Best Mechanical Pencils of 2025

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

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Mechanical pencils are a popular writing tool that eliminates the need for sharpening. These pencils have a refillable lead that automatically advances as the previous lead is used up. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from slim and sleek for everyday use to larger, more durable models for drafting and technical drawing. The lead size can also vary, with common sizes including 0.5mm and 0.7mm. Mechanical pencils are a great choice for anyone who wants a consistent writing experience without the hassle of constantly needing to sharpen their pencil.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers Cover #TOP 1
BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencils Cover #TOP 2
Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencils
ftb score rating icon 9.7
BIC ReVolution Mechanical Pencil Cover #TOP 3
BIC ReVolution Mechanical Pencil
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Mechanical Pencils

#TOP 1

BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers

BIC
MPCE40-BLK
Multi-color
BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers Cover
BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Bright Edition Medium Point (0.7mm), Writes Smooth & Dark, Doesn't Smudge, Erases Cleanly, 40-Count Gift Set in Assorted Colors

BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, also known as the BIC Xtra-Smooth Pencils, are a must-have for all your writing needs. This 40-count pack of medium point mechanical pencils is perfect for school or office supplies. The 0.7mm medium point is versatile and suitable for a variety of everyday writing activities. The high-quality lead ensures that your writing doesn't smudge and erases cleanly, giving your work a neat and professional appearance. The best part is that these pencils are always ready to use and never need sharpening. To advance the lead, simply click the built-in eraser. These pencils are also great for school, as they come with No. 2 lead that's compatible with most standardized tests.

What We Like
Affordable price for bulk pack
Variety of vibrant colors
Smooth writing experience
Durable and sturdy design
Built-in erasers for convenience
What We Don't Like
Lightweight feel may not suit everyone
Erasers wear down quickly
#TOP 2

Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencils

2164121
Clear
Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencils Cover
Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils 0.7mm, HB #2 Pencil Lead, 2 Pencils, School Supplies, Teacher Supplies, Drawing Pencils, Sketching Pencils, Assorted Barrel Colors, 10 Count

Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencils, also known as Paper Mate Clearpoint, are mechanical pencils designed to create clear and precise lines. With their side lead advance feature, you can easily load lead without losing your grasp. The 0.7mm, #2 leads are perfect for standardized tests, ensuring that your answers are accurately marked. The jumbo twist-up eraser makes erasing mistakes a breeze, saving you time and effort. The soft grip design adds comfort and ease, allowing for extended use without discomfort. This set includes 10 mechanical pencils, making it a great value for both students and professionals.

What We Like
Vibrant color options
Comfortable to hold
Durable and reliable
Excellent erasers
Easy lead replacement
What We Don't Like
Some pencils may not work
Pricey for some users
#TOP 3

BIC ReVolution Mechanical Pencil

BIC
MPE12-BLK
Blue,Green,Red
BIC ReVolution Mechanical Pencil Cover
BIC ReVolution Mechanical Pencil

Introducing the BIC ReVolution Pencil, the perfect tool to join the ReVolution and help write our planet's future. This mechanical pencil features a barrel made from 65% recycled plastic and packaging made of 100% recycled content, making it an environmentally friendly choice. With its long-lasting lead, you can enjoy hours of writing, sketching, doodling, and journaling without interruption. The BIC ReVolution Pencil also creates smooth, dark strokes that are always the same width, eliminating the need for resharpening. This high-performance pencil is sturdy yet lightweight, providing both durability and comfort. Experience the convenience and benefits of this eco-friendly mechanical pencil and make a positive impact on the environment.

What We Like
Made from recycled materials
Durable and comfortable
Effective erasers
Reliable lead quality
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Erasers wear out quickly
#TOP 4

BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils

BIC
MPNP24-BLK
BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils Cover
BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils with Eriasers, Medium Point (0.7mm), No Smudge and Clean Erasing, Writes Smooth & Dark, Great Holiday Gift, 24-Count Gift Set

BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils are the perfect choice for the classroom, standardized testing, and back to school. With their smooth dark writing lead, these pencils provide neat and clear results, making them ideal for all your writing needs. The fun pastel-colored barrels add a pop of color to any desk, bringing a touch of joy to your study or work space. Additionally, the mechanical design eliminates the need for sharpening, making them a smart choice for math class, standardized tests, art class, and more. The smooth-writing lead does not smudge and erases cleanly, ensuring that your work stays clean and professional. Upgrade your writing experience with BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils.

