Canon ink 275 and 276 compatibility, yield, and XL choices
Canon ink 275 and 276 refers to the Canon PG-275 black cartridge and Canon CL-276 color cartridge, a two-cartridge set used by select PIXMA printers. PG-275 is pigment black ink for text, while CL-276 is dye-based color ink for photos, charts, and graphics. Both cartridges are available in standard and XL sizes. Canon’s published specifications list compatibility with PIXMA TS3520, TS3522, TS3720, TS3722, TR4720, and TR4722 models. Canon’s page-yield reports list the standard cartridges at about 180 pages each and the XL versions at about 300 pages each under ISO-style document testing. For more printer ink explainers, visit our Inks section.
What Canon ink 275 and 276 means
The numbers 275 and 276 are not two versions of the same cartridge. They identify two different cartridges that work together in compatible Canon PIXMA printers. PG-275 is the black cartridge. CL-276 is the color cartridge. Printers in this family normally use one black cartridge and one tri-color cartridge at the same time.
The “PG” prefix matters because Canon describes PG-275 as pigment black ink. Pigment black is generally used for sharper, darker-looking text on plain paper. The “CL” prefix identifies the color cartridge. Canon describes CL-276 as dye color ink for color images, graphics, and photo output. This two-cartridge setup is common in entry-level home inkjet printers because it keeps replacement simple: one black cartridge for text-heavy pages and one combined color cartridge for cyan, magenta, and yellow output.
| Cartridge | Ink type | Primary use | Standard ink volume | XL ink volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG-275 | Pigment black | Text and black document printing | 5.6 ml | 11.9 ml |
| CL-276 | Dye color | Color graphics and photos | 6.2 ml | 12.6 ml |
These volumes come from Canon’s product specifications. They help compare standard and XL sizes, but they are not a guaranteed print count. Ink consumption depends on page coverage, paper type, driver settings, and how often the printer runs cleaning or preparation cycles.
Compatible PIXMA printers
Canon’s U.S. product pages for PG-275 and CL-276 list the following compatible PIXMA models:
- Canon PIXMA TS3520
- Canon PIXMA TS3522
- Canon PIXMA TS3720
- Canon PIXMA TS3722
- Canon PIXMA TR4720
- Canon PIXMA TR4722
This compatibility list is important because similar Canon cartridge numbers are not interchangeable. A printer that uses PG-275 and CL-276 should not be assumed to accept older Canon cartridges such as PG-245 and CL-246, or other families such as PG-260 and CL-261, unless the printer’s official specification says so.
Before ordering, check the exact model number printed on the printer body or shown in the printer software. One digit can change the required cartridge family. For example, PIXMA TS3522 and PIXMA TS3722 are both listed for this cartridge family, but a different PIXMA series may use another black and color set. If the printer was imported from another region, verify the cartridge number through the local Canon support page or the packaging sold in that market.
Standard versus XL cartridges
The standard PG-275 and CL-276 cartridges usually have the lower upfront price. They suit occasional printing, a spare printer, or a household that prints only a few forms, return labels, school pages, or recipes each month. The trade-off is replacement frequency, especially when color graphics or photo prints are common.
The XL versions are named PG-275XL and CL-276XL. Canon describes XL cartridges as higher-capacity versions that print more before replacement. Based on Canon’s TS3720 series page-yield report, the standard PG-275 and CL-276 are each rated at approximately 180 Letter/A4 document pages, while PG-275XL and CL-276XL are each rated at approximately 300 Letter/A4 document pages. For many buyers, this is the main practical difference.
| Option | Approximate black yield | Approximate color yield | Better fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG-275 and CL-276 standard | About 180 pages | About 180 pages | Light or occasional printing |
| PG-275XL and CL-276XL | About 300 pages | About 300 pages | Regular home, school, or small-office printing |
The better value is not always the lowest shelf price. A standard cartridge may be enough if the printer is used rarely and long idle periods are expected. For steady printing, XL cartridges often reduce replacement frequency and may lower the practical cost per page if the price difference is reasonable.
How page yield should be interpreted
Page yield is one of the most misunderstood details in ink purchasing. Canon’s published yield figures are based on controlled test conditions so cartridges can be compared more fairly. Canon explains that page-yield testing uses standardized documents and settings, and the TS3720 series yield report identifies ISO/IEC 24711 testing with an ISO/IEC 24712 document test pattern for Letter/A4 documents.
