Canon PIXMA MG2965 Ink Cartridges
Your PIXMA MG2965 uses the PG-645 / CL-646 cartridge series, a two-tank system consisting of one pigment black and one tri-colour cartridge. We have been supplying these consumables to our customers since Sep 2023. As this printer is often used for light home tasks, the tri-colour cartridge integrates the printhead, ensuring a fresh firing mechanism with every replacement. Our 4.8 Google rating proves it: we consistently supply premium cartridges backed by rock-solid reliability.
Understanding page yield for home printing
The number of pages you can print depends on whether you select standard or XL high-yield versions of the PG-645 and CL-646 cartridges. For home users, the XL variants offer more than double the capacity, which is ideal if you print documents or school assignments frequently. Canon determines these yields based on the ISO/IEC 24711 international standard for inkjet printing under continuous testing conditions.
| 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.
Ordering the right cartridges for your needs
For infrequent users who only print occasionally, the standard PG-645 and CL-646 cartridges are a practical choice to keep initial costs low. However, if you find yourself printing more than a few pages a week, the XL value packs are the most popular way to manage replacements. These bundles provide both the black and colour tanks together, reducing the total cost compared to buying them individually. We ship all orders from our national warehouse network in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth to ensure prompt arrival. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply). You can view our full range of Canon ink cartridges or review our Returns policy for peace of mind.
Pro Tip
Since this printer uses a tri-colour cartridge, if one colour (like Yellow) runs out, you must replace the entire CL-646 unit even if the other colours are still full. Printing in "Greyscale" mode in your printer settings can help preserve your colour ink when it isn't strictly necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a PG-645XL cartridge if my printer came with a standard PG-645?
Yes, the XL cartridges are the exact same physical dimensions as the standard versions. They contain a larger volume of ink and fit into the same internal slots without any modification to the printer required.
Why does my colour ink level drop even when I only print black text?
The PIXMA MG2965 uses a small amount of colour ink from the CL-646 cartridge during the initialisation cycle and for printhead cleaning to prevent the nozzles from clogging. This is a maintenance function designed to keep the integrated printhead operational.
What is the difference between the PG-645 and the CL-646 cartridges?
The PG-645 contains pigment-based black ink, which is specifically formulated for crisp, smudge-resistant text. The CL-646 is a tri-colour cartridge containing dye-based Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow inks, which are used for mixing all colours and photo shades.
