Ink&Toner Finder

What Ink Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 Use?

Quick answer

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 uses HP 950 or 951 ink cartridges.

Last verified: 2026-07-29

Compatible cartridges for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8600

CartridgePartShop
Standard Black HP 950 Black
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XL Black HP 950XL Black
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Standard Color HP 951 C/M/Y (individual)
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XL Color HP 951XL C/M/Y (individual)
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Standard vs. XL — which should you buy?

HP 950 or 951 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 950 or 951 cartridges are physically and electronically interchangeable in HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 - 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 8600

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 8600 doesn't have a screen, remove the cartridge from its carriage - the part number (for example, HP 950 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 8600 variant you own.

HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 Ink FAQ

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 uses HP 950 or 951 ink cartridges: HP 950 Black (standard) or HP 950XL Black (XL) for black, and HP 951 C/M/Y (individual) (standard) or HP 951XL C/M/Y (individual) (XL) for color.
Yes. HP 950 Black and HP 950XL 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 8600 without changing any printer settings.
Yes, in most cases. Like most HP inkjets, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 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 950 / 951 (XL) printers

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