Ink&Toner Finder

What Ink Does the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 Use?

Quick answer

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 uses HP 952 or 952XL ink cartridges.

Last verified: 2026-07-29

Compatible cartridges for the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720

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Standard Black HP 952 Black
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XL Black HP 952XL Black
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Standard Color HP 952 C/M/Y (individual)
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XL Color HP 952XL C/M/Y (individual)
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Standard vs. XL — which should you buy?

HP 952 or 952XL 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 952 or 952XL cartridges are physically and electronically interchangeable in HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 - 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 8720

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 8720 doesn't have a screen, remove the cartridge from its carriage - the part number (for example, HP 952 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 8720 variant you own.

HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 Ink FAQ

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 uses HP 952 or 952XL ink cartridges: HP 952 Black (standard) or HP 952XL Black (XL) for black, and HP 952 C/M/Y (individual) (standard) or HP 952XL C/M/Y (individual) (XL) for color.
Yes. HP 952 Black and HP 952XL 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 8720 without changing any printer settings.
Yes, in most cases. Like most HP inkjets, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 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 952 / 952XL printers

HP OfficeJet 8702HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 7720HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 7730HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 7740HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 8210HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 8216HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 8710HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 8715HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 8725HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 8730HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 8740HP 952 / 952XLHP OfficeJet Pro 8745HP 952 / 952XL

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