The Canon Pixma TS3520 is a popular choice among home and small office users due to its affordability and compact design. As printing needs evolve, understanding the ink efficiency and cost-per-page becomes essential for budget management and operational planning in 2026.

Overview of the Canon Pixma TS3520

The Canon Pixma TS3520 is an all-in-one inkjet printer that offers printing, scanning, and copying functionalities. It is designed for users who require basic printing capabilities with minimal maintenance. Its compact size makes it suitable for small spaces, and its user-friendly interface simplifies operation.

Ink Cartridge System and Types

The TS3520 uses a standard set of ink cartridges: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The printer typically ships with starter cartridges, which have a limited ink volume. For ongoing use, users need to purchase replacement cartridges, which vary in capacity and price.

Standard vs. XL Cartridges

Standard cartridges generally provide around 180 pages for black ink and 150 pages for color. XL cartridges, on the other hand, can print approximately 300 pages for black and 300 pages for color, offering better value over time.

Ink Efficiency in 2026

By 2026, advancements in ink formulation and cartridge design have improved ink efficiency. The XL cartridges now feature enhanced ink capacity and optimized ink flow, allowing users to print more pages per cartridge than previous models.

Estimated Pages per Cartridge

  • Black standard cartridge: approximately 180 pages
  • Black XL cartridge: approximately 300 pages
  • Color standard cartridge: approximately 150 pages
  • Color XL cartridge: approximately 300 pages

Cost-per-Page Analysis

The cost per page (CPP) is a critical factor for budget-conscious users. It is calculated by dividing the cartridge cost by the number of pages it can print. In 2026, the average costs are as follows:

Estimated Costs of Cartridges

  • Black standard cartridge: $15, approximately $0.08 per page
  • Black XL cartridge: $25, approximately $0.08 per page
  • Color standard cartridge: $12, approximately $0.08 per page
  • Color XL cartridge: $22, approximately $0.07 per page

Strategies to Improve Ink Efficiency

To maximize ink efficiency and reduce costs, users can adopt several strategies:

  • Use draft or economy printing modes for non-essential documents.
  • Print in black and white whenever color is unnecessary.
  • Opt for XL cartridges to lower the cost per page.
  • Regularly clean print heads to prevent ink wastage.

Conclusion

In 2026, the Canon Pixma TS3520 remains an economical choice for light to moderate printing needs. Its improved ink efficiency and affordable replacement cartridges help users keep costs low while maintaining quality. Proper cartridge selection and printing strategies can further enhance cost savings, making the TS3520 a reliable and budget-friendly printer for home and small office use.