Canon PIXMA MX396 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA MX396 uses the PG-640, PG-640XL, PG-640XXL, CL-641, and CL-641XL ink cartridge series. Ink Depot has been supplying reliable consumables for this printer since Apr 2013. The PIXMA MX396 is a compact home office all-in-one inkjet featuring an automatic document feeder for multi-page document tasks. Routine text printing heavily drains the black cartridge, making the high-yield PG-640XXL option a far more practical choice to lower replacement frequency. Our 4.8 Google rating reflects a long-standing track record of premium cartridge performance.
Expected page output and replacement cycles
Page yields for Canon PG-640 and CL-641 cartridges are measured in accordance with ISO/IEC 24711 standards using standard A4 print test pages. Actual output varies based on print density, image coverage, and document type. High-yield XL and XXL cartridges significantly reduce cost per page for high-frequency printing.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG-640 | Standard | Black | 180 | $0.14 |
| CL-641 | Standard | Colour | 180 | $0.19 |
| PG-640XL | High Yield | Black | 400 | $0.11 |
| CL-641XL | High Yield | Colour | 400 | $0.11 |
| PG-640XXL | Extra High Yield | Black | 600 | $0.081 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing between genuine and compatible cartridges
For budget-conscious home offices, compatible PG-640XL and CL-641XL cartridges offer significant savings while delivering clear text and vibrant colour prints. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our genuine vs compatible cartridge guide to evaluate performance and value.
How to select the right cartridges and order
If you primarily print text documents, upgrading to the high-capacity PG-640XXL black cartridge extends cartridge life significantly beyond the base PG-640. Combined multi-packs containing both PG-640XL and CL-641XL cartridges are ideal for balanced colour and black printing. Compatible cartridges come with a full money-back guarantee if they fail to perform. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99. We dispatch daily from warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Browse our full range of Canon ink cartridges or check our returns policy for details.
Pro tip for two-cartridge Canon systems
Because the CL-641 tri-colour cartridge contains cyan, magenta, and yellow in a single unit, replacing it becomes necessary as soon as any single colour runs low. If you print heavy volumes of single-colour accents or photos, consider keeping a spare CL-641XL on hand to prevent sudden printing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the PG-640XXL black cartridge fit in my Canon PIXMA MX396 printer?
Yes. The PG-640XXL cartridge uses the exact same physical cartridge slot as the standard PG-640 and PG-640XL. It simply contains more ink inside the shell.
Can I install an XL cartridge on one side and a standard cartridge on the other?
Yes, you can freely mix standard and XL or XXL capacity cartridges. For example, running a PG-640XXL black cartridge alongside a standard CL-641 colour cartridge works seamlessly.
Why does my printer show low colour ink even if I mainly print black documents?
The PIXMA MX396 uses small amounts of colour ink during periodic automatic maintenance routines to prevent nozzle blockages, even during monochrome printing.
