The Canon 121 family is one of the cartridges we ship most often, so we wrote the guide we wish every buyer had before ordering: compatibility, yields, cost per page, and the difference between the versions. Every cartridge listed below is a genuine Canon original, brand new and factory sealed, with free shipping across the USA.
Which printers use Canon 121?
Canon 121 cartridges are made for the following Canon printers:
Tip: the model number is printed on the front or top of the printer and on the sticker inside the toner door. If your model is not listed here, check the cartridge number on the old cartridge itself — Canon prints it on the label.
Canon 121 cartridge lineup
| Cartridge | Part number | Color | Page yield* | Price | Cost per page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 121 Toner Cartridge | 3252C001 | Black | 5,000 pages |
|
3.3¢ |
*Yields are Canon's declared values (ISO/IEC 19752 for mono, ISO/IEC 19798 for color) at 5% page coverage. Real-world yield depends on what you print: dense graphics use more toner than text.
Multipacks: when they pay off
| Pack | Cartridges | Pack price | Bought singly | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon 121 Toner Cartridge 2-Pack | 2 |
|
$326.00 | 3% |
Every cartridge in a GS TONER multipack is the same genuine Canon 121 sold individually — full yield, same packaging, same warranty. Packs make sense when you already know you will use every cartridge within about a year; unopened Canon toner stores well for at least that long in its sealed bag, away from heat and sunlight.
How long will a Canon 121 last you?
Use your monthly page count (the printer's usage page reports it) to see how often you will change cartridges and what toner costs per month with each version.
| Monthly volume | 121: cartridge life / toner cost per month | High-yield |
|---|---|---|
| 250 pages | 20.0 months / $8.15 | — |
| 500 pages | 10.0 months / $16.30 | — |
| 1,000 pages | 5.0 months / $32.60 | — |
| 2,000 pages | 2.5 months / $65.20 | — |
Below about 416 pages a month a cartridge would sit in the printer for more than a year, so the standard version is the better fit; above 1,666 pages a month the high-yield version (if one exists for this family) pays back quickly and halves the number of cartridge changes.
Genuine Canon vs compatible Canon 121
Search results for “Canon 121” are full of compatible and remanufactured cartridges at a fraction of the price. They can work, but the trade-offs are real: yield claims are not measured to the same ISO standard, toner formulation differs from the one the fuser was tuned for, chip errors after firmware updates are common, and a leaking cartridge can put a drum or fuser repair on your bill. Canon's warranty does not cover damage caused by non-Canon supplies. We sell only original Canon cartridges — the ones with Canon's security label — because for a workgroup printer the difference in cost per page is small next to the cost of downtime.
How to check yours is genuine: the box carries a Canon security label, the cartridge has Canon's part number (3252C001 for the 121) molded or printed on it, and the printer's supplies page identifies it as an original Canon cartridge after installation.
Replacing the Canon 121 cartridge
- Open the front cover of the imageCLASS printer and lift the old cartridge out by the handle.
- Unpack the new cartridge, rock it gently five or six times so the toner spreads evenly, then remove the protective cover or sealing tape.
- Slide the cartridge fully into its slot until it clicks, and close the cover.
- If the printer still reports the old cartridge, open and close the cover once more; the counter resets when the new chip is read.
Canon accepts used original cartridges through its return program in the US, and most office-supply stores have a drop-off bin.
Frequently asked questions
Which printers is Canon 121 compatible with?
Canon 121 fits Canon imageCLASS D1620, Canon imageCLASS D1650. The full list is above and on each product page.
How many pages does the 121 print?
About 5,000 pages at 5% coverage, which is a typical business letter. Heavy graphics or full-page images reduce that noticeably.
Are your Canon 121 cartridges genuine Canon?
Yes. GS TONER sells only original Canon cartridges, brand new and factory sealed, sourced from authorized distribution. No compatibles, no refills.
How fast do you ship?
Orders placed before 2 PM Eastern ship the same business day from our US warehouse, with free shipping to all 50 states.
Related guides
- Canon 120 Toner (2617B001) Guide: Yield, Printers & Price
- Canon 119II Toner (3480B001) Guide: Yield, Printers & Price
- How to Tell If HP Toner Is Genuine (7 Checks)
Ready to order? Every Canon 121 cartridge and pack above is in stock at GS TONER with free US shipping and 30-day returns.
