Finding the right ink for your printer is usually easier than it looks once you know what to check.
The key is to stop guessing by brand name alone. What matters is your exact printer model and the cartridge code that model uses.
Step 1: Find your exact printer model
Start with the full model name, not just the brand.
You can usually find it:
- on the front or top of the printer
- on a sticker at the back or underneath
- inside the printer settings menu
- in the companion app or printer software
- on a test or status page
Examples of useful full model names include HP DeskJet 2710e, Canon PIXMA TS8350, or Brother MFC-L2750DW.
Step 2: Check the cartridge code, not just the printer brand
Once you know the printer model, the next step is identifying the cartridge family or toner code.
You can do that in three reliable ways:
Method 1: Check the current cartridge
If the printer already has a cartridge installed, remove it carefully and look for the printed code.
Examples include:
- HP 305
- Canon PG-545
- Canon CL-546
- Brother TN-2420
That code is usually more useful than the printer name when you are comparing prices.
Method 2: Use the printer directory
Search for your model in our printer directory. We list the compatible cartridge range for each supported printer, along with supporting cost and buying pages.
Method 3: Use the cartridge directory
If you already know the cartridge code, you can go straight to the cartridge range directory and find the matching range page.
Step 3: Make sure you understand the cartridge system
Not all printers use supplies in the same way.
Standard cartridge systems
These may use:
- separate black and colour cartridges
- a black cartridge plus a tri-colour cartridge
- four or more separate individual colours
Tank systems
EcoTank and MegaTank printers use bottled refills instead of normal cartridges. These are usually much cheaper to run if you print regularly.
Laser printers
Laser printers use toner, not liquid ink. For text-heavy printing, toner can be easier to live with because it does not dry out in the same way.
Step 4: Decide between standard and XL
Many cartridge ranges come in two sizes:
- standard for lower upfront spend
- XL / high-yield for lower cost per page
In simple terms:
- choose standard if you print very lightly
- choose XL if you print regularly and want better long-term value
If you want a worked example, read HP 305 vs HP 305XL.
Step 5: Decide between original and compatible
Once you know the right code, you still need to choose between original and third-party supplies.
Original cartridges or toner
These usually offer:
- the safest compatibility
- more predictable quality
- fewer surprises with warranty or firmware behaviour
Compatible cartridges or toner
These usually offer:
- lower upfront price
- better value for everyday printing
- more variation between suppliers
If your printer is fussy or heavily locked into firmware checks, stay cautious. If you print mainly everyday documents, compatibles can still be worth exploring.
Step 6: Check whether the printer is worth keeping at all
Sometimes finding the right ink is only part of the problem. If the printer uses an expensive range, the better question may be whether the printer is worth keeping.
That is exactly why we built the print cost calculator and the upgrade advisor.
Common mistakes to avoid
- buying by brand instead of exact printer model
- confusing similar cartridge ranges such as HP 304 and HP 305
- assuming standard cartridges are always the cheapest option
- buying a supply without checking the seller's returns policy
- ignoring whether a low-cost printer is actually expensive to run
Summary
To find the right ink for your printer, start with the exact model name, then confirm the cartridge or toner code, then decide between standard vs XL and original vs compatible.
If you are stuck, start with the printer directory, then compare the cartridge range and running costs before you buy.
FAQ
Q: How do I know what ink my printer uses?
A: Find the exact printer model first, then check the cartridge code on the current cartridge, the printer directory, or the manufacturer's supplies page.
Q: Is the printer model or cartridge code more important?
A: Both matter, but the cartridge code is what you use to compare actual buying options once you have confirmed the right model.
Q: Should I buy standard or XL?
A: Standard is usually better for very light use. XL is usually better if you print regularly and care about lower cost per page.
Q: Can I just buy any cartridge from the same brand?
A: No. Cartridge families are model-specific, and similar codes are often not interchangeable.
Q: What should I do if my printer is expensive to run?
A: Use the print cost calculator and upgrade advisor to see whether switching cartridges, choosing XL, or replacing the printer makes more sense.