What We Like
Vibrant colors
Great price
Smudge-proof
Sturdy lead
High quality
What We Don't Like
Missing some colors
#TOP 5

Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils, SharpWriter Pencils

1921221
Yellow
Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils, SharpWriter Pencils Cover
Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils | 0.7 mm #2 Pencil | Pencils for School Supplies, Yellow, 36 Count

Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils, SharpWriter Pencils provide a shock-absorbing tip that reduces lead breakage. The twistable tip eliminates the need to stop and sharpen, while the #2 lead is perfect for standardized tests. The pink eraser makes it easy to make do-overs. This set includes 36 mechanical pencils with 0.7mm #2 lead.

What We Like
Reliable and convenient
Comfortable grip
Good lead quality
Low cost
Suitable for everyday use
What We Don't Like
Flimsy packaging
Not refillable like traditional pencils
#TOP 6

BIC Xtra-Precision Mechanical Pencil

BIC
MPLMFP241
Multicolor
BIC Xtra-Precision Mechanical Pencil Cover
BIC Xtra-Precision Mechanical Pencil, Metallic Barrel, Fine Point (0.5mm), 24-Count, Doesn't Smudge and Erases Cleanly

The BIC Xtra-Precision Mechanical Pencil is a high-quality writing instrument that offers precise and clean writing. With a simple click, you can advance the 0.5mm lead to ensure sharp and accurate lines. The lead on these pencils is of exceptional quality, allowing for clean erasing without smudging, keeping your hands clean. These pencils are perfect for standardized tests and writing activities that require neat penmanship. Additionally, they can be used for sketching or as mechanical drafting pencils. The BIC Xtra-Precision Mechanical Pencil is a reliable tool that brings convenience and accuracy to your writing needs.

What We Like
Affordable price
Multiple colors available
Good eraser quality
Durable metallic barrel
Fine lead for detail
What We Don't Like
Lead breaks easily
Limited lead supply
#TOP 7

BIC Xtra-Strong Mechanical Pencils, 24-Count Pack

BIC
MPLWP241
Assorted
24 Count
BIC Xtra-Strong Mechanical Pencils, 24-Count Pack Cover
BIC Xtra-Strong Thick Lead Mechanical Pencil, With Colorful Barrel Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count Pack, With Erasers (MPLWP241)

BIC Xtra-Strong Mechanical Pencils are the perfect choice for school supplies. These thick lead mechanical pencils offer dependable performance with break-resistant 0.9mm lead. Lead advances quickly and erases easily for tidy writing and note-taking. The colorful barrel design makes these pencils ideal for sharing.

What We Like
Great value for the price
Durable lead, minimal breakage
Vibrant colors
Lightweight and easy to use
Effective erasers
What We Don't Like
Some may prefer thinner leads

Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencil Set

2017483
Assorted
8 Count (Pack of 1)
Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencil Set Cover
Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencil Set with Lead & Eraser Refills, 1.3mm, School Supplies, Office Supplies, Sketching Pencils, Drafting Pencil, Fun Barrel Colors, 8 Count

The Paper Mate Triangular Pencil Set is a perfect choice for kids who are learning to write. With its specially designed features, this set offers great control and guidance to early writers. The thick 1.3mm lead ensures less breakage, allowing kids to write smoothly without interruptions. The triangular shape of the pencils helps to guide finger placement, making it easier for children to hold and control the pencils. The set includes 5 triangle pencils in fun barrel colors, along with a refill set of leads and erasers. With this set, kids can enjoy writing while improving their handwriting skills.

