How to Find Your Printer Cartridge Number
Your printer is out of ink (or toner), and you need a replacement. But when you look at the cartridge options online, you're met with a confusing jumble of numbers and letters: TN-2450, PG-645XL, CF258X, 603XL, CART-057H...
How do you know which one your printer needs?
Finding your printer cartridge number is actually straightforward once you know where to look. In this guide, we'll show you 5 easy methods to identify the right cartridge for your printer — and how to find cheaper compatible alternatives from Australian suppliers.
Method 1: Check the Cartridge Currently in Your Printer
The quickest way to find your cartridge number is to look at the one already installed.
Steps:
- Open your printer's cartridge access panel — usually a front or top cover that lifts up
- Remove the cartridge — it typically slides or clicks out
- Look for the model number printed on the cartridge label — it's usually prominently displayed
Common Cartridge Number Formats by Brand:
| Brand | Format | Example | |-------|--------|---------| | HP | Number + letter | 206A, 206X, 965XL | | Brother | TN- or LC- prefix | TN-2450, LC-432XL | | Canon | PG-/CL- or CART- | PG-645, CART-057H | | Epson | Number + XL | 604XL, 812XL | | Kyocera | TK- prefix | TK-1154, TK-5374 | | Samsung/HP | MLT- prefix | MLT-D111S |
Write down the full number (including any letters like "XL" or "H" for high-yield) and you're ready to shop.
Method 2: Check Your Printer's User Manual
Every printer comes with documentation that lists the compatible cartridge numbers. If you've lost the physical manual:
- Search online for "[your printer model] user manual PDF"
- Check the manufacturer's website — they all have downloadable manuals
- Look in the consumables section — usually near the end of the manual
The manual will list both standard and high-yield options for your printer.
Method 3: Use FetchInk's Printer Finder Tool
The easiest online method is to use a cartridge finder tool. At FetchInk, our Printer Finder lets you:
- Select your printer brand (HP, Brother, Canon, Epson, etc.)
- Select or search for your printer model
- See all compatible cartridges — both genuine and compatible options with prices
This shows you exactly what fits your printer, with current Australian prices and stock availability.
Method 4: Check Your Printer's Display or Software
Many modern printers will show you the cartridge number when the ink or toner runs low.
On the Printer Display:
- Navigate to Setup or Settings
- Look for Ink/Toner Levels or Supply Information
- The cartridge model number is usually displayed alongside the ink level
Via Printer Software on Your Computer:
- HP Smart app — Shows cartridge numbers and allows you to reorder
- Brother iPrint&Scan — Lists compatible consumables
- Canon PRINT app — Displays ink levels and cartridge info
- Epson iPrint — Shows ink levels and cartridge numbers
Via Your Computer's Settings:
- Windows: Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > Select your printer > Manage > Printing Preferences or Supply Levels
- Mac: System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Select printer > Options & Supplies
Method 5: Search by Printer Model Number
If you can't access the cartridge itself, find your printer model number and search for compatible cartridges:
Where to Find Your Printer Model Number:
- Front panel of the printer (usually printed or on a label)
- Back or bottom of the printer (on a sticker with serial number)
- Printer software — displayed in your computer's printer settings
Once you have the model number (e.g., "Brother HL-L2350DW" or "HP OfficeJet Pro 9120"), you can:
- Search it on FetchInk's Printer Finder
- Google "[model number] compatible cartridge"
- Check the manufacturer's website
Popular Australian Printers and Their Cartridge Numbers
Here's a quick reference for some of the most common printers in Australian homes and offices:
Brother Printers
| Printer | Cartridge | Type | |---------|-----------|------| | HL-L2350DW / HL-L2375DW | TN-2450 | Mono toner | | MFC-L2713DW / MFC-L2730DW | TN-2450 + DR-2424 (drum) | Mono toner | | HL-L3230CDW / MFC-L3745CDW | TN-253 (std) / TN-257 (XL) | Colour toner | | MFC-J4540DW | LC-432XL | Colour ink | | MFC-L8900CDW | TN-443 | Colour toner |
HP Printers
| Printer | Cartridge | Type | |---------|-----------|------| | DeskJet 2720 / 2820e | 67 / 67XL | Colour ink | | OfficeJet Pro 9120 / 9130 | 966XL | Colour ink | | LaserJet Pro M404dn | CF258A (std) / CF258X (XL) | Mono toner | | Color LaserJet M454dn | W2040A/X (416A/416X) | Colour toner | | Smart Tank 7005 | GT53/GT52 (bottles) | Ink tank |
Canon Printers
| Printer | Cartridge | Type | |---------|-----------|------| | PIXMA MG3660 | PG-645 / CL-646 (XL) | Colour ink | | PIXMA TS3460 | PG-645 / CL-646 | Colour ink | | imageCLASS MF445dw | CART-057 / CART-057H | Mono toner | | imageCLASS MF746Cx | CART-055 / CART-055H | Colour toner |
Epson Printers
| Printer | Cartridge | Type | |---------|-----------|------| | WorkForce WF-2950 | 604XL | Colour ink | | Expression Home XP-4200 | 604XL | Colour ink | | EcoTank ET-2800 | 003 bottles | Ink tank | | WorkForce Pro WF-C5790 | 812XL | Colour ink |
Standard vs High-Yield: Which Should You Buy?
When you find your cartridge number, you'll often see two versions — standard and high-yield (XL, H, or X).
Always buy high-yield if available. Here's why:
- Brother TN-2450 (3,000 pages): ~$25 compatible = 0.83c/page
- Brother TN-2430 (1,200 pages): ~$20 compatible = 1.67c/page
The high-yield costs a little more upfront but delivers 50–60% more pages per dollar. Over a year, this adds up to significant savings.
Compatible vs Genuine: Save 50–80%
Once you know your cartridge number, you have a choice: buy the genuine OEM cartridge or a compatible alternative.
For everyday printing — documents, emails, homework, invoices — compatible cartridges are the smart choice. They deliver the same page yields and very similar quality at a fraction of the cost.
At FetchInk, we stock both genuine and compatible cartridges for all the printers listed above. Browse our range by brand or use the Printer Finder to find your exact cartridge.
We ship Australia-wide for $18 AUD (free over $150).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cartridge number on my printer?
The cartridge number is printed on the cartridge itself — open your printer's cartridge access panel, remove the cartridge, and look for the model number on the label. You can also find it in your printer's settings menu or by searching your printer model on FetchInk's Printer Finder.
What do XL and H mean on cartridge numbers?
XL (extra large) and H (high-yield) indicate high-capacity cartridges that print more pages than the standard version. They cost slightly more but offer a much lower cost per page, making them better value.
Can I use a different cartridge number in my printer?
No — each printer model requires specific cartridge numbers. Using the wrong cartridge won't physically fit or will produce an error. Always verify your cartridge number before purchasing.
How do I find cartridges for an old or discontinued printer?
Search the printer model on FetchInk — we stock cartridges for many older and discontinued models. Compatible cartridges are often available long after manufacturers stop making genuine ones.
Is it safe to buy cartridges online in Australia?
Yes, from reputable Australian suppliers. Look for Australian-based businesses with quality guarantees and easy returns. FetchInk is Perth-based and offers a satisfaction guarantee on all cartridges.