Canon PIXMA MG5560 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA MG5560 uses the PGI-650 / CLI-651 cartridge series, featuring an individual five-ink system that separates document black from colour and photo inks. We have been supplying replacement consumables for this printer since Nov 2013, helping users manage their everyday printing needs efficiently. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance. Because this printer balances general text output with high-resolution photo printing, document black ink requirements usually operate on a completely different depletion timeline compared to the dye-based colour channels.
Document vs photo ink replacement lifecycles
Understanding how long these cartridges last in real use depends heavily on your document types. The larger PGI-650 tank contains pigment ink specifically engineered for crisp text on plain paper, whereas the CLI-651 cartridges use dye ink designed for vivid graphics and photos. Because these ink channels operate independently, a user printing mostly black text will deplete the large black cartridge significantly faster while the remaining colour slots remain full. Page yields for this inkjet family are determined using the international ISO/IEC 24711 standard, which provides an objective benchmark for testing continuous document coverage across standard print jobs.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-651BK | Standard | Black | 1,795 | $0.012 |
| PGI-650BK | Standard | Black | 300 | $0.080 |
| CLI-651C | Standard | Cyan | 332 | $0.066 |
| CLI-651M | Standard | Magenta | 319 | $0.069 |
| CLI-651Y | Standard | Yellow | 344 | $0.064 |
| CLI-651XLB | High Yield | Black | 5,530 | $0.005 |
| PGI-650XLB | High Yield | Black | 500 | $0.063 |
| CLI-651XLC | High Yield | Cyan | 695 | $0.041 |
| CLI-651XLM | High Yield | Magenta | 680 | $0.042 |
| CLI-651XLY | High Yield | Yellow | 695 | $0.041 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing between genuine and compatible options
To minimise standard everyday operational expenses, compatible alternatives offer an exceptional alternative to original equipment cartridges. Many household and office users run standard setups where genuine and compatible tanks operate simultaneously in the same tray without issue. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. For a detailed breakdown of performance metrics and longevity, you can read our comparison guide via this genuine vs compatible cartridges blog post.
Managing ink depletion and delivery setups
Managing your supplies through multi-packs is the most efficient way to maintain uninterrupted printer uptime. If you print heavy text workloads, stocking extra wide pigment black cartridges alongside your value bundles prevents unexpected mid-job print stoppages. Every non-original cartridge option we stock is covered by a complete money-back guarantee, allowing you to test value options with complete peace of mind. Check our full coverage terms on our returns policy page. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply), and we dispatch daily from our regional warehouse network located across Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to ensure prompt transit. Find additional options on our main Canon ink cartridges brand page.
Pro Tip
The Canon PIXMA MG5560 features two distinct black ink cartridges that cannot be used interchangeably. The wide PGI-650 cartridge holds pigment-based ink designed strictly for text documents, while the slim CLI-651 cartridge holds dye-based black ink utilised for photo rendering and shade gradation. If your printer states it is out of black ink, always confirm the exact cartridge code on the screen before removing a tank to avoid opening the wrong replacement supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my printer show the black ink is empty when I just replaced a black cartridge?
The Canon PIXMA MG5560 operates with a dual-black ink delivery system comprising the large PGI-650 text black and the slim CLI-651 photo black. If you print a high volume of text, the pigment black cartridge will deplete rapidly, while the photo black remains unused, or vice versa, causing confusion if you accidentally replace the wrong slot.
Can I install a mix of standard and XL capacities in the cartridge carriage simultaneously?
Yes, you can freely mix and match standard PGI-650/CLI-651 and high-yield PGI-650XL/CLI-651XL cartridges inside the printhead holder. The physical external cartridge dimensions are identical across both capacity tiers; the XL versions simply contain a higher volume of ink inside the inner reservoir.
What happens if one colour ink runs out completely while I am only printing a black document?
This printer enforces a strict safety mechanism that stops all printing operations if any single ink channel, including individual colours like cyan, magenta, or yellow, is completely empty. This roadblock is engineered to prevent the thermal printhead nozzles from firing dry, which would cause irreversible heat damage to the micro-nozzle printer.
