Canon PIXMA MX496 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA MX496 uses the PG-645 / CL-646 cartridge series, a two-cartridge system containing one pigment black and one combined tri-colour cartridge. Because tri-colour cartridges require replacing the entire unit when any single primary colour depletes, managing usage patterns is critical for domestic printing efficiency. We have supplied reliable consumables for this printer since Jun 2015. Our 4.8 Google rating proves it: we consistently supply premium cartridges backed by rock-solid reliability.
Expected Page Output and Replacement Cycles
Standard PG-645 and CL-646 cartridges yield approximately 180 pages, whereas high-yield XL variants extend output to roughly 400 pages based on standard ISO/IEC 24711 testing benchmarks. Standard testing assumes 5% page coverage; heavy graphic printing will exhaust cartridges faster.
| 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.
Choosing Between Genuine and Compatible Options
If you want to lower your printing costs, high-yield compatible cartridges offer an effective alternative to original Canon units without sacrificing operational safety. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. Read our comprehensive genuine vs compatible cartridge guide to see how alternative inks perform against original equipment.
Choosing the Right Cartridge Setup
If your printing consists mainly of black text documents, purchasing high-yield PG-645XL cartridges individually provides the lowest cost per page. However, combining PG-645XL and CL-646XL in a bundle pack helps maintain equal stock, preventing unexpected downtime when the tri-colour unit depletes. All compatible options come with a full money-back guarantee if they fail to perform. Review our returns policy for complete details on item replacements. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99, dispatched quickly from our local warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. View all Canon ink cartridges to stock up today.
Pro Tip
Tri-colour cartridges integrate three separate ink reservoirs into one physical casing. To avoid premature depletion of a single colour, print balanced document pages or switch your driver print settings to "Greyscale/Black Text Only" when colour output is unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix a high-yield PG-645XL black cartridge with a standard CL-646 tri-colour cartridge?
Yes, standard and XL cartridges share identical physical dimensions and click into the exact same slot inside the printer. You can freely combine standard and high-yield cartridges according to your personal consumption needs.
Why does my CL-646 tri-colour cartridge show low ink even though I rarely print in colour?
The printer uses small amounts of colour ink during automated printhead maintenance routines to prevent nozzle clogging. Additionally, standard document printing often blends subtle cyan or magenta tones into black text to enrich line crispness unless greyscale mode is selected.
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, running completely out of one colour requires replacing the entire tri-colour unit to restore accurate photo and document colours.
