How to Choose the Right Ink Cartridge for Your Printer
Buying the wrong ink cartridge is a frustrating and costly mistake. With hundreds of cartridge models on the market, it's easy to get confused. This guide walks you through exactly how to find the right ink cartridge for your printer — every time.
Step 1: Find Your Printer Model Number
Your printer's model number is the most important piece of information when buying ink. You'll find it:
- On a sticker on the front, top, or bottom of your printer
- In the printer's settings menu or display screen
- In the original box or manual
- On the Shopify admin under your device's registered products
Common examples: HP DeskJet 2710, Canon PIXMA MG3650, Brother DCP-L2530DW, Epson EcoTank ET-2720.
Step 2: Check Which Cartridge Number Your Printer Uses
Once you have your printer model, you can look up the compatible cartridge number. This is usually a short code like HP 305, Canon PG-545, or Brother TN-2420. You can find this:
- In your printer's manual
- On the cartridge currently installed in your printer
- On the manufacturer's website
- Using our Cartridge Finder tool
Step 3: Decide Between Black-Only and Colour Cartridges
Most inkjet printers use separate black and colour cartridges. Some use individual colour cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow separately), while others use a single tri-colour cartridge. Knowing which setup your printer uses helps you buy only what you need and avoid waste.
Step 4: Choose Between OEM and Compatible
Once you know your cartridge number, you can choose between:
- Original (OEM) cartridges — made by the printer brand, guaranteed compatibility, higher cost
- Compatible cartridges — made by third-party manufacturers, same quality at lower cost
Read our full guide: Original vs Compatible Toner: Which Should You Buy?
Step 5: Check Page Yield
Page yield tells you how many pages a cartridge will print before running out. Standard cartridges typically yield 150–300 pages, while XL or high-yield versions can yield 500–1,000+ pages. If you print frequently, XL cartridges offer better value per page.
Quick Reference: Popular Printer Brands and Their Cartridge Ranges
- HP: HP 302, 303, 304, 305, 62, 63, 64, 65 (inkjet); HP 17A, 26A, 58A, 85A (laser toner)
- Canon: PG-545/CL-546, PG-560/CL-561, PGI-580/CLI-581
- Brother: LC3211, LC3213, TN-2420, TN-247
- Epson: 502, 503, 604, T29, T18
Shop by Printer Brand
Browse our full range of ink cartridges by brand:
