What Ink Does My Printer Use: Tips to Find the Perfect Ink!

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"What ink does my printer take?" This question might have crossed your mind when looking for the right cartridge for your printer. We all know that ink cartridges are essential for printing. They contain the ink, like those used in refill kits, needed to print documents and vibrant photos. Without them, your printer cannot function. That's why finding the correct printer ink will not only help you save money but will also prevent printing problems.

To help you answer "what ink does my printer use?", we included the information you need in this guide to check what ink your printer needs. You can search by the ink cartridge name or by the printer model. But how do you do this? Read on to find out how easily it can be done!

In this guide, we will discuss:


What Ink Does My Printer Use: Ways To Find Them

The first step on how to tell what ink your printer needs is to search for it using the printer name. Once you know the printer model, it will be easier to look for the correct ink for your printer. You can just enter the printer model in the search bar. Here's how:

Find Ink Cartridge By Entering Printer Model Number

Step 1: Make sure that you have the brand + printer series + printer model number for a more accurate result. Let us use the 'Epson EcoTank ET-2720' printer, for example. In this case, the brand is 'Epson', the printer series is 'EcoTank', and the printer model number is 'ET-2720'. Once you have all the information needed, you can go ahead and enter it in the search bar and then hit 'Enter' on your keyboard.

search printer

Step 2: After you complete the above step, our site will show you the printer and its compatible ink cartridges. You can click the ink cartridge to learn more, or you can simply add it to the cart. Make sure to choose the correct ink.

printer search result
Note: If you're wondering "What printer ink do I need?" when you are unsure of your exact printer model name, check out this guide on how to find printer name first. Once you have your printer model, you can go ahead and read the tips we prepared below on how to find what ink your printer uses to save you from the hassle of purchasing the wrong ones.

Find Ink Cartridge By Ink Model Number

What does the number on ink cartridges mean? The number on your ink cartridge is the cartridge model number, and this is one way to know "What ink does my printer use?"

Now let's tackle how to find the ink cartridge number. If you have an empty ink cartridge, you can simply look on the top or front of the cartridge itself for its ink/toner cartridge number and/or manufacturer's code. Cartridge model number is composed of numbers and, sometimes, a combination of numbers and letters. Take a look at the images below.

HP 63 Black
Replacement HP 63 Black Ink Cartridge (F6U62A) - Standard Yield
Epson T126 Black
Replacement Epson T126 Black Ink Cartridge (T126120) - Standard Yield
Brother DR-223 Drum Unit
Compatible Brother DR-223 Drum Unit - Standard Yield

You also have the option to purchase standard or high-yield ink. If there's 'XL' after the cartridge number, it means that the cartridge can print more pages than the standard yield or non-XL ones. The 'XL' cartridges are also called the 'high-yield' cartridges. See the example below:

Canon 245XL Black
Replacement Canon 245XL Black Ink Cartridge (PG-245XL) - High Yield

What Ink Does My Printer Take: Tips For Each Printer Brands (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark)

To help you easily determine "what ink does my printer take?", we have broken it down into the five major printer brands: HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and Lexmark. Now, we will show you how to find the ink cartridge number on the packaging or your empty cartridge.

For HP Printers

Like all major printer brands, the model number for the original HP ink cartridges can be found in the packaging itself, both for black and colored inks. HP ink cartridges have the same model number for their black and colored products. The packaging color differs if you purchase the standard or high-yield product.

If you no longer have the packaging, you can also find the ink model number on the empty ink cartridge. But keep in mind not to remove the cartridge unless you are ready to replace it. This is to avoid drying the nozzles of your printer. To help you know what ink to buy for an HP printer, check the images below.

