Article · Printing blog

How to know which toner your printer needs

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To find out which toner your printer needs, locate the complete model of the equipment and the code of the installed cartridge. Compare both with the manual or the manufacturer specification sheet. Suffixes matter: an almost identical reference may be a different consumable. Here is a method to identify it without guessing.

Find the full model on the printer label or in its manual. If the manufacturer’s instructions allow you to remove the cartridge, copy its full part number and compare it with the official supplies list.

This guide concerns toner for laser printers. If your printer is an inkjet model, look up the ink supply specified for that model rather than choosing toner. ink cartridge or toner: which do I use for my printer

Key points

  • Find the full model on the printer label or in its manual. If the manufacturer’s instructions allow you to remove the cartridge, copy its full part number and compare it with the official supplies list.
  • A specific example: for the HP LaserJet Pro M428 in EMEA, HP lists 59A (CF259A) as standard and 59X (CF259X) as high yield. Other regions or models can require different part numbers. HP
  • Standardised test pages make it possible to compare claimed yields using the same method. Do not interpret the figure as a promise of a specific number of pages for all your documents: content, settings and usage affect the result.
  • Xerox, Samsung, Lexmark and Kyocera part numbers depend on the model and sometimes the region or component. Check the complete number in the official catalogue; do not confuse toner with the drum.

How do I find my toner's reference?

Find the full model on the printer label or in its manual. If the manufacturer’s instructions allow you to remove the cartridge, copy its full part number and compare it with the official supplies list.

1. Read the label on the machine itself

Check the printer’s full model and the exact part number in the manufacturer’s supplies list for your region. Do not infer compatibility from a prefix, the cartridge’s appearance or a single letter.

2. Remove the toner and copy its code

Find the full model on the printer label or in its manual. If the manufacturer’s instructions allow you to remove the cartridge, copy its full part number and compare it with the official supplies list.

3. Look up your printer's exact model

Check the printer’s full model and the exact part number in the manufacturer’s supplies list for your region. Do not infer compatibility from a prefix, the cartridge’s appearance or a single letter. our laser toner catalogue

4. Print the configuration page

If your model offers a configuration or status page, print it as its manual directs and check the full model. Do not assume that page gives the toner part number.

5. Use the manufacturer's software or website

The manufacturer’s supplies page, searched by full printer model, is the reference for choosing a cartridge. Printer software may help identify supplies, but its functions vary by model.

Check the printer’s full model and the exact part number in the manufacturer’s supplies list for your region. Do not infer compatibility from a prefix, the cartridge’s appearance or a single letter.

Why does getting the reference right matter so much?

A toner can work in several models of the same brand when the exact reference appears in their compatible consumable lists. It is not enough for the cartridge to physically fit or for both devices to carry the same logo. Look up the full printer model and confirm the reference on the manufacturer supplies page before buying.

The exact toner code is usually on the installed cartridge label or the printer manual supplies list. Also note the complete model, including suffixes. Check the reference on the manufacturer's official supplies page before buying: two printers in the same series may require different cartridges.

The wrong part number may prevent printing and require a return. Confirm model, region, colour and stated yield before buying; do not assume internal damage or a warranty problem.

The suffixes that change everything

There is no universal rule for A, X or XL. Within HP’s 59 series, 59X (CF259X) has a higher stated yield than 59A (CF259A), but that does not establish a rule for other models. Check the full part number, official compatible-printer list and stated yield before comparing current cost per page.

Check the printer’s full model and the exact part number in the manufacturer’s supplies list for your region. Do not infer compatibility from a prefix, the cartridge’s appearance or a single letter.

What code format does each brand use?

Check the printer’s full model and the exact part number in the manufacturer’s supplies list for your region. Do not infer compatibility from a prefix, the cartridge’s appearance or a single letter.

HP: model- and region-specific part numbers

A specific example: for the HP LaserJet Pro M428 in EMEA, HP lists 59A (CF259A) as standard and 59X (CF259X) as high yield. Other regions or models can require different part numbers.

