Best Mechanical Pencil Refills of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Mechanical pencil refills are an essential item for anyone who uses a mechanical pencil regularly. These refills are designed to fit into various types of mechanical pencils and come in a range of sizes and colors. They are available in a variety of lead grades, from soft to hard, and are made from high-quality materials to ensure that they produce consistent, smooth lines. Some mechanical pencil refills come with erasers on the end, making them even more convenient to use. Whether you're an artist, student, or office worker, mechanical pencil refills are a must-have item to keep your pencils writing smoothly and efficiently.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

June Gold 440 Pieces Lead Refills Cover #TOP 1
June Gold 440 Pieces Lead Refills
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bild Premium Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills Cover #TOP 2
Bild Premium Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Pentel Super Hi-Polymer 0.7 mm Lead Cover #TOP 3
Pentel Super Hi-Polymer 0.7 mm Lead
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Mechanical Pencil Refills

#TOP 1

June Gold 440 Pieces Lead Refills

10003
Hb Graphite
June Gold 440 Pieces Lead Refills Cover
June Gold 440 Pieces, 0.7 mm HB #2 Lead Refills, 110 Pieces Per Dispenser, Medium Thickness, Break Resistant Lead/Graphite (Pack of 4 Dispensers)

This pack includes 440 graphite lead refills with 0.7 mm diameter, #2/HB hardness, and 60 mm height, stored in 4 dispensers with 110 refills in each. The leads are formulated for smooth, uniform writing and are break-resistant. The dispensers allow for easy and exact dispensing. Compatible with any brand of 0.7 mm mechanical pencils, the June Gold lead refills are ideal for standardized tests and scantrons.

What We Like
High quantity per pack
Consistent and reliable lead
Break-resistant design
Convenient dispensers
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Quality may vary slightly
#TOP 2

Bild Premium Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills

Leadrefills
0.7 mm
Bild Premium Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills Cover
Bild Premium 1200 leads of 0.7 mm Mechanical Pencil Lead Refills (HB Mega, 0.7 mm)

Bild Premium Lead refills are designed to ensure a smooth and comfortable writing experience with any 0.7 mm mechanical pencil, providing a similar writing style as a #2 pencil. The HB MEGA 0.7 mm pack includes 10 tubes of lead and comes without color leads or an eraser.

What We Like
Exceptional precision and control
Durable and break-resistant leads
Generous quantity for great value
Easy installation and replacement
Consistent and smooth writing experience
What We Don't Like
Some leads may require more pressure
Color leads are easier to break
#TOP 3

Pentel Super Hi-Polymer 0.7 mm Lead

C27BPHB-K6
Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Pentel Super Hi-Polymer 0.7 mm Lead Cover
Pentel® Super Hi-Polymer® Lead Refills, 0.7 mm, HB Hardness, Tube Of 30

Pentel 0.7 mm Lead Refills offer a reliable solution for your mechanical pencils, ensuring that you always have a dependable writing tool. These refills produce dark, clear lines, making your writing easy to read and scan. Their break-resistant design means you can use them longer without worrying about frequent replacements. The bold lines are particularly helpful for important documents and tests, as they scan well and maintain clarity. Additionally, these refills are compatible with most Pentel pencils, making them a versatile choice for any writer.

What We Like
Fits well
Writes smoothly
Good price
Works perfectly with Bic pencil
What We Don't Like
Might be too hard for some
#TOP 4

Morepack 840 Pieces Mechanical Pencil Refills

YUS-Lead Refills
Black
Morepack 840 Pieces Mechanical Pencil Refills Cover
Morepack 840 Pieces Lead Refills,0.7 mm HB,Break Resistant Mechanical Pencil Refills,70 Tubes (840 Pieces)

This product comes with a total of 840 pieces of pencil lead refills, with 0.7 mm HB refill that is 60 mm long. The package contains 70 tubes, each with 12 pieces of lead refills. The storage box is made of hard plastic with a convenient and exquisite design for easy transportation. The leads are made of quality resin which is durable and ensures smooth writing without fading. The 0.7 mm HB lead refill is of a universal size and can be used in most mechanical pencils. Suitable for all general writing applications such as notes, letters, and can be used in the office, classroom, home, and other occasions.