HP 63 Black
HP 63 Black Ink Cartridge - Standard Yield
(Original Packaging)
HP 63XL Black
HP 63XL Black Ink Cartridge - High Yield
(Original Packaging)
HP 63 Tri-color
HP 63 Tri-color Ink Cartridge - Standard Yield
(Original Packaging)
HP 63XL Tri-color
HP 63XL Tri-color Ink Cartridge - High Yield
(Original Packaging)
HP 215A Black
HP 215A Black Toner Cartridge - Standard Yield
(Original Packaging)
HP 13X Black
HP 13X Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge - High Yield
(Original Packaging)

Where to buy affordable ink cartridges for HP printers? CompAndSave offers the same quality replacement cheap HP ink cartridges at a lower cost. Our HP printer ink is re-engineered to follow the same standard as genuine ones perfectly. You can be confident that you will get the same results without breaking your budget!

HP 63
Replacement HP 63 Ink Cartridges: 1 Black, 1 Tri-color - Standard Yield
HP 63XL
Replacement HP 63XL Ink Cartridges: 1 Black, 1 Tri-color - High Yield
HP 215A Black
Replacement HP 215A Black Toner Cartridge - Standard Yield

For Canon Printers

Canon usually includes the name of the printer series on the packaging. Unlike HP inks, Canon printer inks have different model numbers for their black and colored variants. You may also notice that it includes abbreviations such as PG and CLI for its inks. PG means that the ink is pigment-based and is ideal for printing texts. CLI refers to Canon's term 'ChromaLife', which are dye-based inks that are good for printing colored photos.

Another nice feature of the package is the photos of its ink cartridges so you already know what it looks like inside. What kind of ink does a Canon printer use? Our sample photos below will show you the various inks.

Canon PG-240
Canon PG-240 Black Ink Cartridge - Standard Yield
(Original Packaging)
Canon PG-240
Canon PG-240 Black Ink Cartridge - High Yield
(Original Packaging)
Canon 117
Canon 117 Black Toner Cartridge (2578B001) - Standard Yield
(Original Packaging)

Where is the cheapest place to buy Canon ink cartridges? We know the right place! CompAndSave has a replacement Canon cheap ink cartridge with the same quality as the original. The only difference is the budget-friendly price!

Canon CL-241XL Black
Replacement Canon CL-241XL Black Ink Cartridge - High Yield
Canon CL-241XL Tri-color
Replacement Canon CL-241XL Tri-color Ink Cartridge - High Yield
Canon 117
Replacement Canon 117 Black Toner Cartridge (2578B001AA) - Standard Yield

For Epson Printers

Epson printers use cartridges or ink bottles, being the first company to manufacture ink bottles for their printers. Unlike Canon and HP, Epson printer inks are separated by color and come in different packages. Below, you'll see what an Epson ink cartridge packaging looks like.

Epson 676XL
Epson 676XL Ink Cartridges: 1 Black, 1 Cyan, 1 Magenta, 1 Yellow - High Yield
(Original Packaging)

If your Epson printer has an ink tank such as the Epson EcoTank series, it will use ink bottles for refilling ink.

Epson EcoTank 522
Epson EcoTank 522 Ink Bottles: 1 Black, 1 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow - Standard Yield
(Original Packaging)

Now, if you're looking for cheap Epson printer ink, we have what you need! CompAndSave offers both cheap Epson ink cartridges and ink bottles for your printing needs. Colored variants are available as well. Our Epson cheap ink cartridges and ink bottles are proven to work just like the genuine ones, so you can print vibrant pictures anytime!

Epson 676XL
Remanufactured Epson 676XL Black Ink Cartridge (T676XL120) - High Yield
Epson EcoTank 522
Compatible Epson EcoTank 522 Ink Bottles (T522120-S) - Ultra High Yield

For Brother Printers

Brother has inkjet and laser printers. They coined the term INKvestment tanks for their cartridges since they hold more ink, resulting in a low cost per page. If you are using a Brother printer, the ink cartridge code is a mix of letters and numbers. You may also notice the unique shape of the cartridge.

How do you know which ink cartridge to buy for your Brother printer? Remember the numbers and letters. Take a look at some samples below.

Brother LC3037BK
Brother LC3037BK INKvestment Tank Black Ink Cartridge - Super High Yield
(Original Packaging and Cartridge)

If your Epson printer has an ink tank such as the Epson EcoTank series, it will use ink bottles for refilling ink.

