Drawing Pen Size Chart

Drawing pen sizes are similar to the ones used for technical and ordinary pens. In fact, the term drawing pen can be utilized for any type of pen.

Drawing Pen Measurements in North America

The North American measurements are the following: 6/0 (line width: 0.005 inches), 4/0 (line width: 0.007 inches), 3/0 (0.010 niches), 00 (.012 in) and 0 (0.014 in), Next is 1 (line width: 0.020 inches) 2 (0.024 inches), 2.5 (0.028), 3 (0.031) and 3.5 (0.039).

The 3.5 size has a line width of 0.039 inches. 4 has a line width of 0.047, while 5 is equal to 0.050 inches. Drawing pen size 6 has a line width of 0.055 inches and 7 a line width of 0.079 inches.

Drawing Pen Measurements in Europe

0.1 has a line width of 0.13 mm; 0.2 is equal to 0.18 mm and 0.3 to 0.30 mm. The other measurements are 0.4 (0.35 mm), 0.5 (0.50 mm), 0.6 (0.60 mm and 0.8 (0.80). Size 1.0 has a line width of 1.0 mm; 1.2 has a width of 1.2 mm and 1.4, 1.40 mm. Size 2.0 has a width of 2.00.

The ISO Standards

The ISO standards and their US and European equivalents are the following. Drawing pen size 0.13 is equal to the North American 6/0 and the European 0.1. ISO size 0.18 is equal to 4/0 and the European 0.2. Size 0.25 is equivalent to 3/0. Size 0.35 is the same as size 0 / 0.4.

Size 0.50 is the same as 1 / 0.5. Size 0.70 is equivalent to 2.5. ISO 1.0 is the 3.5 in the US and 1.0 in Europe. 1.4 is equal to 6 and 1.4. Size 2.0 is the same as the North American 7 and the European 2.0.

In addition to the line width, the ink and pen speed may also be measured.

Types of Pens

As important as the drawing pen size is the type of pen being used. Among traditional artists, the term drawing pen refers to pen and ink. This technique involves putting ink in the paper for drawing. But as pointed out earlier, practically all pens can be used for drawing.

Well known types is the ballpoint pen (0.7–1.2 mm). It dries almost immediately and is used mostly for writing. A rollerball pen is a cross between the ballpoint and the fountain pen. It comes in many variants and can produce metallic colors.

A fountain pen employs a water based ink and can be refilled. Felt tip pens can be used for drawing, as are markers. All these pens come in a variety of sizes and colors, although blue and black are most common.

Historical Pens

Among older writing and drawing pens, the quill is the most recognizable. It is made from bird feather (often a goose). They were used on parchment paper. Another historical pen is the reed pen. It is made from bamboo. The clip pen uses ink as well. However it’s no longer widely used.

Although drawing pen sizes are vital, so is the type. Before using drawing pens, remember that quality is most important.