Canon PIXMA MG2560 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA MG2560 uses the PG-645 / CL-646 cartridge series. This compact home printer utilises a two-cartridge system: one dedicated black and one tri-colour. Because the tri-colour cartridge contains cyan, magenta, and yellow ink in a single unit, it is ideally suited for low-volume users or students who prioritise simplicity over high-frequency colour printing. To maintain the best performance, it is helpful to monitor colour usage closely, as the entire tri-colour unit requires replacement once a single hue is depleted, regardless of the remaining ink levels in the other chambers.
Selecting the right cartridge setup
Managing your printing costs effectively depends on your typical document types. For those primarily printing school assignments or basic text documents, the PG-645XL black cartridge provides more than double the page capacity of the standard version. If you frequently print graphics or occasional photos, opting for XL bundles is the most efficient way to stock these cartridges, as they significantly reduce the cost per millilitre compared to individual standard units.
Understanding page yields and output
The page yield for this series is measured using the ISO/IEC 24711 standard for inkjet printers, which simulates a standard set of documents to determine capacity. In real-world usage, your results will vary based on coverage. For instance, a full-page photo will consume ink much faster than a page of double-spaced text.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG-645 | Standard | Black | 180 | $0.14 |
| CL-646 | Standard | Colour | 180 | $0.17 |
| PG-645XL | High Yield | Black | 400 | $0.11 |
| CL-646XL | High Yield | Colour | 400 | $0.11 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing between genuine and compatible options
We offer both genuine Canon supplies and high-quality compatible alternatives for this printer. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Our compatible PG-645XL and CL-646XL cartridges are designed to match the fit and function of the original units while providing a lower price point for budget-conscious users. You can learn more about the differences in our genuine vs compatible guide.
Ordering and fast delivery
When you need to restock, we provide several ways to buy. If you print mainly text, we suggest focusing on black XL cartridges. For those who need both black and colour, our value packs are the preferred choice. All our compatible cartridges come with a money-back guarantee for your peace of mind. For more details on our policies, please view our Returns policy.
Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply). We ship from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to ensure your Canon ink cartridges arrive as quickly as possible.
Pro Tip
Since the PG-645 and CL-646 cartridges feature integrated printheads, replacing the cartridge actually replaces the part of the printer responsible for firing the ink. If your MG2560 has been sitting idle and head cleaning cycles aren't fixing streakiness, a fresh cartridge will often solve the problem entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install an XL cartridge if my printer came with standard ones?
Yes, the PG-645XL and CL-646XL cartridges have the exact same external dimensions as the standard versions. They simply contain more ink inside the internal reservoir, making them a direct "plug and play" upgrade for any MG2560 printer.
Why is my printer showing a low ink warning shortly after I print a few photos?
This printer uses a tri-colour cartridge (CL-646). If you print an image with a heavy blue sky, you may deplete the cyan chamber while magenta and yellow are still half full. Because these colours share a single unit, the printer will signal a replacement is needed even if only one colour is empty.
How do I get the best value for money with this cartridge system?
Because the tri-colour cartridge is less efficient for heavy colour users, the best value is found in purchasing the high-yield "XL" bundles. These provide the highest volume of ink and the lowest cost-per-page, which is particularly important for this specific two-cartridge design.
