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Lead Sizes for Mechanical Pencils
Lead Sizes for Mechanical Pencils
Since their beginnings in the early 19th century, the mechanical pencil (sometimes called a propelling pencil) has come a long way. With advancements in technology allowing for stronger, more robust ‘leads’ and continual improvements to the internal gripping mechanism, mechanical pencils have become the handy go to for all occasions; enabling both technical precision, and artistic flair.
Mechanical pencils have diversified over the years to hold a range of different lead sizes. The lead size will affect what your pencil will be best for.
We have outlined the 10 most commonly used lead sizes for mechanical pencils; what they look like, feel like, what they are good for and which products you should choose for this size lead. 
This picture shows the line widths of lead sizes from 0.3mm to 5.6mm.
Size: 0.3mm
0.3mm leads are the thinnest of the lead sizes currently available. As this size is generally used for technical drawings and finer details they are usually available in HB or harder, but softer graded leads can be found. The 0.3mm HB was hard to write with, as there was no give in curves. This size was excellent for drawing straight lines, especially when aided by a ruler. The effect was clean and precise.
Our Pick:
Platinum Pro-USE MSD 1000A 0.3mm PencilThe narrow barrel and thin writing point make this an ideal pencil for professional drafting as they enable an uninterrupted view of the drawing.
Size: 0.5mm
This is a popular lead size with many companies creating mechanical pencils designed for 0.5mm leads. However several companies have recently changed their standard size from 0.5mm to 0.7mm e.g. Cross. The fine line is suitable for both writing and technical drawing. Like 0.3mm leads these are more commonly found in HB and harder.
Our Pick:
Ohto Promecha Mechanical PencilThe aluminium and steel construction makes this pencil lightweight, but perfectly balanced. Whilst the rubber grip section which twists to set the exposed lead length makes this pencil a joy to use.
Size: 0.7mm
0.7mm is the most common lead size used for mechanical pencils. The writing style matches closely to the size of a fine ballpoint or rollerball, and is available in the widest array of hardnesses. The lead thickness is great for day to day writing, sketching and can be used for less detailed technical drawings. Very pleasant to use.
Our Pick:
Faber-Castell Ambition Pearwood PencilThe sumptuous wood barrel of the Faber-Castell Ambition Pearwood coupled with the highly polished chrome trim makes this pencil a statement piece with real wow factor. Faber-Castell have a true pedigree when it comes to making fine writing instruments, with origins in the beginning of the 20th century and this pencil.
Size: 0.9mm
0.9mm leads are similar to a medium width writing point pen. 0.9mm was the standard size for mechanical pencil leads from the late 1940’s till around 1980. The size allows for writing and drawing strong, solid lines and lends itself well to sketching.
Our Pick:
Kaweco Special 0.9mm Push PencilThe light and robust Kaweco Special has a balanced feel and suits both writing and drawing. The elongated writing point allows for the user to easily view what they’ve just put onto paper.
Size: 1.18mm
1.18mm (Sometimes known as 1.1mm or 1.2mm) were the standard size for mechanical pencils way back when they first became popular. As this size was used in the very first Yard-O-Led pencils, the company has made a conscious decision to maintain the size throughout the years. This size is similar to a broad point pen, and can feel slightly cumbersome for smaller handwriting.
Our Pick:
Worther Slight Mechanical Pencil Available in Black Aluminium or Natural AluminiumThis sleek lightweight pencil has a modern feel and is simple to use, with the writing point twisting to extend and retract the lead. This pencil also refills through the writing point opening so there are no loose bits to lose or break.
Size: 1.4mm
1.4mm is the last size of lead that is really suitable to write with. Past this width the letters can be difficult to draw and need to be simplified to ensure they are legible, however this does mean that 1.4mm leads are perfect for young children as it encourages them to write large clear letters. The lead width also ensures a solid and consistent line.
Our Pick:
Lamy ABC Pencil Available in Blue or RedDesigned for little hands, this pencil features an ergonomic grip to encourage correct finger placement and a robust wood and plastic shell. The included stickers enable you to label your pencil and ensure they don’t go walkies.
