and CL-561
- PGI-580 and CLI-581
The PG cartridge is normally the black, while the CL cartridge contains colour on many Canon PIXMA printers.
Once you've got the cartridge number, finding a replacement becomes much easier.
For example, you can shop our Canon PG-545 and CL-546 ink cartridges directly rather than searching through hundreds of products.
Check Your Canon Printer Model
Can't find the old cartridge?
Look for the model number on your printer instead. It may be printed on the front or top of the machine.
Something such as:
Canon PIXMA TS3350
is far more useful than simply searching for "Canon printer ink".
You can then search using the printer model to find cartridges specifically designed to work with it.
Don't Assume Similar Numbers Are Interchangeable
This is where people can easily get caught out.
A Canon PG-545 and PG-540 might look similar, but that doesn't mean they'll work in the same printer.
The same goes for different Canon cartridge families.
Always check compatibility before ordering.
Standard or XL?
Once you've found the correct cartridge range, you may also see standard and XL Canon ink cartridges.
XL simply means a higher-capacity cartridge designed to print more pages before it needs replacing.
If you print regularly, the XL version can often make more sense.
And if you're still unsure, browse our full range of Canon printer ink cartridges and search using your printer model or cartridge number.
Getting the right ink first time is much better than discovering you've bought the wrong cartridge when you've got something important to print.