Canon PGI-525, CLI-526 Ink Cartridges
Canon PGI-525 and CLI-526 ink cartridges are available in individual genuine or compatible standard-yield replacements alongside multi-pack value configurations. Selecting compatible options reduces printing expenses significantly across the individual ink system, including specialised grey variants. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows that our customers consistently receive high-quality cartridges backed by reliable performance.
Printers Compatible with Canon PGI-525, CLI-526 Ink Cartridges
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Page yield figures follow industry standard ISO/IEC 24711 metrics for inkjet systems, though photographic ink consumption differs heavily from black document tracking. The massive variance between monochrome text tracking and individual photography wells means physical cartridge depletion rarely occurs uniformly across all active slots.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-526BK | Standard | Black | 2,185 | $0.011 |
| PGI-525BK | Standard | Black | 311 | $0.076 |
| CLI-526C | Standard | Cyan | 462 | $0.051 |
| CLI-526M | Standard | Magenta | 437 | $0.054 |
| CLI-526GY | Standard | Yellow | 1,480 | $0.016 |
| CLI-526Y | Standard | Yellow | 450 | $0.052 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
What to know about compatible cartridges
Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Generic PGI-525BK or CLI-526 wells operate safely alongside your printing mechanics without restricting access to standard brand maintenance pathways. Review our structural comparative resource detailing genuine vs compatible cartridges before completing checkout.
Choosing the right cartridge setup
If you print text documents exclusively, buy the large PGI-525BK pigment black well to handle monochrome line work economically. If you print photos or complex graphics, prioritise bundling your colour replacements in multi-packs, ensuring you account for the CLI-526GY grey cartridge if your specific PIXMA printer requires it. All compatible options include a comprehensive money-back guarantee. For details on return windows, visit our Returns policy. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply), with inventory dispatched rapidly from distribution warehouses located in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Explore options for your printer via the dedicated Canon ink cartridges category page.
Pro Tip
Check your exact PIXMA model number before selecting replacements, as some models (like the MG5150) use a 5-ink layout, while others (like the MG6150) require the CLI-526GY grey ink well to function, meaning a standard 5-pack bundle will leave your printer stalled if grey runs empty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer list separate page yields for the two different black cartridges?
The PGI-525BK contains pigment black ink formulated exclusively for sharp text documentation on plain copy paper, while the CLI-526BK contains dye-based ink used for photo printing and gradient shading. Your printer consumes these inks from entirely separate reserves depending on whether you select document or glossy media settings.
Can I run a mix of genuine and compatible cartridges simultaneously in my individual colour printer?
Yes, each cartridge slot operates independently with its own smart chip. You can insert a compatible CLI-526 cyan well alongside remaining genuine magenta or black cartridges without causing communication faults or firmware errors inside the ink carriage.
Why does my grey ink cartridge drain when I am only printing black and white documents?
Canon individual ink systems pull micro-drops of CLI-526GY grey and dye-based colour inks to execute composite greyscale printing and internal printhead maintenance cycles, ensuring fine tone control even when text documents do not explicitly request colour saturation.