Real-world output can be higher or lower. A simple text page may use less ink than a newsletter with graphics. A full-page photo can use far more color ink than a standard school worksheet. Borderless printing, high-quality photo settings, heavy page coverage, and repeated cleaning cycles can all reduce the number of pages produced from a cartridge.
New printer owners should also note one setup-related limitation. Canon’s page-yield report says the first installed cartridges may print fewer pages because some ink is used to prepare the printer for operation. In practice, cartridges included with a new printer, or the first cartridges installed during setup, may not deliver the same print count as later replacement cartridges.
Value packs, single cartridges, and replacement timing
PG-275 and CL-276 are sold as individual cartridges and as black-plus-color value packs. A two-pack is convenient when both cartridges are running low or when buying ink for a printer that has been idle for a long time. Buying individually is more practical when only the black cartridge or only the color cartridge needs replacement. See also: Gift Guide.
Because CL-276 is a combined tri-color cartridge, one depleted color channel can affect color printing even if the other two colors still contain ink. Users who print many blue-heavy charts, red graphics, or photo images may use up one part of the color cartridge faster than the rest. That is one limitation of a tri-color design compared with printers that use separate cyan, magenta, and yellow tanks.
For everyday planning, watch the printer’s ink alerts and also check print quality. Fading black text, missing color bands, color casts, and repeated warnings after several print attempts can indicate that a cartridge is nearly empty, not seated correctly, or not flowing properly. If a new cartridge is installed and the printer still reports an issue, remove it carefully, confirm the protective tape has been removed, reseat it firmly, and follow the printer’s on-screen guidance.
Genuine, compatible, and refilled options
Canon’s official pages emphasize genuine Canon cartridges for compatible printers. The advantages are predictable fit, recognized specifications, and output expectations aligned with the printer’s design. This is the lower-risk choice when the printer is used for school submissions, office paperwork, shipping labels, or family photos where a failed cartridge would be disruptive.
Compatible, remanufactured, and refilled PG-275 or CL-276 cartridges may be available from third-party sellers. These products can reduce upfront cost, but quality control, ink formulation, cartridge recognition, return policies, and color consistency can vary by supplier. If choosing a non-OEM option, confirm that the listing explicitly names your printer model and the PG-275 or CL-276 family, not just a similar Canon number.
A simple purchasing rule applies: low-cost ink is only a saving if it prints reliably. A cartridge that triggers recognition errors, leaks, dries quickly, or produces weak color can waste paper and time. For critical printing, use a cartridge source with clear compatibility language and a return process.
Quick buying checklist
- Confirm the exact printer model before ordering.
- Choose PG-275 for black text and CL-276 for color output.
- Use XL versions if you print regularly and want fewer replacements.
- Compare price per expected page, not only the package price.
- Remember that photo printing and heavy graphics use more ink than standard document pages.
- Check whether you need one cartridge or a black-plus-color value pack.
- Keep cartridges sealed until installation to reduce drying risk.
For most users, the lowest-risk purchase is the cartridge family named directly in the printer documentation: PG-275 or PG-275XL for black, and CL-276 or CL-276XL for color. If the printer is used several times per week, the XL set is usually more practical because the replacement interval is longer.
Frequently asked questions
Are Canon 275 and 276 the same cartridge?
No. PG-275 is the black cartridge, while CL-276 is the color cartridge. Compatible printers normally use both: one black and one color cartridge.
Can I use PG-275XL instead of PG-275?
Yes, for printers that support the PG-275 family. PG-275XL is the higher-capacity black version. Canon lists XL support for this cartridge family in compatible models, and its published yield is higher than the standard cartridge.
What is the difference between CL-276 and CL-276XL?
CL-276 is the standard color cartridge, while CL-276XL is the higher-capacity color cartridge. Canon’s published TS3720 series yield report lists about 180 pages for the standard CL-276 and about 300 pages for the CL-276XL under document testing.
Why did my first cartridge print fewer pages than expected?
The first installed cartridges can yield fewer pages because the printer uses some ink during initial setup and print-head preparation. Canon’s page-yield notes specifically warn that first tanks may produce fewer sheets than succeeding tanks.
Will Canon 275 and 276 fit every PIXMA printer?
No. They fit only specific PIXMA models. Canon’s U.S. specifications list models such as TS3520, TS3522, TS3720, TS3722, TR4720, and TR4722 for this cartridge family. Always check the exact printer model before buying.
