Picking the right pen can be tough! A pen size chart shows you the pen’s dimensions and nib sizes, giving you a visual guide. The right size is important for comfort, your writing style, and whatever you plan to use the pen for.
Fountain pens, art pens, and even simple ballpoints come in all sorts of sizes. This article will give you a comprehensive overview of pen size charts and what you need to know to choose the best pen for your needs.
Fountain pen nib tipping sizes: A detailed look
The nib is the part of a fountain pen that touches the paper, and the nib’s tip is what determines the width of the line the pen makes.
Nib sizes can vary a lot, even between pens from the same maker.
Japanese nibs, for example, tend to make a finer line than European nibs.
Because there’s no industry standard, the same designation can mean different things depending on the brand.
Understanding nib size designations
Here are some common nib size designations you might see:
- Ultra Extra Fine
- Extra Fine
- Fine
- Medium Fine
- Medium
- Broad
- Stub
- Italic
Remember that these aren’t standardized, so they can vary significantly.
Using a nib size chart
A nib size chart can give you a reference for comparing line widths from different pen makers, which can help you choose the pen that’s right for you.
When you’re choosing a nib size, think about how you’ll be using the pen and what your writing style is like.
Pelikan Pen Sizes: A Brand-Specific Guide
If you’re in the market for a Pelikan pen, it helps to understand how the company designates the type and size of its pens.
Pelikan Pen Types and Designations
Pelikan uses letters to indicate the writing type:
- M = Fountain pen
- P = Cartridge/converter fountain pen
- R = Rollerball
- K = Ballpoint
- D = Mechanical pencil
The numerical system generally correlates with pen size, with larger numbers indicating larger pens. However, this varies across different product lines.
Size Variations Across Pelikan Ranges
The main product lines are Souverän, Toledo, Classic, and Pura. Fountain pen sizes differ significantly from range to range.
Rollerball sizes tend to match the corresponding fountain pen size, while ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils vary in size and mechanism.
Choosing the Right Pelikan Pen Size
If you’re looking for a pocket-sized pen, the 300 series may be a good fit. For something oversized, consider the 1000 series. Beyond that, the best way to find the right size is to try out a few pens in person to see what feels best in your hand.
Pitt Artist Pen®: Nib size variety for artists
The Pitt Artist Pen® collection is valued by artists for its wide variety of nib sizes and colors. Whether you’re looking for a fineliner, a bullet nib, a calligraphy pen, or a brush, you’ll find it in this line of pens.
Here’s a rundown of the sizes and their typical uses:
- Extra extra superfine: 0.05 mm, for super-detailed illustrations
- Extra superfine: 0.1 mm
- Superfine: 0.3 mm
- Fine: 0.5 mm
- Medium: 0.7 mm
- Bullet: 1.5 mm
- Calligraphy: 2.5 mm
- Soft chisel: 1-3 mm
- Brush: 1-5 mm
- Soft brush: 0.5-5 mm
- Big brush: 1-8 mm
These pens can be used for illustrating, journaling, hand lettering, and sketching.
Pitt Artist Pens® use India ink, which is known for its archival quality and resistance to fading. The “fude” nib is especially flexible, allowing for a range of line widths depending on the pressure you apply.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to writing and art, the right pen can make all the difference. A pen size chart can help you find the perfect fit.
As you shop for pens, consider the type of nib, any brand variations, and what you plan to use the pen for. Take into account your own style and preferences, too.
With the information in this guide, you’re ready to make informed choices and find the pens that are right for you.