What We Like
Durable 1.3mm lead
Comfortable triangular grip
Smooth writing experience
Includes eraser and lead refills
Vibrant colors available
What We Don't Like
Thickness may not suit everyone
Some may prefer wooden pencils
#TOP 9

BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil

BIC
MPLP151
Black
BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil Cover
BIC Xtra-Sparkle Mechanical Pencil, Medium Point (0.7mm), Fun Design With Colorful Barrel, 15-Count

The BIC Xtra-Sparkle Pencils are designed to make writing enjoyable and efficient. With their sparkly and colorful barrels, these pencils add a fun touch to your writing experience. The smooth writing lead allows you to create dark, clear lines that won’t smudge, ensuring your notes and answers look neat. Plus, if you make a mistake, you can erase cleanly without leaving traces. The lead advances quickly, so you won’t have to deal with interruptions while you’re working. These features make them an excellent choice for students and professionals alike, especially during test time.

What We Like
Bright, sparkly colors
Durable and long-lasting
Affordable in bulk
Smooth writing experience
Colorful assortment for kids
What We Don't Like
Lead may smear when sketching
Breaks under excessive pressure
#TOP 10

Pentel Twist-Erase Click Mechanical Pencil Set

B01IW2T9C2
multi-color
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Pentel Twist-Erase Click Mechanical Pencil Set Cover
Pentel Twist-Erase Click Mechanical Pencil Set - 6 Mechanical Pencils, 6 Extra Erasers, 3 Tubes of Lead Refills

The Pentel Twist-Erase Click Mechanical Pencil Set includes SIX 0.7 mm mechanical pencils, SIX erasers, and THREE tubes of 0.7 mm lead -- 12 pieces of lead per tube. The quick-click side button allows for easy extension of lead, while the extra long twist-up eraser provides convenience for erasing mistakes. The pencils are made in Mexico, erasers in China, and lead in Japan. The set is perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who prefers a mechanical pencil for writing or drawing.

What We Like
Soft, dark lead
Comfortable grip
Durable design
Includes extra erasers and lead
Variety of colors
What We Don't Like
Not super durable
Occasional eraser twisting
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are mechanical pencils used for?

Mechanical pencils are used for tasks such as technical drawing, clean-looking writing, and fine-art drawing. They provide lines of constant width without the need for sharpening, making them popular among students and professionals.

2. Is 0.7 or 0.5 lead better?

The choice between 0.7mm and 0.5mm lead depends on personal preference and writing style. For most people, 0.5mm lead is strong enough and less prone to breaking. However, individuals who write with more pressure may find 0.7mm or even 0.9mm lead more suitable.

3. Why does everyone use mechanical pencils now?

Mechanical pencils have become popular due to their convenience. Unlike traditional woodcased pencils, mechanical pencils do not require sharpening. This saves time, effort, and avoids the mess associated with sharpening. Additionally, mechanical pencils offer a constant sharp point for precise writing or drawing.

4. Why are mechanical pencils not allowed in exams?

Mechanical pencils are often not allowed in exams because their fine, sharp points make them more prone to breaking. Additionally, the constant sharpness can cause students to take longer when filling in answer sheets, leading to potential time management issues.

5. What are the cons of mechanical pencils?

One drawback of mechanical pencils is that the leads are more brittle and can break easily, especially the thin diameter leads. There is also a possibility of lead jams in the lead pipe, requiring a clearing pin to free it.

6. Is 0.5 or 0.7 mechanical pencil better for drawing?

The choice between a 0.5mm and 0.7mm mechanical pencil for drawing depends on the desired line thickness. A 0.5mm lead is generally preferred for writing and most drawing purposes. However, a thicker 0.7mm lead may be better suited for sketching and non-detailed drawing.

Editor's Notes

During our mechanical pencil research, we found 25 mechanical pencil products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 582,351 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mechanical pencils list. We found that most customers choose mechanical pencils with an average price of $7.08.

The mechanical pencils are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mechanical pencils, including BIC, Paper Mate, Pentel. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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 Pencils Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand BIC Paper Mate BIC BIC Paper Mate BIC BIC Paper Mate BIC Pentel
Writing Instrument Form Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil Graphite Pencil Mechanical Graphite Pencil
Color Multi-color Clear Blue,Green,Red Graphite Lead; Pastel Barrels Yellow Multicolor Assorted Assorted Black multi-color
Age Range (Description) Adult Teen Adult Adult Teen Adult Kid,Adult Teen Kid, Teen, Adult Adult
Ink Color Black Blue Blue Pastel Black Black Black Fun Barrel Colors 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 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy