Printer ink and toner: matching cartridges, XL yields, ink tanks and paper

Quick answer: find the cartridge number on your old cartridge, inside the printer lid or in the manual, and buy that exact number for your printer model. XL cartridges hold more and print more pages for their price. Compatible cartridges from other makers can cost less, but check their stated printer list and know that some printers may reject non-original cartridges after updates. If you print a lot, an ink tank or laser printer usually costs less per page.

Few things are as frustrating as a printer that will not print on the night homework is due. Most ink and toner problems start at the store: the wrong cartridge, the wrong size or a cartridge that sat unused too long.

Find the right cartridge number

Each printer family uses specific cartridges identified by a number, for example 63 or 65 for many HP inkjets, 275 and 276 for some Canon PIXMA models, or bottle codes such as 502 for some Epson ink tank printers. Toner cartridges for laser printers have their own codes. The number is printed on the old cartridge and listed in the manual and on the maker's website. Search by both your printer model and the cartridge number, and confirm the model appears in the listing before ordering.

Standard versus XL

XL, or high-yield, cartridges contain more ink or toner. Page yields are measured with industry test standards, ISO/IEC 24711 for inkjet and ISO/IEC 19752 for monochrome laser toner, so you can compare cost per page across sizes. Real yields vary with what you print; photos and full-color pages use far more ink than text. The ejet 63XL black two-pack and the Acaves 65XL black and tri-color combo are compatible XL options for HP printers that use those numbers. Browse ink cartridges and toner.

Original and compatible cartridges

Original cartridges come from the printer maker. Compatible and remanufactured cartridges are made by other companies to fit the same printers, often at a lower price. They can work well, but quality varies, and some printers use firmware that may reject non-original cartridges, sometimes only after an update. Read the compatibility list and the seller's notes, and keep one spare on hand before you need it. The TESEN 275XL and 276XL two-pack is a compatible black and color pair for Canon printers that take those cartridges.

Ink tank printers

Ink tank printers, such as Epson EcoTank models, are filled from bottles instead of cartridges. The printer costs more at checkout, yet each page costs far less afterward, which suits families and home offices that print often. Use bottles with the matching code, fill one color at a time and close each tank firmly. The CEEBOO 502-compatible refill bottles include two black bottles with auto-stop nozzles. Ink tank and cartridge printers sit together in printers.

Inkjet or laser

Inkjet printers handle color and photos well and cost less to buy. Ink can dry in the nozzles if a printer sits unused for weeks, so print a page now and then. All-in-ones such as the Canon PIXMA TR4720 add scanning, copying and an automatic document feeder.

Laser printers use powdered toner that does not dry out, print text quickly and usually cost less per page for black and white. The Brother HL-L2460DW is a wireless mono laser with automatic two-sided printing. Compare both in the full printers, ink and toner range.

Paper

Everyday copy paper is usually 20-pound; 24-pound paper feels sturdier and shows less print through the page, which suits reports and double-sided printing. Brightness numbers closer to 100 look whiter. Letter size is 8.5 by 11 inches and legal is 8.5 by 14. The HP Papers BrightWhite24 comes as five reams of 24-pound letter paper. Store paper flat in its wrapper so it does not curl or absorb humidity. See paper and notebooks.

Recycling cartridges

Many printer makers and office supply retailers run take-back programs for empty cartridges. Bag used cartridges so they do not leak, and check the maker's website for return options.

Before you buy: a short checklist

• Copy the printer model and the cartridge or bottle number from the old one.
• Compare standard and XL by cost per page.
• Check compatibility notes before buying non-original cartridges.
• Keep one spare black cartridge on hand.
• Choose 20- or 24-pound paper for the job.
• Print a page every week or two on an inkjet you rarely use.

Common questions

What does XL mean on an ink cartridge?

XL means high yield: the cartridge holds more ink and prints more pages than the standard version, measured under ISO/IEC test standards. It usually lowers the cost per page.

Will compatible ink cartridges work in my printer?

Many do, if the listing names your printer model. Some printers use firmware that can reject non-original cartridges, sometimes after an update, so read the seller’s compatibility notes before buying.

Why does my inkjet print streaks after sitting unused?

Ink can dry in the nozzles. Run the printer’s nozzle check and cleaning cycle from its menu or software, and print a page every week or two to keep ink flowing.

Does a laser printer cost less to run than an inkjet?

For black-and-white text, laser printers usually cost less per page and toner does not dry out. For photos and occasional color, an inkjet or ink tank printer is often the better fit.

Keep browsing

You will find printers, ink and paper in our Office & School Supplies department. If you also send packages from home, read our guide to label printers, mailers and boxes, or visit shop by department for every category.

Other Center ships every order to U.S. addresses with free standard shipping. Orders leave us within 1–3 business days and usually reach you 3–7 business days after that, a little longer for Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Unused items in their original condition can be sent back free for 30 days from delivery using a prepaid label. See shipping and returns for the details.