Canon PIXMA MG3260 Ink Cartridges
Your PIXMA MG3260 uses the CL-641 / CL-641XL / PG-640 / PG-640XL / PG-640XXL cartridge series. Our 4.8 Google Star rating shows that our customers consistently receive high-quality cartridges backed by reliable performance. Ink Depot has supported users by supplying consumables for this printer since Oct 2012. The print system utilises a dual-cartridge setup consisting of one black and one tri-colour unit, making it straightforward for general domestic workloads. Regular consumption habits mean black text ink depletes independently of colour, though routine printhead maintenance cycles draw ink from both housings to preserve long-term firing reliability.
Real-world cartridge yield and performance
Anticipated print output varies according to document density and graphical coverage during regular home operations. Official manufacturer page ratings follow the industry standard ISO/IEC 24711 standard for inkjet systems, delivering an impartial benchmark based on a fixed five percent text coverage per sheet rather than complex photo prints.
| 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 | $0.10 |
| 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.
Evaluating alternative consumable options
Managing regular printing costs becomes easier with third-party replacement alternatives that slide directly into the existing printer carriage. Under Australian Consumer Law, using compatible cartridges does not void your printer warranty. These alternative units feature exact physical configurations to ensure accurate ink tracking through the internal control panel. To learn more about how these options compare to manufacturer lines, check our detailed genuine vs compatible cartridges summary guide.
Managing print workloads and ordering setups
Household environments with varied document types benefit from matching cartridge capacities to actual text or graphics use. If you print text drafts frequently, upgrading to an XXL high-yield black cartridge while keeping a standard colour cartridge avoids mismatched replacement schedules. Compatible ink alternatives come backed by a complete money back guarantee for peace of mind. All items purchased are supported by our standard conditions detailed in our official Returns policy. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply), with shipments dispatched from our local supply facilities in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Explore related options on our primary Canon ink cartridges directory page.
Pro Tip
When the tri-colour cartridge reports low ink but still has life left in specific wells, you can continue printing plain text by selecting "Black Print Only" or greyscale mode in your printer properties panel. This stops the printer from trying to mix the remaining colour wells to generate composite black.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a PG-640XXL black cartridge if my previous cartridge was a standard PG-640?
Yes, the PG-640XXL extra-high-yield cartridge fits into the identical black slot inside the printer carriage. The external shell design matches the standard size exactly, but the interior chamber contains a larger volume of ink to deliver more printed pages before depletion.
Why does the printer refuse to print when only one colour inside the tri-colour cartridge is empty?
The integrated tri-colour cartridge holds cyan, magenta, and yellow ink within separate internal compartments inside a single outer plastic shell. If a single colour is completely exhausted, the system cannot correctly reproduce mixed shades, forcing an automatic print halt to preserve printhead alignment and document accuracy.
Does installing a compatible cartridge affect the printhead mechanism of this printer?
No, because the printhead mechanism for this printer series is physically built into the base of the PG-640 and CL-641 cartridges themselves. Every time you replace a cartridge with a new genuine or compatible unit, you are completely renewing the firing mechanism for that specific ink colour channel.
