Standard #2 pencil
Standard #2 pencil measures ⌀7.0mm. It weighs about 4.0g.
Dimensions
| Diameter | 7.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.0 g |
Pencil
A standard wooden pencil measures 7.5 inches (190 mm) long and 0.28 inches (7 mm) in diameter (hexagonal or round) when new and unsharpened. This page covers the exact dimensions, common pencil grades, and how pencil length changes with use.
Dimensions
| Measurement | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Length (unsharpened) | 7.5 | 190 |
| Diameter | 0.28 | 7 |
| Core (lead) diameter | 0.08 | 2 |
Length after sharpening
Repeated sharpening gradually shortens a pencil. Most people stop using a pencil once it reaches around 1.5 to 2 inches (38 to 51 mm), since shorter stubs become difficult to grip comfortably for writing.
Pencil grades
| Grade | Hardness | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Softer, darker | Sketching, shading |
| HB | Medium | General writing |
| 2H | Harder, lighter | Technical drawing |
The grading system reflects the ratio of graphite to clay in the core. Softer grades like 2B contain more graphite and produce darker, smudgier marks, while harder grades like 2H contain more clay and produce lighter, more precise lines that resist smudging.
Mechanical pencil sizes
Mechanical pencils use a fixed-length barrel, typically 5.5 to 6 inches (140 to 150 mm) long, with lead diameters commonly available in 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.9 mm. Unlike wooden pencils, a mechanical pencil’s overall length stays constant since only the lead wears down and can be advanced or replaced.
Weight
A standard wooden pencil weighs about 0.14 ounces (4 grams). A typical mechanical pencil is somewhat heavier, around 0.35 to 0.53 ounces (10 to 15 grams), due to its plastic or metal barrel and internal mechanism.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a standard pencil?
7.5 inches (190 mm) when new and unsharpened, though this shortens with repeated sharpening over its life.
What is the diameter of a pencil?
About 0.28 inches (7 mm) across the hexagonal or round barrel, with a graphite core roughly 0.08 inches (2 mm) in diameter.
What does the number on a pencil mean?
It refers to the hardness grade, such as HB or 2B. Softer grades (higher B numbers) produce darker marks, and harder grades (higher H numbers) produce lighter, more precise lines.
How much does a pencil weigh?
A standard wooden pencil weighs about 4 grams (0.14 ounces), noticeably lighter than a mechanical pencil at roughly 10 to 15 grams.
What is the standard lead size for mechanical pencils?
0.5 mm and 0.7 mm are the most common sizes, though 0.9 mm and other diameters are also widely available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Standard #2 pencil weigh?
A Standard #2 pencil weighs about 4.0g.