Size: 2.0mm
From 2.0mm upwards your lead may need sharpening in order to get the effect you are after. The 2.0mm size is cumbersome and was not pleasant to write with, but to sketch it was a pleasure. Great for shading. Press hard for strong dark lines and softly for smooth shades.
Our Pick:
Kaweco Special ‘S’ 2.0mm Push PencilEasy to use push mechanism and compact, durable aluminium body will make this your go to sketching pencil for carrying around in your bag or pocket.
Size: 3.0mm & 3.2mm
These two lead sizes are so similar it is hard to tell them apart. 3.0mm and 3.2mm leads usually come sharpened in the pencil and will need to be sharpened depending on your preference. This size is great to sketch with and for shading. Press hard for strong dark lines and softly for smooth shades.
Our Pick:
Worther Shorty Available in a wide range of colours, including Green, Purple and BlackCheap and inexpensive, but a thoroughly pleasurable writing experience. The Worther Shorty is has a durable plastic exterior and comes with a manufacturer lifetime guarantee. Due to their superior German craftsmanship, the Shorty has a cult following in the art and design world.
Size: 5.6mm
The largest of the common lead sizes. This chunky sized lead will need regular sharpening. It’s prowess lies in shading and sketching larger objects. Press hard for strong dark lines and softly for smooth shades.
Our Pick:
Worther Compact Mechanical 5.6mm Pencil Available in Black Aluminium or Natural AluminiumThis great sketching pencil comes fitted with 4B leads, perfect for sketching. Plus, this pencil comes with its own sharpener so you can ensure your pencil is always just so.
The picture below was drawn using all of the aforementioned lead sizes.
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Comments
do you know of a source for 1.1 pencil lead in either B or BB hardness
Hi Louis, Whilst we do stock a wide range of pencil lead refills, we do not stock 1.1. The nearest size would be Yard-O-Led in 1.18, however, this will probably not fit given to the way mechanical pencils are designed.
Hi Louis, Whilst we do stock a wide range of pencil lead refills, we do not stock 1.1. The nearest size would be Yard-O-Led in 1.18, however, this will probably not fit given to the way mechanical pencils are designed.
I have a small Parker Duofold fountain pen and propelling pencil set,approx 1950's era.
Have you any advice as to replacement leads for the pencil please
Looking forward to your kind response
Regards
Hi Carol,
Pen Heaven are a retailer of modern ranges of pens only and we can not advise on vintage pens. You can try contacting Parker directly as they may be able to advise: 0203 027 6892
If you have any further questions, please let us know.
Hi Carol,
Pen Heaven are a retailer of modern ranges of pens only and we can not advise on vintage pens. You can try contacting Parker directly as they may be able to advise: 0203 027 6892
If you have any further questions, please let us know.
I have an old parkett pencil I thought took 1.1, but the leads won't stay in. Just falls out. Must be a 1.2, cause 1.3 is too big. The three leads it came with work fine. Do you have the 1.2 leads. If so let's do business. Thank you.
If the pencil is vintage and you say 1.1mm leads don't stay and 1.3mm are too large, you're probably looking for a 1.18mm lead. These were the standard for most mechanical pencils from when they were first invented until different lead sizes became available.
Yard-o-Led still make and supply these leads for their pencils. You can purchase them using the link below:
http://www.penheaven.co.uk/yard-o-led-pencil-lead
If the pencil is vintage and you say 1.1mm leads don't stay and 1.3mm are too large, you're probably looking for a 1.18mm lead. These were the standard for most mechanical pencils from when they were first invented until different lead sizes became available.
Yard-o-Led still make and supply these leads for their pencils. You can purchase them using the link below:
http://www.penheaven.co.uk/yard-o-led-pencil-lead
I am looking for mechanical pencil drawing leads for plastic film (mylar) particularly Pentel P1 for film?
Is Castell F1 the same as Pentel P1?
Help if possible?
Whilst we do not stock either the Pentel P1 or Castell F1, a quick bit of investigation showed the F1 to be suitable for use on "polyester drafting film".
