How to Find the Right Cartridge for Your Printer

Ordering the wrong cartridge is one of the most common frustrations in home and office printing. With dozens of cartridge numbers, colour combinations, and yield options available, it can feel like a minefield. This guide walks you through the process step by step so you get the right cartridge the first time, every time.

Step 1: Find Your Printer Model Number

Everything starts with your printer's exact model number. This isn't the brand name or the general series. It's the specific alphanumeric code that identifies your machine. Here's where to find it:

• On the printer itself: Look for a label on the front, top, or back of the printer. It will usually say something like "HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e" or "Brother HL-L2350DW".
• In the printer settings: On most printers you can print a configuration or status page from the control panel, which will list the exact model number.
• On the original box or receipt: If you still have the packaging or purchase receipt, the model number will be listed there.
• In your computer's printer settings: On Windows, go to Settings then Printers and Scanners. On Mac, go to System Settings then Printers and Scanners. The model name shown is what you need.

Write down the full model number including any letters or numbers after the main name. The difference between an HP 952 and an HP 952XL, or a Brother TN-2450 and TN-2430, matters.

Step 2: Understand Your Cartridge Type

Not all cartridges are created equal, and the type you need depends entirely on your printer technology. There are three main categories.

Ink Cartridges (Inkjet Printers)

Inkjet printers use liquid ink cartridges. These are the most common type in home printers and smaller office machines. Inkjet cartridges come in individual colours (typically cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) or as combined tri-colour cartridges that hold three colours in one unit. Individual cartridges are more economical because you only replace the colour that runs out.

Popular inkjet cartridge ranges include the HP 67 series, Canon PG-645/CL-646 series, and Epson 212 series. If your printer is compact and relatively affordable, it almost certainly uses ink cartridges.

Toner Cartridges (Laser Printers)

Laser printers use toner, a fine powder that is fused onto the page using heat. Toner cartridges are larger and more expensive upfront than ink cartridges, but they print significantly more pages per cartridge, making the cost per page much lower. Laser printers are the standard in most office environments.

Common toner cartridge ranges include the HP 206A series, Brother TN-2450, and Canon CART-055. If your printer is larger, heavier, and pages come out warm, you have a laser printer.

Ribbon Cartridges (Dot Matrix and Label Printers)

Ribbon cartridges are used in dot matrix printers and some label printers. These are less common in general use today but still found in specific business environments such as warehouses, logistics operations, and point-of-sale systems. If you need ribbon cartridges, you'll typically know because the printer and its use case are quite specialised.

Step 3: Check the Cartridge Number

Once you know your printer model, you need the cartridge number. There are a few ways to find this:

• Check the existing cartridge: Open your printer and look at the cartridge currently installed. The cartridge number is printed on the label, for example "HP 65", "Canon CLI-681", or "Brother TN-2450".
• Check the printer manual: The user manual (or the quick start guide that came with the printer) will list compatible cartridge numbers.
• Search online: Enter your printer model number into our shop search and we'll show you every compatible cartridge for that model.

Be careful with cartridge numbers that look similar. The HP 63 and HP 63XL fit the same printers but have different yields and prices. The "XL" or "XXL" suffix indicates a high-yield variant.

Step 4: Standard Yield vs High Yield

Most cartridge ranges come in at least two yield options:

• Standard yield: The base cartridge with a standard page count. These are cheaper upfront but cost more per page.
• High yield (XL): Contains more ink or toner and prints more pages. The upfront cost is higher, but the cost per page is lower, often significantly so.
• Super high yield (XXL): Available for some models, these offer the absolute lowest cost per page and are ideal for heavy printers.

As a general rule, if you print more than a handful of pages per week, high-yield cartridges will save you money over time. The price difference between standard and XL is usually much less than the difference in page count.

How Page Yield Is Measured

Cartridge manufacturers state page yields based on the ISO/IEC 24711 standard (for ink) or ISO/IEC 19752 (for mono toner) and ISO/IEC 19798 (for colour toner). These tests use standardised test pages with roughly 5% page coverage. Your actual yield will vary depending on what you print. Heavy graphics and photos use more ink or toner than plain text.

Step 5: OEM or Compatible?

You'll find two types of cartridge for most printers: OEM (made by the printer manufacturer) and compatible (made by a third party). Both work in your printer, but they differ in price and, sometimes, in print characteristics. We've written a detailed OEM vs compatible cartridges guide that covers the pros and cons of each option.

The short version: OEM cartridges are the safe, premium choice. Compatible cartridges from a trusted supplier offer substantial savings with quality that meets the needs of most users.

Step 6: Check What You Actually Need

Before you order, take a moment to think about what you actually need:

• Which colours are low? If your printer uses individual colour cartridges, only replace the ones that are running low. There's no need to buy a full set every time.
• Do you need a multi-pack? If multiple colours are low or you want to stock up, multi-packs (sometimes called combo packs or value packs) usually offer a better per-cartridge price than buying individually.
• Are you printing photos? Some inkjet printers use additional photo-specific cartridges (like a photo black or grey). Check if your printer uses these and if you actually need them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing similar model numbers. An HP DeskJet 2700 and an HP DeskJet 2700e use the same cartridges, but an HP DeskJet 2700 and an HP DeskJet 3700 don't. Always match the full model number.
2. Buying the wrong yield. An HP 65 isn't the same as an HP 65XL. If you've been using the XL and switch to the standard by mistake, you'll notice it runs out much faster.
3. Ignoring the "use by" date. Ink cartridges have a shelf life. If you're stocking up, check the expiry date and make sure you'll use them in time. Toner cartridges last much longer in storage.
4. Removing the protective tape incorrectly. New cartridges come with protective tape or clips over the print head or chip contacts. Remove these carefully before installing, but don't touch the copper contacts or print head nozzles with your fingers.

Quick Tips for Saving Money on Cartridges

• Always compare the cost per page, not just the sticker price. High-yield cartridges almost always win on cost per page.
• Buy multi-packs when available. They're typically 10% to 20% cheaper than buying individual cartridges.
• Consider compatible cartridges from a trusted retailer like CartridgeHQ for everyday printing needs.
• Set your printer to draft or economy mode for internal documents. This uses significantly less ink or toner.
• Print in black and white when you don't need colour. Many printers still use a small amount of colour ink even for greyscale printing unless you specifically select "black only" in the print settings.

Still Not Sure?

If you have your printer model number but can't figure out which cartridge you need, we're here to help. Contact our team with your printer model and we'll let you know exactly which cartridges are compatible. We stock cartridges for all the major brands including HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother, with Australia-wide delivery on every order.