Canon PG-245 ink cartridge guide for yield, compatibility and XL options
What is Canon PG-245?
Canon PG-245 is a black pigment FINE ink cartridge used in selected Canon PIXMA home and small-office inkjet printers. For buyers searching for canon pg 245, the practical questions are usually straightforward: will it fit the exact printer model, how many pages should it print, and whether PG-245XL or another related cartridge is the better purchase. Canon’s product information identifies PG-245 as a pigment black cartridge intended for sharp text on plain paper. The matching color cartridge family is CL-246. The safest buying rule is to confirm the printer model first, then compare standard-yield PG-245 with high-capacity PG-245XL based on print volume.
Ink availability, retail pricing and packaging vary by seller, so this guide focuses on details that are more stable: cartridge role, compatible model checks, published page-yield figures, related cartridge numbers and installation considerations. For broader ink coverage, visit the Inks section.
Canon PG-245 compatibility checklist
The safest way to buy any ink cartridge is to match the full printer model, not only the cartridge number printed on a box or shown in a marketplace title. Canon’s U.S. product information for PG-245 lists the cartridge as compatible with select PIXMA models, including iP2820, MG2420, MG2924, MG2920, MX492, MG3020, MG2525, TS3120, TS302, TS202, TR4520 and TS3320. Regional model names and retailer listings may differ, so the printer label, setup manual or on-screen ink information should be treated as the final check.
A useful compatibility routine is:
- Find the exact PIXMA model number on the printer body, printer settings page or original documentation.
- Check whether the black cartridge position calls for PG-245, PG-245XL, PG-243 or another PG-series number.
- Confirm the matching color cartridge separately, because black and color cartridges are not interchangeable.
- Be cautious with listings that say “fits Canon 245” but do not name the printer model.
- For remanufactured or compatible cartridges, verify both the chip recognition claim and the return policy before purchasing.
Compatibility matters because the PG-245 family is used by compact, budget-focused PIXMA models that can look similar while accepting different regional or generation-specific cartridges. A cartridge that looks like PG-245 is not automatically usable if the printer firmware, contacts or accepted cartridge list do not match.
Page yield and what the 180-page figure means
Canon’s page-yield material for the PIXMA MG2420 lists PG-245 at 180 pages and PG-245XL at 300 pages for mixed text and graphics documents on plain paper under ISO/IEC 24711 testing with the ISO/IEC 24712 pattern. The same Canon yield sheet lists CL-246 and CL-246XL at 180 and 300 pages respectively for the comparable color cartridge family. These figures are useful for comparing cartridge sizes, but they should not be read as a guarantee that every user will reach the same page count.
| Cartridge | Ink role | Published yield in Canon MG2420 yield material | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG-245 | Black pigment ink | 180 pages | Light home printing and occasional documents |
| PG-245XL | High-capacity black pigment ink | 300 pages | More frequent black-and-white printing |
| CL-246 | Tri-color dye-based ink family | 180 pages | Basic color graphics and occasional images |
| CL-246XL | High-capacity tri-color ink family | 300 pages | Higher color usage within compatible printers |
The yield difference is the main reason buyers compare PG-245 with PG-245XL. Based on Canon’s published figures, PG-245XL provides about 67% more listed page yield than standard PG-245. That does not automatically make the XL cartridge cheaper in every store, because retail pricing changes. It does, however, give buyers a simple cost-per-page check: divide the current cartridge price by the expected page yield, then compare the standard and XL options.
Actual yield can fall below the published number when pages include heavy bold text, dense forms, graphics, labels or repeated print-head cleaning. Long gaps between print jobs can also affect ink use, because inkjet printers may consume ink to maintain nozzle performance. Canon’s PIXMA manual notes that both black and color ink can be used during cleaning operations, and that color ink may be used even when printing a black-and-white document or when black-and-white printing is selected. That point is important for users who see the color cartridge level drop even though they mostly print documents.
Canon PG-245 vs PG-245XL, PG-243 and CL-246
The PG-245 family can be confusing because several cartridge numbers often appear together in printer manuals, retailer bundles and multi-pack listings. The easiest way to separate them is by cartridge role.
PG-245 vs PG-245XL
PG-245 is the standard black pigment cartridge. PG-245XL is the high-capacity version for the same black cartridge position in compatible printers. Canon describes XL cartridges as high capacity, meaning more ink for more prints. For users who print only a few forms, labels or school pages each month, standard PG-245 may be enough. For users who print multiple documents every week, PG-245XL is worth comparing because of its higher listed yield.
PG-245 vs CL-246
PG-245 is not a color cartridge. It is the black side of the cartridge set. CL-246 is the related tri-color cartridge family for compatible printers. Many PIXMA printers that use this generation require both a black FINE cartridge and a color FINE cartridge to be installed, even if most jobs are printed in black. Canon’s replacement instructions for the MG2400 series state that the machine cannot print unless both the color and black FINE cartridges are installed.
