HP 970, 970XL, 971, 971XL Ink Cartridges
The HP 970 and 971 ink cartridge series runs on a static, full-width print bar system inside OfficeJet Pro X printers, requiring specific ink formulations to prevent nozzle blockages across thousands of fixed firing gates. This setup accommodates standard yield options alongside high-yield 970XL and 971XL variants to match different print frequencies. Fully tested third-party compatible cartridges are also available to lower operational overheads without modifying the physical setup of your printer.
Printers Compatible with HP 970 & 971 Ink Cartridges
What to expect from each cartridge type
Page yields for this series are calculated under the strict ISO/IEC 24711 international standard for inkjet systems using continuous text and graphic matrices. Standard HP 970 black cartridges produce 3,000 pages, while standard 971 colours yield 2,500 pages. Stepping up to 970XL black delivers 9,200 pages, and 971XL high-yield colours output 6,600 pages, meaning fewer maintenance interventions during large print runs.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 970 | Standard | Black | 3,000 | $0.046 |
| 971 | Standard | Cyan | 2,500 | $0.057 |
| 971 | Standard | Magenta | 2,500 | $0.057 |
| 971 | Standard | Yellow | 2,500 | $0.057 |
| 970XL | High Yield | Black | 9,200 | $0.030 |
| 971XL | High Yield | Cyan | 6,600 | $0.041 |
| 971XL | High Yield | Magenta | 6,600 | $0.041 |
| 971XL | High Yield | Yellow | 6,600 | $0.041 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Genuine vs compatible cartridges
Choosing between options depends on your corporate procurement strategy and budget. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Third-party premium formulations provide an alternative path to saving money on high-capacity office printing, ensuring the wide-format PageWide printhead functions reliably without any degradation in text edge sharpness. Learn more details by reading our genuine vs compatible cartridges analysis.
Choosing the right cartridge setup
Heavy text workloads require a deep black ink pool, making the high-yield 970XL black or the 4-pack genuine bundle the most stable configuration for busy workspaces. If your workplace prints sporadic marketing drafts, standard cartridges lower upfront costs. Compatible versions carry a full money-back guarantee, backed by our streamlined returns policy if physical defects occur. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply), with shipments dispatched from our national warehouse network in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide to reduce transit times. Stock your office via our main HP ink cartridges catalogue page.
Pro Tip
Because the OfficeJet Pro X printhead remains fixed while paper moves beneath it, a single clogged nozzle from an unstable third-party ink can leave permanent white lines down your entire document. Always ensure your printer stays connected to main power so it can run its automated background maintenance routines to protect the wide print array.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix a genuine 970XL black cartridge with compatible 971XL colour cartridges?
Yes. The printer treats each slot independently and monitors chip data separately, allowing you to deploy third-party color cartridges alongside an authentic black cartridge without causing communication errors or system blockages.
Why does my printer show an "Ink Depleted" error immediately after installing a compatible 971XL?
This occurs if the microchip on the third-party cartridge mimics an older firmware version. To bypass this, disable automatic internet firmware updates via the printer control panel to prevent the printer from locking out third-party chip structures.
Do these cartridges use pigment or dye-based ink chemistry?
Both standard and XL variants in the 970 and 971 families utilise full pigment ink formulations across all four colours, which prevents smudging when exposed to highlighter pens and ensures archival longevity on plain business paper.
The Ink Depot Experience: HP 970, 970XL, 971 & 971XL Customer Reviews
General FAQ
HP 970, 970XL, 971, 971XL ink cartridges are compatible with the following OfficeJet Pro printer models: X451dn X451dw, X476dn X476dw, X551dn X551dw, X551dw, X576dn, X576dw. Standard yield black (970) offers a page yield of 3,000 pages and high yield (970XL) inks have page yields of 9,200 pages. Colour standard inks 971 offers a yield of 2,500 pages and high yield 971XL has page yields of 6,600 pages.
HP 970XL black ink cartridges offer a page yield of 9,200 pages, which is more than 3 times the page yield of HP 970 black cartridges which have yields of 3,000 pages.
