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If you've gone to reorder a Canon PG-540XL black cartridge and found it's gone, or been offered a PG-540L instead, you're not alone. Canon has replaced the PG-540XL with the PG-540L, and the two aren't quite the same.
Here's what's changed, how the page yields compare, which printers the PG-540L fits, and what to buy now if you used to buy the XL.
👉 Shop the Canon 540 / 541 range: genuine Canon cartridges for every printer that takes PG-540 and CL-541 ink.
What happened to the Canon PG-540XL?
Canon has permanently replaced the PG-540XL black cartridge with the PG-540L (5224B010). You may still find the odd PG-540XL for sale while old stock lasts, but it won't be coming back. The PG-540L is now the higher-yield black option for these printers.
Only the black cartridge has changed. The CL-541 and CL-541XL colour cartridges carry on as before.
PG-540 vs PG-540L vs PG-540XL: what's the difference?
All three are genuine Canon black cartridges that fit the same printers. The difference is how much ink is inside, and so how many pages you get.
| Cartridge | Canon Code | Approx. Pages | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG-540 | 5225B005 | 180 | Available |
| PG-540L | 5224B010 | 300 | Available (replaces the XL) |
| PG-540XL | 5222B005 | 600 | Discontinued |
So the PG-540L sits between the standard cartridge and the old XL. It prints around two-thirds more pages than a standard PG-540, but about half as many as the PG-540XL did.
Page yields are Canon's own figures from the standard industry test. How many pages you actually get depends on what you print.
I used to buy the XL. What should I buy now?
- For the same number of pages as before: the PG-540L twin pack gives you two PG-540L cartridges, around 600 pages in total, the same as one PG-540XL.
- If you print less often: a single PG-540L (around 300 pages) or a standard PG-540 (around 180 pages) will do the job.
- If you bought the XL black and colour together: the PG-540L + CL-541XL Photo Value Pack pairs the new black cartridge with the XL colour and adds photo paper. To match the black page count of your old XL pack, there's also a version with two PG-540L black cartridges.
Will the PG-540L fit my printer?
Yes. If your printer took the PG-540XL, it takes the PG-540L. It fits every printer that uses Canon PG-540 ink:
| Printer Range | Compatible Models |
|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA MG | MG2100, MG2140, MG2150, MG2240, MG2250, MG2255, MG3100, MG3140, MG3150 (incl. Red Edition), MG3155, MG3200, MG3240, MG3250, MG3255, MG3500, MG3550, MG3600, MG3650 (incl. red), MG3650S, MG4100, MG4150, MG4200, MG4240, MG4250 |
| Canon PIXMA MX | MX374, MX375, MX390, MX394, MX395, MX430, MX434, MX435, MX455, MX470, MX475, MX514, MX515, MX525, MX534, MX535 |
| Canon PIXMA TS | TS5100, TS5140, TS5150, TS5151 |
Not sure which printer you have? The model number is usually on the front or top of the printer, or you can use our ink finder.
Shop the Canon 540 / 541 range at Crazy Kangaroo
We stock the full genuine Canon 540 / 541 range. As always, these are 100% genuine Canon cartridges, with no compatibles or remanufactured alternatives.
- Canon PG-540L Black Ink Cartridge – 5224B010
- Canon PG-540L Black Ink Cartridge Twin Pack
- Canon PG-540 Black Ink Cartridge – 5225B005
- Canon CL-541XL Colour Ink Cartridge – 5226B005
- Canon CL-541 Colour Ink Cartridge – 5227B005
- Canon PG-540L Black & CL-541XL Colour Photo Value Pack – 5224B012
- Canon PG-540 Black & CL-541 Colour Bundle Pack
👉 Browse the full Canon 540 / 541 range at Crazy Kangaroo
Every eligible Canon ink order also comes with a free prepaid recycling envelope, so you can send your old cartridges back easily at no cost.
FAQ: Canon PG-540XL and PG-540L
Is the Canon PG-540XL discontinued?
Yes. Canon has permanently replaced it with the PG-540L (5224B010). Some old PG-540XL stock may still be around for a while, but it won't be restocked.
Is the PG-540L the same as the PG-540XL?
Not quite. It fits the same printers and uses the same genuine Canon ink, but it holds less: around 300 pages, compared with around 600 for the PG-540XL.
Is the PG-540L an XL cartridge?
No. It's a higher-yield cartridge than the standard PG-540 (around 300 pages against 180), but it prints about half as many pages as the PG-540XL did.
How do I get the same number of pages as the old XL?
Buy two. The PG-540L twin pack gives you around 600 pages in total, the same as one PG-540XL.
Are the CL-541 colour cartridges changing too?
No. The CL-541 and CL-541XL colour cartridges haven't changed, and you can use either one alongside any PG-540, PG-540L or PG-540XL black.
Which printers use the PG-540L?
Every printer that uses Canon PG-540 ink, across the PIXMA MG, MX and TS ranges. See the full compatibility table above.
In short
Canon has replaced the PG-540XL with the PG-540L. It fits the same printers and uses the same genuine Canon ink, but prints around 300 pages rather than 600. If you want the old XL's page count, the PG-540L twin pack gets you there.
If you're unsure which cartridge your printer needs, check the full range here or drop us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
