What Ink Does the Epson WorkForce WF-2540 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Epson WorkForce WF-2540 uses four individual Epson 200 cartridges: standard 200 (black about 175 pages, each color about 165) or high-capacity 200XL (black about 500 pages, each color about 450).
The look-alike Epson 220, 252 and 288 do not fit, and the 200-I cartridges that came in the box are setup-only and cannot be bought as replacements. Castle Ink sells remanufactured 200XL cartridges in all four colors plus a 5-pack.
CastleScore · October 2026
76/100 — Recommended
Epson WorkForce WF-2540 (Scored on Epson WorkForce WF-2540 ratings)
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 78 | 4.02★ average across 1,960 owner reviews on Epson.com |
| Expert reviews (18%) | — | No published numeric expert score we could verify (PCWorld and Tom's Guide reviewed it without a number). |
| Cost per page (24%) | 86 | About 4¢ per page blended with our remanufactured Epson 200XL cartridges (500 black / 450 color pages). |
| Reliability (13%) | 55 | Most-reported problems: fast ink use and refusal to print black when a color runs out; paper and ADF jams; Wi-Fi drop-outs and 0x9A printer errors |
| Features (12%) | 72 | Print, copy, scan, fax, 30-sheet ADF, 2.5-inch LCD, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB, 100-sheet rear feed. No auto duplex. |
| Value (5%) | 78 | Running cost and owner satisfaction against a launch price of $129.99 |
Limited data: We could not find a published numeric expert score for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.
Discontinued. Epson lists the WF-2540 as discontinued (replaced by the WorkForce Pro WF-4830); Epson 200 and 200XL cartridges are still sold.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 28, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
Epson 200XL Black
Epson 200XL Cyan
Epson 200XL 5-packOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
What Ink Does the Epson WF-2540 Take?
| Cartridge | Epson part no. | Approx. yield | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson 200XL Black (high capacity) | T200XL120 | ~500 pages | Castle Ink 200XL Black, $9.95 |
| Epson 200XL Cyan (high capacity) | T200XL220 | ~450 pages | Castle Ink 200XL Cyan, $9.95 |
| Epson 200XL Magenta (high capacity) | T200XL320 | ~450 pages | Castle Ink 200XL Magenta, $9.95 |
| Epson 200XL Yellow (high capacity) | T200XL420 | ~450 pages | Castle Ink 200XL Yellow, $9.95 |
| Epson 200XL 5-pack (2 black + C/M/Y) | T200XL120 ×2 / T200XL220 / T200XL320 / T200XL420 | — | Castle Ink 200XL 5-Pack, $47.95 |
| Epson 200 Black / Cyan / Magenta / Yellow (standard) | T200120 / T200220 / T200320 / T200420 | ~175 / ~165 pages | Amazon |
Yields are Epson's figures as listed by Quill, LD Products and Walmart. Amazon links are tagged (as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases).
What Does WF-2540 Ink Cost per Page?
On October 28, 2026, Epson and Staples listed the 200XL black at $34.59 and each 200XL color at $19.59: about 6.9¢ a black page and roughly 13¢ for a page using all three colors. Our remanufactured 200XL cartridges are $9.95 each (about 2¢ a black page and 2.2¢ per color, or roughly 6.6¢ for a full-color page), and the 5-pack is $47.95.
Will Remanufactured Ink Work?
Yes, with one caveat. Epson's own FAQ for this printer says it is designed for genuine Epson cartridges and that a firmware update can make non-Epson cartridges read as "not recognized"; a 2019 class action over that behaviour named other Epson models. Our 200XL cartridges use chips built for the current firmware, but if you run remanufactured ink it is sensible to decline Epson firmware updates when the printer or software offers them. Epson's FAQ offers no way to roll back.
How Do I Replace the Ink in the WF-2540?
- If the LCD says a cartridge is expended, press OK and choose Replace now; to replace early, go to Menu, Maintenance, Ink Cartridge Replacement.