Brother TN223BK
Brother TN223BK Black Toner Cartridge - Standard Yield
(Original Packaging and Cartridge)

CompAndSave provides Brother-compatible ink and toner cartridges. You will get the same good-quality prints at a much more affordable price. Check out our cheap Brother ink cartridges and toner, starting at $2.99. They work perfectly, similar to the original!

Brother LC3037BK
Compatible Brother LC3037BK Ink Black Cartridge - Super High Yield

If your Epson printer has an ink tank such as the Epson EcoTank series, it will use ink bottles for refilling ink.

Brother TN223BK
Compatible Brother TN223BK Toner Cartridge - Black

For Lexmark Printers

How to know what ink my printer needs? Lexmark still sells ink cartridges, but it is highly focused on laser printers that use cheap toner cartridges. Compared to inkjet, laser printers print documents quickly and at a low cost per page. The Lexmark ink cartridge model number is easy to spot on the packaging. The toner cartridge packaging may be black or green. See below for samples of Lexmark cartridges.

Lexmark 100XL
Lexmark 100XL Black Ink Cartridge (14N1068) - High Yield
(Original Packaging)
Lexmark 56F2000
Lexmark 56F2000 Black Toner Cartridge - Standard Yield
(Original Packaging and Cartridge)
Lexmark E250A21A
Lexmark E250A21A Black Toner Cartridge - Standard Yield
(Original Packaging and Cartridge)

Where can I buy Lexmark ink cartridges? CompAndSave aims to offer the same quality and efficiency as Lexmark ink cartridges and toners. You will save more with our discount inks and toners, which are designed to match the original Lexmark products. Shop now for cheap compatible and replacement Lexmark Printer Ink and toner Cartridges.

Lexmark 100XL
Replacement Lexmark 100XL Ink Cartridges: 1 Black, 1 Cyan, 1 Magenta, 1 Yellow - High Yield
Lexmark E352H11A
Replacement Lexmark E352H11A Black Toner Cartridge - High Yield

Parting Words

So, "What ink does my printer use?" Well, you have the answers in this guide! Remember, whether it's a laserjet or an inkjet, knowing "What ink does my printer take?" ensures smooth and efficient printing experiences every time. Plus, you can save more on ink when you purchase CompAndSave's cheap ink cartridges. So go ahead, stock up on the right ink, and keep those printers running!

Key takeaways:

  • Knowing your printer model is crucial to finding the right ink cartridge. This information can usually be found on the printer itself or in its manual.
  • You can find compatible ink for your printer by searching either the printer model number or the cartridge number. Cartridge model numbers typically consist of a combination of letters and numbers.
  • While original manufacturer ink cartridges are available, opting for third-party replacements, like those from CompAndSave, can offer significant cost savings without compromising print quality.
1-833-465-6888 (Monday through Friday, 6am-4pm PT), and one of our Customer Service Representatives will be more than happy to help you!


Frequently Asked Questions

You can find cheap compatible ink for your printer from third-party companies like CompAndSave. We offer a wide selection of ink cartridges and toner cartridges for various printer models at affordable prices. Additionally, our user-friendly website allows you to easily search for ink by entering your printer model or cartridge number. Our products are known for their high quality and compatibility, ensuring reliable printing results. With fast shipping and excellent customer service, we are a trusted source for all your printer ink needs!

Using the wrong type of ink can lead to poor print quality, printer malfunctions, and even damage to the printer. Additionally, the printer may not recognize the cartridge, preventing you from printing until the correct ink is used. That's why it's important to know "which ink does my printer use?" so you can choose the right ink for your printer model. It helps your printer work well and last a long time.

Yes, there is a difference between dye-based and pigment-based inks. Dye-based inks are brighter and more vibrant, which is great for printing colorful photos. On the other hand, pigment-based inks are more durable and can withstand water and fade better, making them perfect for printing documents that need to last a long time or for preserving important records. Each type of ink has its own advantages, depending on what you're printing. So, it's essential to choose the right type of ink based on your specific printing needs.