PG-243 and CL-244 as related cartridges
Canon’s product information for the PG-243 and CL-244 value pack describes that pair as a compatible replacement for PG-245/PG-245XL black cartridges and CL-246/CL-246XL color cartridges. In practical terms, PG-243 is often treated as a smaller black option in the same family for certain compatible printers, while PG-245 and PG-245XL fill the standard and XL positions. Buyers should still check the printer’s accepted cartridge list before substituting one number for another, because marketplace titles sometimes group compatible families too broadly.
Installation and handling tips that prevent common problems
Most PG-245 issues occur at three points: selecting the wrong model, touching sensitive parts during installation or failing to seat the cartridge fully. Canon’s PIXMA replacement instructions warn users not to touch the electrical contacts or the print-head nozzle on a FINE cartridge, because doing so may prevent proper printing. The same instructions tell users to install the black FINE cartridge in the right slot and the color FINE cartridge in the left slot on the referenced MG2400 series.
A careful installation process looks like this:
- Turn the printer on before opening the cover, so the cartridge holder can move to the replacement position.
- Remove the empty black cartridge without forcing the holder.
- Unpack the new PG-245 and remove the protective tape gently.
- Avoid touching the copper-colored contacts or the print-head nozzle area.
- Insert the black cartridge into the right slot at a slight angle, then push it firmly until it clicks into place.
- Close the cover and follow any alignment or confirmation prompts shown by the printer.
If the printer still reports an error after installation, do not immediately assume the cartridge is defective. Reopen the cover, check that both black and color cartridges are installed, confirm that the protective tape was removed, and reseat the cartridge until it clicks. If the printer has been unused for a long period, a cleaning cycle or alignment step may be needed. Repeated deep cleaning should be used carefully because it consumes ink. See also: Gift Guide.
How to choose between OEM, remanufactured and compatible cartridges
Canon-branded PG-245 cartridges are the original equipment manufacturer option. Their main advantages are direct compatibility support, published Canon yield references and a lower risk of cartridge recognition issues. Remanufactured cartridges reuse an original cartridge shell that has been cleaned, refilled and tested by a third party. Compatible cartridges are newly made third-party alternatives intended to work in the same printer family. Each option has trade-offs.
OEM cartridges are usually the simplest choice for users who value predictable installation over the lowest upfront price. Remanufactured and compatible cartridges may reduce purchase cost, but quality depends heavily on the supplier’s filling process, chip condition, packaging and return policy. Because PG-245 is an integrated FINE cartridge with the print head built into the cartridge assembly, poor handling or a weak remanufacturing process can affect print consistency more noticeably than with simple ink tanks.
When comparing non-OEM options, look for specific and verifiable claims rather than broad wording. A stronger listing will name PG-245 or PG-245XL, list compatible PIXMA models, state whether ink-level monitoring is supported, disclose whether the product is remanufactured or newly compatible, and provide a clear return process for cartridge recognition errors. Avoid assuming that a higher advertised page count is reliable unless the seller explains the test method and coverage assumptions.
Storage, print quality and end-of-life handling
Inkjet cartridges perform best when they are installed before drying risk becomes significant and when the printer is used regularly enough to keep ink flowing. Canon’s MG2400 series replacement guidance says a FINE cartridge should not be removed and left in the open because it can dry out, and it recommends using a FINE cartridge within six months of first use for optimal print quality. That recommendation is especially relevant for occasional users who buy multi-packs but print only a few pages per month.
For sharper text from PG-245, use plain paper settings for ordinary documents, avoid unnecessary high-density modes and run alignment after replacing the cartridge if the printer asks for it. If text looks faint, streaked or uneven, check the driver settings before running repeated cleaning cycles. Draft mode saves ink but may reduce darkness. Best-quality settings may use more ink than necessary for routine forms.
When the cartridge is empty, check local disposal rules. Canon U.S.A. describes an ink cartridge take-back program for used Canon-branded inkjet cartridges, including drop-off through participating FedEx Office locations and a mail-back option where the customer provides postage. Local recycling rules can vary, so users should confirm participation before making a special trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canon PG-245 black or color ink?
Canon PG-245 is black pigment ink. The related color cartridge family is CL-246. If your printer uses both, the black cartridge and color cartridge must be purchased and installed separately unless you buy a value pack.
How many pages does Canon PG-245 print?
Canon’s published page-yield material for the PIXMA MG2420 lists PG-245 at 180 pages under ISO-based testing for mixed text and graphics documents on plain paper. Actual results vary based on page content, settings, cleaning cycles and printer usage patterns.
Can I use PG-245XL instead of PG-245?
In printers that support the PG-245 family, PG-245XL is the high-capacity black option. It is designed for more prints than standard PG-245, but users should still confirm the exact printer model before buying.
Why does my color ink drop when I print in black?
Canon’s PIXMA manual explains that color ink may be consumed even during black-and-white printing and that both black and color ink are consumed during standard cleaning and deep cleaning. This is normal behavior for many inkjet maintenance systems.
Should occasional users buy PG-245 or PG-245XL?
Occasional users may prefer PG-245 if they print infrequently and are concerned about ink drying after installation. Users who print regularly should compare PG-245XL, because its published yield is higher and it may lower cost per page when the price difference is reasonable.
