CLI-251 black · standard
CLI-251 is a Canon black standard cartridge rated at ~349 pages (3.7¢/page at $13.00).
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The Canon CLI-251 black is one of the dye-based cartridges in Canon's CLI-251 system, used across several PIXMA all-in-ones. Five printers in our database take it: the PIXMA MG5420, MG6320, MG7520, MX922 and iP7220. It is rated at about 349 pages, and at a list price near $13 that is about 3.7 cents per page.
A point that trips people up is that these Canon PIXMA models use two black inks. The CLI-251 black is the small dye black that feeds into color and photo output, while a separate pigment black handles plain-text pages, so replacing the CLI-251 will not fix faint text if the pigment tank is the one running low. Canon does not firmware-lock these printers, so compatible and remanufactured CLI-251 cartridges work, and a high-yield version of the same cartridge prints more pages for a lower cost per page if you print often.
If the printer reports the CLI-251 as not recognized or the ink level as unknown, it is usually the chip contact. Reseat the tank until the lamp lights, and if a compatible shows a blinking ink level cannot be detected warning, you can typically hold the stop button to acknowledge it and keep printing.
Printers that use CLI-251
Frequently asked questions
Which printers use the CLI-251?
5 printers in our database use the CLI-251, including the Canon PIXMA MG5420, Canon PIXMA MG6320, Canon PIXMA MG7520 and Canon PIXMA MX922, plus 1 more.
Is the CLI-251 a standard or high-yield cartridge?
The CLI-251 is a standard-yield cartridge. Where a range also offers a high-yield XL version, it costs more upfront but prints more pages for a lower cost per page.
How many pages does the CLI-251 print?
The CLI-251 is rated at about 349 pages. Actual yield varies with how much of each page you print.
What does the CLI-251 cost per page?
At a list price of $13.00 and about 349 pages, the CLI-251 works out to roughly 3.7 cents per page. A reliable compatible can cost noticeably less.
Are compatible or remanufactured versions of the CLI-251 safe to use?
Compatible and remanufactured cartridges are third-party alternatives to the CLI-251 that usually cost much less. Most work well, though quality varies by seller. If your printer can receive firmware updates that block non-OEM ink, check that printer's page first.
Related cartridges
Other colors and standard or high-yield versions used in the same printers.
- CLI-251 yellow · standard
- CLI-251 magenta · standard
- CLI-251 cyan · standard
- PGI-250 black · standard
- PGI-250XL black · XL
- CLI-251 gray · standard
Guides worth reading before you buy
- Page yield explained: what ISO 24711 measures, and why you get fewer pages than the box says
- Does Canon block third-party ink? No, and here is how to clear the error
- Canon ink cartridge compatibility chart: which PIXMA takes which number
- Printer says ink low but the cartridge is not empty: what the gauge really means
- Do ink and toner cartridges expire? What the printed date means and how to store spares
Last reviewed . Compiled by MyCartridgeFinder from manufacturer cartridge finders and retailer cross reference tables, then checked against this cartridge's database record. Part number, yield and pricing come from that record, never from guesswork. See our methodology and data sources.