Canon PG-40 & Canon CL-41 Ink Cartridges

Expected page output and replacement cycles

Expected page output is measured using standard ISO/IEC 24711 testing protocols under 5% coverage conditions. PG-40 black cartridges average around 330 pages, while CL-41 tri-colour cartridges yield approximately 312 pages depending on document density.

Choosing between genuine and compatible PG-40 and CL-41 cartridges

Compatible PG-40 and CL-41 cartridges offer an economical alternative to original Canon ink without compromising everyday document clarity. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our genuine vs compatible cartridge guide to understand how compatible cartridges perform in daily use.

Managing your Canon ink replacement options

If you print mainly text documents, purchasing pigment PG-40 black in bundle packs lowers your price per drop. If you print photos or mixed graphics, replacing CL-41 tri-colour alongside black maintains balanced output. All compatible cartridges are backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee under our returns policy. Stock up on Canon ink cartridges with fast dispatch from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99.

Pro Tip

The Canon CL-41 uses an integrated FINE printhead design, meaning cyan, magenta, and yellow share a single unit. If one colour runs out, the entire tri-colour cartridge must be replaced even if other chambers still hold ink; running print head cleaning cycles sparingly prevents unnecessary colour depletion.

Match Your Printing Habits to the Right Canon PG-40 or Canon CL-41 Ink Cartridge Pack

Want longer between reorders? The 2-Pack PG-40 Genuine (from $56.01) gives the same full-colour coverage with a higher page yield per cartridge.

If only one colour has run dry, there's no need to replace the rest - a single Genuine PG-40 cartridge (from $41.46) is the lowest-cost way to keep printing.

Watching the budget? Compatible cartridges match the fit and yield of genuine ink at a lower price, from $21.12 for a single CL-41 cartridge or 3-pack PG-40 for $72.83.

For a high-volume office, buying in bulk cuts the cost per unit further - the 4-Pack PG-40 Genuine (from $109.78) is the equivalent option if you'd rather stick with official ink. This qualifies for free delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Canon printer report low ink after installing a compatible PG-40 or CL-41 cartridge?

Older PIXMA models track ink levels via electronic cartridge contact chips or estimated drop counts. When using compatible cartridges, pressing and holding the printer's 'Stop/Reset' button for 5 seconds overrides low-ink warnings and enables continuous printing without affecting output quality.

Can I install a PG-40 black cartridge without having a CL-41 colour cartridge installed?

No, Canon PIXMA printers using this two-cartridge system require both the PG-40 black and CL-41 tri-colour cartridges to be physically present in their respective bays to complete the electrical circuit and initialise printing.

How does pigment black in PG-40 compare to the colour ink in CL-41 for printed documents?

The PG-40 cartridge uses pigment-based black ink designed specifically for sharp, water-resistant text on plain paper. The CL-41 tri-colour cartridge contains specialised ink engineered for smooth colour blending on photo media, meaning black text and colour graphics rely on distinct ink formulations.

Is PG40 the same as PG-40 and CL41 the same as CL-41?

Yes, PG40 and PG-40 refer to the exact same Canon black ink cartridge, while CL41 and CL-41 refer to the tri-colour cartridge. The hyphen is simply a formatting variation used across different retailer catalogues and search engines.