Canon PIXMA TS9160 Ink Cartridges
Your Canon PIXMA TS9160 uses the PGI-680 and CLI-681 cartridge series. This advanced six-ink system includes a dedicated Photo Blue cartridge, specifically designed to reduce graininess in high-definition photo prints. We have been supplying consumables for this printer since May 2026, supporting its unique colour profile. Because this printer separates text-based pigment black from dye-based photo inks, you will notice the large PGI-680BK cartridge depletes during document printing while the smaller CLI-681 tanks remain reserved for vibrant imagery and creative projects.
Understanding cartridge yield for the TS9160
The page output for this series varies significantly between the pigment black used for documents and the dye-based colours used for photography. Canon calculates these yields based on the ISO/IEC 24711 standard for A4 documents, while photo-specific cartridges like the Photo Blue (PB) are often measured using the ISO/IEC 29102 standard for borderless 10x15cm photos. In creative environments, the Photo Blue ink is used selectively to enhance sky and ocean tones, meaning it often outlasts the standard Cyan or Magenta tanks during mixed-use printing.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-681BK | Standard | Black | 1,500 | $0.012 |
| PGI-680BK | Standard | Black | 200 | $0.089 |
| CLI-681C | Standard | Cyan | 250 | $0.071 |
| CLI-681M | Standard | Magenta | 250 | $0.071 |
| CLI-681Y | Standard | Yellow | 250 | $0.068 |
| CLI-681PB | Standard | Photo | 1,660 | $0.011 |
| PGI-680XLBK | High Yield | Black | 400 | $0.071 |
| CLI-681XLBK | High Yield | Black | 3,120 | $0.009 |
| CLI-681XLC | High Yield | Cyan | 515 | $0.055 |
| CLI-681XLM | High Yield | Magenta | 515 | $0.055 |
| CLI-681XLY | High Yield | Yellow | 515 | $0.055 |
| CLI-681XLPB | High Yield | Photo | 4,710 | $0.006 |
| PGI-680XXLBK | Extra High Yield | Black | 600 | $0.053 |
| CLI-681XXLBK | Extra High Yield | Black | 6,360 | $0.005 |
| CLI-681XXLC | Extra High Yield | Cyan | 760 | $0.045 |
| CLI-681XXLM | Extra High Yield | Magenta | 760 | $0.045 |
| CLI-681XXLY | Extra High Yield | Yellow | 760 | $0.045 |
| CLI-681XXLPB | Extra High Yield | Photo | 9,140 | $0.004 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Choosing your cartridge setup
For users focusing on high-definition photography, the XXL series offers the most stable colour consistency over long print runs. If your printing is more varied, mixed bundles are the most effective way to manage the six-tank system without individual colour depletion causing downtime. Our compatible cartridges offer a cost-effective alternative for everyday projects and come with a money back guarantee if they do not perform to your expectations.
Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply). We dispatch daily from our national network of warehouses in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide to ensure your Canon ink cartridges arrive promptly.
Genuine vs compatible cartridges
The TS9160 is a precision creative tool, and while genuine Canon inks provide the exact spectral properties for archival photos, high-quality compatibles are an excellent choice for student work or home office documents. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. For a detailed breakdown of how these options compare, you can read our guide at genuine vs compatible.
Pro Tip
Always keep a spare CLI-681BK (Small Black) on hand. Even though the printer has a large PGI-680BK for text, it relies on the smaller dye-black cartridge to add depth and contrast to photos; if this small tank is empty, the printer will often refuse to start a high-quality photo print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix and match different yield sizes in the same printer?
Yes, the TS9160 allows you to install any combination of standard, XL, and XXL cartridges. For example, you can use an XXL Pigment Black for heavy document printing while keeping standard-sized colour tanks for occasional photo work.
What is the purpose of the Photo Blue (PB) cartridge?
The Photo Blue ink is unique to Canon's six-ink system. It is designed specifically to broaden the colour gamut in the blue-to-white transition, effectively reducing "noise" or grain in photos of skies, water, or bright landscapes that standard CMYK sets struggle to replicate smoothly.
Will the printer work if one of the six cartridges is empty?
No, the PIXMA TS9160 requires all six cartridges to have a minimum ink level to initiate a print cycle. This is a protective measure to prevent the print head from overheating or drawing air into the nozzles, which could cause permanent damage to the firing mechanism.
