Ink&Toner Finder

What Ink Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 Use?

Quick answer

The HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 uses HP 902 or 902XL ink cartridges.

Last verified: 2026-07-29

Compatible cartridges for the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978

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Standard Black HP 902 Black
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XL Black HP 902XL Black
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Standard Color HP 902 C/M/Y (individual)
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XL Color HP 902XL C/M/Y (individual)
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Standard vs. XL — which should you buy?

HP 902 or 902XL cartridges come in standard and XL (high-yield) sizes. Standard cartridges cost less upfront; XL cartridges cost more upfront but typically print two to three times as many pages, so they usually work out cheaper per page if you print regularly. If you print only occasionally, a standard cartridge may suit you better, since ink can degrade before you use up an XL cartridge's larger capacity.

Standard and XL HP 902 or 902XL cartridges are physically and electronically interchangeable in HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 - you can mix a standard black with an XL color cartridge, or switch sizes the next time you reorder, with no printer settings to change. For the full cost-per-page breakdown and when each size makes the most sense, see our guide on standard vs. XL cartridges.

How to check which cartridge is currently installed in the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978

Most HP inkjets show installed-cartridge status on their own screen or through HP Smart software: check Settings → About or Supplies on the printer, or open HP Smart's printer status or maintenance tab - both typically list the installed cartridge part numbers alongside an estimated ink level.

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 doesn't have a screen, remove the cartridge from its carriage - the part number (for example, HP 902 Black) is printed directly on its label. Compare that number to the compatibility table above to confirm whether you have the standard or XL version before buying a replacement. See our guide on finding your printer model number if you're not sure exactly which HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 variant you own.

HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 Ink FAQ

The HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 uses HP 902 or 902XL ink cartridges: HP 902 Black (standard) or HP 902XL Black (XL) for black, and HP 902 C/M/Y (individual) (standard) or HP 902XL C/M/Y (individual) (XL) for color.
Yes. HP 902 Black and HP 902XL Black are physically and electronically identical except for ink capacity - the XL version simply holds more ink and lasts roughly two to three times longer per cartridge. You can install either one in the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 without changing any printer settings.
Yes, in most cases. Like most HP inkjets, the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 generally needs both the black and color cartridges installed to print at all, even for black-and-white jobs, because removing a cartridge leaves an empty carriage slot many printers are designed to refuse to run with. Check your printer's manual to confirm this for your exact model.

Other HP 902 / 902XL printers

HP OfficeJet 6950HP 902 / 902XLHP OfficeJet 6951HP 902 / 902XLHP OfficeJet 6954HP 902 / 902XLHP OfficeJet 6956HP 902 / 902XLHP OfficeJet 6958HP 902 / 902XLHP OfficeJet 6962HP 902 / 902XLHP OfficeJet Pro 6960HP 902 / 902XLHP OfficeJet Pro 6968HP 902 / 902XLHP OfficeJet Pro 6970HP 902 / 902XLHP OfficeJet Pro 6975HP 902 / 902XL

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