Canon PIXMA MG2960 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA MG2960 uses the PG-645 / CL-646 ink series. Since this model uses a two-cartridge setup with integrated printheads, running out of a single colour inside the tri-colour cartridge means replacing the entire colour unit. Upgrading to high-yield XL options reduces how often you need to replace your cartridges, keeping your home workspace running smoothly. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance, supporting this printer model since May 2016.
Real-world page yield and cartridge output
Page yields for the PG-645 and CL-646 series are calculated using ISO/IEC 24711 standard testing methods under continuous printing conditions. Standard capacity cartridges yield approximately 180 pages, while XL variants offer up to 400 pages for both black and colour printing.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG-645 | Standard | Black | 180 | $0.14 |
| CL-646 | Standard | Colour | 180 | $0.19 |
| 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.
Managing your replacement cartridges
For routine document printing, choosing XL cartridges significantly lowers your cost per page. If you print infrequently, standard capacities prevent ink drying out in the built-in printhead nozzles. If you choose our compatible alternatives to lower your overall expenditure, every purchase is backed by our full money-back guarantee. View our complete returns process on our Returns policy page. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from our warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Browse our complete range of Canon ink cartridges to stock up.
Genuine vs compatible cartridges
Choosing between OEM and third-party options comes down to budget preferences. Compatible PG-645XL and CL-646XL cartridges offer identical physical dimensions and fit seamlessly into your printer slots while delivering higher ink volume at a lower price point. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Learn more about performance differences in our genuine vs compatible guide.
Pro Tip
When replacing the tri-colour cartridge, run a quick nozzle check prior to printing photos. Because cyan, magenta, and yellow share a single unit with integrated printhead nozzles, a brief cleaning cycle ensures balanced colour distribution across all three chambers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my colour cartridge show low ink even if I only print in black?
The Canon PIXMA MG2960 still uses small amounts of colour ink during periodic automatic maintenance routines to clear the printhead nozzles. Additionally, standard print drivers often mix small quantities of colour ink into black text prints to enhance depth and contrast unless explicit greyscale modes are enabled.
Can I mix a genuine PG-645 black cartridge with a compatible CL-646XL colour cartridge?
Yes, you can freely mix genuine and compatible cartridges in this printer. The system reads each cartridge slot independently, allowing you to use a genuine black alongside a compatible tri-colour without causing communication errors or print failure.
What happens if one colour runs out inside the CL-646 tri-colour cartridge?
Because cyan, magenta, and yellow share a single physical cartridge casing and integrated printhead, you must replace the entire CL-646 unit once one colour chamber is exhausted, even if ink remains in the other two chambers.