- Lift the scanner unit with the document cover closed; do not move the print head by hand or touch the flat white cable.
- Squeeze the tab on the old cartridge and lift it straight up.
- Shake the new cartridge gently four or five times before opening, then remove only the yellow tape; do not touch the green chip.
- Insert the cartridge in its color slot and push down until it clicks.
- Lower the scanner unit and press OK; the printer charges ink for about 90 seconds. Do not power off while the light flashes.
If you get an "installed incorrectly" error, press OK, lift the scanner, press the cartridge down until it clicks and press OK again. A cartridge removed while low or expended cannot be reinstalled and reused.
Which Other Printers Use Epson 200 and 200XL?
The Expression Home XP-200, XP-300, XP-310, XP-400 and XP-410 and the WorkForce WF-2520, WF-2530 and WF-2540 all take the same cartridges.
What WF-2540 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, manufacturer support communities and owner reviews, answered in our words.
I bought 200-I cartridges and they don't work. What gives?
The 200-I cartridges are initial-setup cartridges that only work for the first installation; Epson says to buy 200 or 200XL replacements instead.
Why does it say the cartridge I just installed is expended?
Epson's advice is to reseat it: lift the scanner, press each cartridge down until it clicks, make sure the yellow tape is off, lower the scanner and press OK so the printer charges ink.
Can I print in black when a color cartridge is empty?
Owners report the WF-2540 will not print in black while a color cartridge is empty, so all four cartridges need ink to keep printing.
What does "a part inside your printer is at the end of its service life" mean?
The waste-ink pads are full. Epson offers a one-time Maintenance Reset Utility for Windows that delays the alert; once "Service is required" appears, the pads must be replaced by Epson or a technician.
WF-2540 quirks worth knowing
- Paper loads from a 100-sheet rear vertical feed rather than a tray, and there is no automatic duplex.
- Draft speeds are quoted at 34 ppm black, but ISO speed is 9 ppm black and 4.7 ppm color, and reviewers found scanning and copying slow.
- Epson advises using a cartridge within six months of opening, and a removed low cartridge cannot go back in.
- Wi-Fi passwords are entered on the fax keypad, which Tom's Guide found cumbersome; Ethernet is the easy alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Epson WorkForce WF-2540 use?
Epson 200 (standard) or 200XL (high capacity) cartridges in black, cyan, magenta and yellow: T200120/220/320/420 and T200XL120/220/320/420.
Does Epson 220 ink fit the WF-2540?
No. The 220 belongs to the XP-320/420 and WF-2630/2650/2750/2760; the WF-2540 takes the 200 and 200XL.
Is the WF-2540 still sold?
No. Epson lists it as discontinued and names the WorkForce Pro WF-4830 as its replacement; 200 and 200XL ink is still sold.
Other printers that use Epson 200 and 200XL
Epson Expression Home XP-410 · Epson Expression Home XP-400 · Epson Expression Home XP-300
More Epson ink guides: Epson WorkForce WF-2630 · Epson WorkForce WF-2650 · Epson WorkForce WF-2950 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Brother MFC-T780DW — CastleScore 90
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 (cheapest to run) — CastleScore 90
- Brother MFC-J4335DW — CastleScore 89
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 28, 2026 and will change over time.
- Epson: 200XL Black T200XL120-S (price, compatibility)
- Epson FAQ: how do I change the ink cartridges (WF-2540)
- Epson FAQ: 200-I setup cartridges (WF-2540)
- Epson FAQ: firmware updates and non-Epson cartridges
- Epson Canada: WorkForce WF-2540 (discontinued)
- Staples: Epson WorkForce WF-2540 ink
- Quill: Epson 200XL Black
- Tom's Guide: Epson WorkForce WF-2540 review
- Epson: WF-2540 owner reviews
Need replacement Epson ink cartridges? Shop Epson ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.