What Printer Cartridge Do I Need?

You’ve just bought a new printer, or maybe you're trying to figure out which cartridge will best suit your printing needs.

Here’s everything you need to know to find the right cartridge for your printer.

Start With Your Printer Model

The first step to finding the right cartridge is knowing your printer’s model and type.

You need to know whether your printer is an inkjet or a laser printer, as each type uses different cartridges.

• Inkjet Printers use liquid ink cartridges, which contain liquid ink.
• Laser Printers use toner cartridges, which hold a fine powder.

Where To Find the Model

The printer model number is generally displayed on the front, top, or side of your printer. If it’s not obvious, check the back or inside the cartridge compartment. 

If you still can’t find it, the model number will be in the user manual or in the original box.

Cartridge Numbers

Now that you know your printer model, the next step is to find the correct cartridge. Every printer is designed to work with specific cartridges, which are identified by a unique number or code.

How to find it:

• On Your Current Cartridge: The cartridge number is usually printed directly on the cartridge itself.
• In the Printer Manual: Your manual will list all the correct cartridges for your model.
• On the Manufacturer’s Website: You can also look up your printer model online to find the right cartridge.

Our Recommendation: While researching online, you might see printer models listed on the product box images. However, we recommend double-checking this information directly on the site’s printer list or in your printer's manual to verify accuracy.

Different brands present this information in varying ways—some are very clear, while others can be a bit confusing. For example, we see that Brother typically includes a detailed list of printer models on their cartridge boxes, like on the  Brother 760 cartridge box.

List of printer models on Brother 760 toner cartridge box

However, with HP cartridges, the models are often abbreviated into series numbers, which can be confusing for beginners who may not be familiar with the specific printer models.

List of printer models on HP 414 A Black toner cartridge box

Consider Your Printing Habits

You should also consider factors like volume and frequency when choosing the right cartridge for you.

• Standard Cartridges might be the better option if you print infrequently or only need a few pages at a time. They’re more affordable upfront but will need to be replaced more often.
• High-Yield Cartridges are designed for those who print frequently or in large volumes. While they cost more initially, they last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements, potentially saving you money over time.

If you’re not sure which cartridge to choose or which one is more affordable, you can calculate your printing cost per page yourself. Use this simple formula: Cartridge price / Page yield + Paper cost = Cost Per Page.

To make things even easier, we’ve created a printing cost per page calculator at Toner Buzz. 

Just plug in the cartridge price and page yield, and our tool will calculate your cost per page with one click—no effort required!

Calculating the cost per page of HP 414X Black toner using the Toner Buzz calculator tool

Invest in Quality Cartridges

When choosing a printer cartridge, budget is another key factor. It’s not just about the upfront cost but also the long-term value.

• Original (OEM) Cartridges: These are made by your printer’s manufacturer. They’re usually more expensive but offer the best reliability and print quality. Perfect if you need top-notch results, like for professional documents or photos.
• Compatible or Third-Party Cartridges: These are cheaper and made by other manufacturers. They can save you money, but the quality can vary.

Buy From Toner Buzz

Now that you know all about the cartridges you need, you can still save money, even when buying original cartridges. At Toner Buzz, we offer original cartridges at affordable prices.

Simply go to our homepage, use the search bar, and type in your printer model. You’ll see all the cartridge options available, and you can easily compare prices. 

Plus, you can calculate your costs to find out which option is most affordable before adding it to your cart.

Before You Buy: Double-Check!

Before you hit the “buy” button or head to the checkout, double-check that you’ve selected the correct cartridge for your printer. 

Make sure the cartridge number matches your printer’s requirements, and check the reviews to verify it’s a reliable product.

Summary

So there you have it! Figuring out "what printer cartridge do I need" doesn’t have to be a headache.

Just remember to know your printer model, choose between standard or high-yield cartridges, and invest in quality. 

With these simple steps, you’ll be back to printing in no time.