If you own an HP printer and you're running low on ink, you've probably noticed there are several different cartridge types to choose from. The HP 923 black, cyan, magenta, yellow ink cartridges represent one specific option, and it's important to know whether they'll actually work with your machine before you buy. This guide walks you through the basics so you can make an informed decision.

Which HP Printers Use the HP 923 Cartridges

The HP 923 ink cartridges are designed to work with a specific family of HP printers. These include the HP OfficeJet 8122e and the HP OfficeJet Pro series, specifically the 8135e, 8138e, and 8139e models. If you have a different HP printer, these cartridges won't work, so the first step is to confirm you own one of these machines.

You can find your printer model in a few places. Check the front or top of your printer itself, where the model number is usually printed. You can also look in your printer's settings menu through the control panel, or find it in the documentation that came with your device. The model number typically starts with "OfficeJet" followed by numbers and sometimes a letter.

Understanding What's in the 4-Pack

When you purchase the HP 923 cartridges, you're getting four individual cartridges: one black and one each of cyan, magenta, and yellow. These are the standard ink colors used in color printing. The black cartridge is separate from the color cartridges, which means you can replace just the black when it runs out without touching your color inks.

Many people assume all ink cartridges last the same amount of time, but that's not quite accurate. According to HP's specifications, the black cartridge in this set yields approximately 500 pages, while each color cartridge yields around 400 pages per color. Your actual mileage will depend on how much you print, how heavily you apply color to your documents, and whether you're printing photos or text-heavy materials.

Will This 4-Pack Actually Last?

Whether a single 4-pack meets your needs depends entirely on your printing volume. If you print casually at home—a few pages per week—this set could last several months. For a small office that prints multiple times daily, you might go through these cartridges in a month or less.

Think about your typical printing pattern. Do you mostly print black text documents, or do you frequently print color materials and photos? If you're primarily printing in black, your color cartridges will outlast your black one, which is normal. Keep in mind that even cartridges sitting unused do eventually expire, so buying more than you'll use within a year or so isn't economical.

Making Your Cartridges Last Longer

A few simple habits help you get more pages from each cartridge. Avoid printing test pages unnecessarily, as these consume ink quickly. Use your printer's draft or economy mode when you don't need full quality, as this setting uses less ink per page. Keep your printer covered when not in use to prevent the print heads from drying out, which sometimes causes people to waste ink during cleaning cycles.

Store unused cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never leave cartridges exposed to air for extended periods, as the ink can dry out and make them unusable.

Environmental Consideration Worth Noting

HP has incorporated recycled ocean-bound plastic into the HP 923 cartridge design, which may be relevant if environmental impact is part of your purchasing decision. This doesn't change how the cartridges work or how long they last, but it's information worth knowing if you factor sustainability into your choices.

Before ordering the HP 923 black, cyan, magenta, yellow ink cartridges 4-pack, double-check that you own one of the compatible OfficeJet 8122e or OfficeJet Pro 8135e, 8138e, or 8139e printers. Verify your model number and confirm your current ink needs. If you have the right printer and you use these cartridges regularly, this 4-pack offers a straightforward supply option for ongoing printing needs.

The product in this guide: HP 923 Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Ink Cartridges (4-Pack) | Works with OfficeJet 8120, Pro 8130 Series | 6C3Y6LN