We have 1 pencil lead which is suited for writing on multiple writing surfaces including glass, wood and plastic. This is the Worther Pencil Leads which are thickness 3mm and hardness 7B. You can find these using the link below: http://www.penheaven.co.uk/worther-4-coloured-pencil-leads-graphite
Whilst we do not stock either the Pentel P1 or Castell F1, a quick bit of investigation showed the F1 to be suitable for use on "polyester drafting film".
We have 1 pencil lead which is suited for writing on multiple writing surfaces including glass, wood and plastic. This is the Worther Pencil Leads which are thickness 3mm and hardness 7B. You can find these using the link below: http://www.penheaven.co.uk/worther-4-coloured-pencil-leads-graphite
Who is the author of this article and when was it published?
This blog was written and created by myself (Gemma - Pen Heaven content marketing executive), and published by our e-commerce director David. It was published on October 19th 2015.
There is a 0.2 mm lead and pencil by Pentel called Orenz. Only H; HB & B.
There is a 0.2 mm lead and pencil by Pentel called Orenz. Only H; HB & B.
This blog was written and created by myself (Gemma - Pen Heaven content marketing executive), and published by our e-commerce director David. It was published on October 19th 2015.
Hi
What size leads fit the old life long pencils?
Just purchased 2 solid silver pencil but owner didn’t know lead size.
Without knowing the pencil itself, its hard for us to advise. Having said that, MOST vintage mechanical pencils use a 1.18mm lead. This would be a good place to start.
You can buy 1.18mm leads using the link below:
https://www.penheaven.co.uk/yard-o-led-pencil-lead
Without knowing the pencil itself, its hard for us to advise. Having said that, MOST vintage mechanical pencils use a 1.18mm lead. This would be a good place to start.
You can buy 1.18mm leads using the link below:
https://www.penheaven.co.uk/yard-o-led-pencil-lead
I have old pencil leads with sizes listed as "thin" and "real thin". Any idea what mm these are?
Also, some very thick leads with metal findings on the end. The package states "200 Staedtler Mars-Lumograph" in both 2B and6B. Any idea what type of holder these are for?
Thanks, Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
We try and be as knowledgable about pens as possible, but as we only stock current ranges and models of writing instruments we have limited expertise in vintage pens and pencils.
With a little research, I found this: "The most common sizes of lead for vintage mechanical pencils were 1.1mm and 0.9mm. 1.1mm leads were frequently referred to as "thick" lead and the 0.9mm size was often referred to as "thin" lead." (http://www.pendemonium.com/pencilleads.htm). Hope it helps.
Unfortunately as we do not stock Staedtler, we can not advise on what the leads you have are for.
Hi Bonnie,
We try and be as knowledgable about pens as possible, but as we only stock current ranges and models of writing instruments we have limited expertise in vintage pens and pencils.
With a little research, I found this: "The most common sizes of lead for vintage mechanical pencils were 1.1mm and 0.9mm. 1.1mm leads were frequently referred to as "thick" lead and the 0.9mm size was often referred to as "thin" lead." (http://www.pendemonium.com/pencilleads.htm). Hope it helps.
Unfortunately as we do not stock Staedtler, we can not advise on what the leads you have are for.
do you know of a source for 1.1 pencil lead in either B or BB hardness
I have a small Parker Duofold fountain pen and propelling pencil set,approx 1950's era.
Have you any advice as to replacement leads for the pencil please
Looking forward to your kind response
Regards
I have an old parkett pencil I thought took 1.1, but the leads won't stay in. Just falls out. Must be a 1.2, cause 1.3 is too big. The three leads it came with work fine. Do you have the 1.2 leads. If so let's do business. Thank you.
I am looking for mechanical pencil drawing leads for plastic film (mylar) particularly Pentel P1 for film?
Is Castell F1 the same as Pentel P1?
Help if possible?
Who is the author of this article and when was it published?
Hi
What size leads fit the old life long pencils?
Just purchased 2 solid silver pencil but owner didn’t know lead size.
I have old pencil leads with sizes listed as "thin" and "real thin". Any idea what mm these are?
Also, some very thick leads with metal findings on the end. The package states "200 Staedtler Mars-Lumograph" in both 2B and6B. Any idea what type of holder these are for?
Thanks, Bonnie