Check the printer’s full model and the exact part number in the manufacturer’s supplies list for your region. Do not infer compatibility from a prefix, the cartridge’s appearance or a single letter. HP compatible toner

Canon: model- and market-specific part numbers

For Canon, confirm the full part number, colour and yield in the official supplies list for your model and market. CRG or CART labels alone do not establish compatibility.

For Canon, confirm the full part number, colour and yield in the official supplies list for your model and market. CRG or CART labels alone do not establish compatibility. Canon compatible toner

Brother: the TN series

Some models ship with an in-box cartridge distinct from the standard replacement. Do not infer yield from the code alone; check the stated yield for your printer.

For the Brother HL-L2310D, Brother distinguishes the in-box toner from standard replacement TN-2410 and high-yield TN-2420. TN-2410 is not the in-box starter. Check your regional supplies sheet for stated yields and compatibility. Brother. Brother compatible toner

Xerox, Samsung, Lexmark and Kyocera

  • Xerox, Samsung, Lexmark and Kyocera part numbers depend on the model and sometimes the region or component. Check the complete number in the official catalogue; do not confuse toner with the drum. toner-vs-drum

Final check by brand

Check the printer’s full model and the exact part number in the manufacturer’s supplies list for your region. Do not infer compatibility from a prefix, the cartridge’s appearance or a single letter.

What is ISO yield and why is mine lower?

ISO/IEC 19752 (monochrome toner), ISO/IEC 19798 (colour toner) and ISO/IEC 24711 (ink) use defined test pages and controlled conditions to measure the claimed yield. The former reference to 5% coverage is a historical simplification, not a rule that these standards impose on every page. Check the yield of the specific product number and bear in mind that your documents may use more or less ink or toner.

Standardised test pages make it possible to compare claimed yields using the same method. Do not interpret the figure as a promise of a specific number of pages for all your documents: content, settings and usage affect the result.

Standardised test pages make it possible to compare claimed yields using the same method. Do not interpret the figure as a promise of a specific number of pages for all your documents: content, settings and usage affect the result. how many pages a cartridge prints

I've got the reference: original or compatible?

After confirming the part number, compare current price, stated yield and return terms for the specific product. Do not assume a compatible cartridge prints identically to the original.

Do not assume a compatible toner was print-tested before sale. Check the product listing and ask the seller for documented evidence if a specific batch or printer model matters. A published comparison does not guarantee every cartridge’s performance. original vs compatible toner, side by side

For recognition or installation issues, see these guides: my printer doesn't recognise the compatible toner · how to install a toner

Check the printer’s full model and the exact part number in the manufacturer’s supplies list for your region. Do not infer compatibility from a prefix, the cartridge’s appearance or a single letter.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an A toner and an X or XL?
There is no universal rule for A, X or XL. Within HP’s 59 series, 59X (CF259X) has a higher stated yield than 59A (CF259A), but that does not establish a rule for other models. Check the full part number, official compatible-printer list and stated yield before comparing current cost per page.

Where do I find the toner's exact code?
The exact toner code is usually on the installed cartridge label or the printer manual supplies list. Also note the complete model, including suffixes. Check the reference on the manufacturer's official supplies page before buying: two printers in the same series may require different cartridges.

Can I use the toner from one model in another of the same brand?
A toner can work in several models of the same brand when the exact reference appears in their compatible consumable lists. It is not enough for the cartridge to physically fit or for both devices to carry the same logo. Look up the full printer model and confirm the reference on the manufacturer supplies page before buying.

How long does a toner last, in months?
A toner can last several months or less than one depending on how many pages you print, rather than a fixed expiration deadline in use. Divide the declared yield by your monthly pages to estimate it, such as 3000 pages at 300 monthly being about ten months. Photos, graphics, and high coverages can reduce the real page count.

To ensure your operating system identifies your exact printer model correctly, follow our guide on how to add a printer in Windows 11 and fix driver errors.

Sources

Cost-per-page study with prices and sources

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