What We Like
High quantity of lead refills
Cost-effective and great value
Convenient for frequent use
Quality lead, minimal breakage
Easy distribution across locations
What We Don't Like
Lead can break under vibrations
#TOP 5

BIC Pencil Lead Refills, Medium Point (0.7mm)

BIC
L730P1
Black
Medium
BIC Pencil Lead Refills, Medium Point (0.7mm) Cover
BIC Pencil Lead Refills, Medium Point (0.7mm), 30ct (L730P1),Black

BIC Pencil Lead Refills come in a pack of 30 and are perfect for refilling your mechanical pencils. These medium point (0.7mm) lead refills do not smudge and erase easily, making them ideal for all your writing needs. The item package weight is 1.0 pounds, making it easy to store and transport.

What We Like
Soft lead quality
Refillable convenience
Suitable for various uses
Long-lasting performance
What We Don't Like
None noted
#TOP 6

Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refills Value Pack

C257BPHB6
Original Version
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refills Value Pack Cover
Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refills Value Pack, (0.5mm and 0.7mm), Fine/Medium Line, HB, Pack of 6, 180 Pieces of Lead (C257BPHB6)

The Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Lead Refills Value Pack is the #1 selling lead in the world. This refill lead is for 0.5mm/0.7mm mechanical pencils. It never needs sharpening and produces a clear, dark line. The Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead is equivalent to a #2 Pencil, resistant to breaking, and is made of 100% recycled plastic.

What We Like
Multiple sizes in one package
Good quality leads
Smooth writing experience
Reasonably priced
Convenient refills
What We Don't Like
Occasional scratchy lead
Excessive packaging waste
#TOP 7

Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Leads

C505BP32B-K6
Gray
3 Count (Pack of 1)
Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Leads Cover
Pentel® Super Hi-Polymer® Leads, 0.5 mm, 2B, 12 Leads Per Tube, Pack Of 3 Tubes

Pentel Super Leads are high-quality mechanical pencil refills that ensure crisp and clean messages. Compatible with most Pentel mechanical pencils and competitors, these leads are perfect for office use. The strong design of the leads prevents them from breaking under pressure, ensuring a smooth writing experience. Additionally, these leads prevent smearing and fading, making them ideal for penciled drawings and important documents. With their ability to produce dark imprints and crisp lines, Pentel Super Leads make reading effortless. Upgrade your writing experience with these Super Hi-Polymer refills for your Pentel pencils.

What We Like
Durable and smooth writing experience
Good performance for note-taking
Dark marks and precise lines
Wide range of lead hardness
Convenient for artists and sketching
What We Don't Like
Delicate nature of 2B lead
Quantity may not justify price
#TOP 8

Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Leads 0.9mm HB 30 Pack of 3 Tubes

C29BPHB3
Gray
1 Count (Pack of 3)
Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Leads 0.9mm HB 30 Pack of 3 Tubes Cover
Pentel® Super Hi-Polymer® Leads, 0.9 mm, HB, 30 Leads Per Tube, Pack Of 3 Tubes

Pentel Hi-Polymer Leads Pack is designed to provide you with crisp, clean messages that are easy to read. These mechanical pencil refills are strong, preventing breakage under pressure, and they also prevent smearing and fading on your documents. With the ability to produce dark imprints and crisp lines, these refills ensure easy readability. Compatible with most Pentel mechanical pencils and competitors, these Super Hi-Polymer leads are a convenient choice for your writing needs.

What We Like
High-quality lead
Durable and break-resistant
Good for sketching
Compatible with various brands
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Mild smudging with moisture
#TOP 9

Staedtler Mars Carbon Lead 200-HB

200-HB ST
Black
Staedtler Mars Carbon Lead 200-HB Cover
Staedtler Mars Carbon Lead, 12 x 2mm, HB (200-HB)

The Staedtler Carbon Lead 200-HB is designed for use on paper and drawing cardboard, making it versatile for various artistic and writing tasks. With a lead thickness of 2 mm, you can create bold lines and detailed sketches that stand out. The black color ensures that your work is clear and easy to read. This product comes in a single piece, allowing you to replace your mechanical pencil's lead without hassle. It’s perfect for artists, students, and anyone who values precision in their writing or drawing.

