If you own a Canon inkjet printer, you've likely noticed that ink cartridges don't last forever. When yours run dry, buying the right replacement is essential—order the wrong one and you'll have a useless cartridge. This guide explains everything you need to know about the Canon PG-243 black and CL-244 color ink cartridges, including which printers they work with, how to identify your model, and what to expect from genuine Canon ink.

Understanding Canon PG-243 and CL-244 Cartridges

The Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack contains two cartridges: one black (PG-243) and one color (CL-244). These are genuine Canon products, not third-party alternatives, which matters because Canon designs its ink formulations to work specifically with its own printers. The PG-243 black cartridge is optimized for producing crisp, sharp text in documents, while the CL-244 color cartridge handles photos and color graphics. Canon uses technology called FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) in its print heads, which contains thousands of precision nozzles. Using genuine ink ensures these nozzles work as intended and helps prevent clogs and print quality problems that can occur with incompatible cartridges.

Which Canon Printers Use These Cartridges

Before buying, you need to confirm your printer model matches the compatibility list. The Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack works with the following models: iP2820, MX492, MG2420, MG2520, MG2920, MG2922, MG2924, MG3020, MG2522, MG2525, TS3120, TS302, TS302a, TS202, TS4520, and TS3320. This is a substantial but specific list—if your printer isn't on it, these cartridges won't work. Canon's naming conventions can be confusing, so check your printer's model number carefully. It's usually printed on the front or back of the device or listed in your documentation.

How to Find Your Printer Model Number

Your printer's model number appears in several places. Look on the outside of the machine, typically on the front panel or the back. You can also find it by opening your printer's settings menu or checking the documentation that came with it. Write the full model number down exactly as it appears—Canon model numbers often include letters and numbers, and getting even one character wrong could lead to incompatibility. Once you have it, compare it against the list above. If your model isn't listed, don't order these cartridges.

Page Yield and Replacement Frequency

The Canon PG-243 black cartridge yields approximately 100 pages of printing, and the CL-244 color cartridge yields approximately 100 pages as well. This means you can expect each cartridge in the value pack to last through roughly 100 pages of standard printing before it runs out. Actual usage depends on how much you print, the complexity of your documents, and how much ink your specific print jobs consume. Heavy color printing will drain the CL-244 faster than document printing alone. Light users might replace cartridges only a few times per year, while busy home offices or small businesses may need replacements monthly or more frequently.

Genuine Canon Ink Versus Alternatives

It's tempting to buy cheaper third-party or remanufactured cartridges, and many people do. However, genuine Canon ink offers specific advantages. It's formulated to match your printer's specifications, reducing the risk of print quality issues, color inaccuracy, or nozzle clogs. Genuine cartridges also come with the confidence of Canon's quality assurance. While compatible or remanufactured alternatives may seem cheaper upfront, they carry risks: poor color reproduction, clogged print heads, or damage that requires expensive repairs. For the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack, you're getting authentic supplies designed by the manufacturer for your printer.

Storage and Maintenance

Store unused ink cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them in their original packaging if possible to prevent the nozzles from drying out. Once installed, use your printer regularly—even if you're not printing much, running a cleaning cycle every week or two keeps the nozzles moist and prevents clogs that can damage your print head permanently. When cartridges run empty, replace them promptly rather than leaving the printer sitting empty for weeks. This simple maintenance keeps your Canon printer working reliably for years.

When it's time to order new cartridges, double-check your model number one more time against the compatibility list for the Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack. Getting the right cartridge the first time saves frustration and ensures your printing continues to produce the sharp text and vibrant colors Canon printers are known for.

The product in this guide: Canon PG-243 / CL-244 Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MX492, MG2420/2520/2920/2922/2924/3020/2522/2525, TS3120/302/302a/202/4520/3320