Ink Cartridges & Printheads

Inkjet cartridges and replaceable print heads for daily inkjet output

An inkjet printer in regular use changes cartridges three to ten times a year. Each replacement is mostly a question of matching the part number, picking standard or extra-large (XL) yield, and deciding between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and quality third-party brands. The cost difference between those choices, multiplied by a year of printing, often outweighs the price of the printer itself.

What lives in this section

Standard-yield ink cartridges; XL (high-yield) cartridges with longer page life; individual colour cartridges where each colour is replaced separately; cyan-magenta-yellow-black (CMYK) and CMYKK multi-cartridge sets; tank-refill bottles for refillable printers; and user-replaceable print heads for printers that separate the head from the cartridge.

How to choose ink cartridges

Match the part number exactly

Cartridges are model-specific. The printer manual, the existing cartridge label, or the manufacturer's online compatibility tool lists the correct part number. Different regions sometimes use the same cartridge with different chip codes; check that the regional code matches.

Pick standard or XL by volume

Standard cartridges typically yield 200 to 500 pages; XL versions yield 600 to 2,000 pages. The cost per page on XL is almost always lower. Standard is fine for very low volume; for any regular use, XL is the better choice if the printer supports it.

Individual colours versus combined sets

Some printers use one combined colour cartridge (cyan, magenta and yellow in a single unit, sometimes with black added); others use individual cartridges per colour. Individual cartridges save money because only the empty colour needs replacement; combined cartridges are simpler but waste any remaining ink in the other colours.

Choose OEM, compatible or refilled

OEM cartridges produce predictable quality. Reputable third-party compatibles match OEM page yield at 30 to 60 percent lower prices. Cheap unbranded cartridges sometimes leak or clog print heads; the saving is rarely worth the risk for office use. Refilled cartridges fall in between, with mixed quality.

Key features to compare

Ink type

Dye-based inks have brighter colours and lower cost; pigment-based inks have better water and fade resistance. Most office printers use pigment for black and dye for colour, or pigment throughout on photo and document printers. The cartridge spec sheet lists the ink type.

Page yield under International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards

The ISO 19752 (mono) and 24711 (colour) yield figures are calculated under controlled conditions with a standard test page. Real-world yield is usually within 10 to 20 percent of the ISO number for typical office content. Compare ISO yield across cartridges, not headline numbers from marketing.

Expiry date

Inkjet cartridges have an expiry date printed on the box. Past that date, dye separation, ink drying inside the cartridge or chip lockout can occur. Order based on volume, not on bulk discount past the expiry horizon.

What to check before buying

• Exact printer model and the matching cartridge part number for the region?
• Standard or XL yield, sized to monthly print volume?
• Individual or combined-colour cartridge format?
• OEM or quality third-party compatible, with the trade-offs understood?
• Expiry date allowing the stock to be used in time?

Frequently asked questions

Why are OEM cartridges so much more expensive?

The printer is sold at or below cost; the manufacturer recovers the margin on cartridges over the printer's life. OEM cartridges include research and development (R&D) and quality control. Compatible cartridges from reputable third-party brands match the page yield and quality at lower price by skipping the brand premium.

Are tank-based printers really cheaper than cartridge models?

For volume above about 100 pages a month, yes, dramatically. Tank-based ink bottles cost a fraction of equivalent cartridge yield, and a single set of bottles can print thousands of pages. The upfront price of a tank-based printer is higher; the break-even point is usually six to twelve months of regular use.

Why does my printer print stripes or missing colours?

Common causes are clogged print head nozzles (run a head cleaning cycle), an empty cartridge that has run dry, or a faulty cartridge. If cleaning does not restore the missing colour, replace the cartridge for that colour first. If the issue persists across cartridges, the print head itself may need replacement (where user-serviceable) or printer service.

Can I refill ink cartridges myself?

For some printers, yes; for cartridges with sealed chips, no. Refilling involves topping up the ink reservoir, but modern cartridges often have a chip that tracks usage and refuses to register a refill as a new cartridge. Tank-based printers are designed for refilling; cartridge models usually are not.

Will using third-party cartridges affect printer support?

In most jurisdictions a printer cannot be denied support purely because a third-party cartridge was used. However, if a third-party cartridge causes physical damage to the printer (leaks, debris in the print head), repair of that specific damage may fall outside the manufacturer's coverage. Reputable third-party brands rarely cause this; cheap cartridges sometimes do.