What We Like
Dependable brand
Resistant to breakage
Smooth lead performance
Long length reduces waste
What We Don't Like
Difficult packaging design
#TOP 10

Paper Mate Mechanical Pencil Refills, 0.7mm, 105 Count

66401PP
Black
0.7 mm
Paper Mate Mechanical Pencil Refills, 0.7mm, 105 Count Cover
Paper Mate Mechanical Pencil Refills, 0.7mm, HB #2, 105 Count

These Paper Mate Mechanical Pencil Refills, 0.7mm, HB #2, 105 Count fit all refillable Paper Mate mechanical pencils. They come with the longest available leads to ease the stress of running out of lead, and are ideal for standardized tests. The bold and easy-to-find lead size/hardness ensures neat notes.

What We Like
Affordable and good value
Durable, resists breaking
Smooth writing experience
Long-lasting lead
Compatible with various pencils
What We Don't Like
Poor packaging protection
Received more containers than expected
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are all mechanical pencil refills the same?

Not all mechanical pencil refills are the same. While most mechanical pencils use standard 0.7mm or 0.5mm lead refills, some brands and models may have proprietary lead refills that are not compatible with other mechanical pencils. It's important to check the specific requirements of your mechanical pencil to ensure you get the correct refill.

2. Is 0.7 or 0.5 mechanical pencil better?

The choice between 0.7mm and 0.5mm mechanical pencils depends on personal preference and writing style. 0.5mm leads are generally strong enough for most people and offer precise writing. However, if you tend to apply more pressure or prefer a thicker line, a 0.7mm mechanical pencil may be a better choice.

3. Why are mechanical pencils not allowed in exams?

Mechanical pencils are often not allowed in exams because their fine and sharp points make them more prone to breaking, leading to potential disruptions during the exam. Additionally, they can cause students to take longer to fill in answer sheets due to the constant need for lead advancement.

4. Is HB or 2B better for writing?

The choice between HB and 2B lead for writing depends on personal preference. HB leads are considered medium hardness and are commonly used for writing. Some individuals may prefer the slightly harder lead of F. On the other hand, 2B leads are softer and preferred by those who want to express themselves artistically.

5. Is 0.3 or 0.5 mechanical pencil better?

The choice between 0.3mm and 0.5mm mechanical pencils depends on the desired line thickness. A 0.3mm lead is suitable for very fine lines, while a 0.5mm lead is commonly used for writing and most drawing purposes. Additionally, thicker leads like 0.7mm may be preferred for sketching and non-detailed drawing.

6. Is 0.5 or 0.7 better for drawing?

For drawing, the choice between 0.5mm and 0.7mm mechanical pencils depends on personal preference and the desired line thickness. A 0.5mm lead is generally preferred for precise and detailed drawing, while a thicker 0.7mm lead may be better suited for sketching and non-detailed drawing.

7. Should I use .5 or .7 lead for notes?

When taking notes, the choice between 0.5mm and 0.7mm leads depends on your writing style. 0.5mm leads offer precision and are suitable for most school writing. However, if you tend to apply more pressure when writing, a 0.7mm lead may be better as it is thicker and less likely to break.

Editor's Notes

During our mechanical pencil refill research, we found 24 mechanical pencil refill products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 190,986 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mechanical pencil refills list. We found that most customers choose mechanical pencil refills with an average price of $5.78.

The mechanical pencil refills are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mechanical pencil refills, including June Gold, Bild, Pentel, Morepack, BIC. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 573 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Mechanical Pencil Refills Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand June Gold Bild Pentel Morepack BIC Pentel Pentel Pentel STAEDTLER Paper Mate
Ink Color Black Black Gray - Black Black Black Black Black Black
Age Range (Description) Adult 8 and up Adult - - Kid, Teen, Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
Writing Instrument Form Graphite Pencil - Mechanical Graphite Pencil - - Mechanical Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil
Color Hb Graphite - Black - - Original Version Gray Gray Black Black
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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