Why Nib Size Matters
The nib size you choose fundamentally shapes your writing experience. It determines the width of your line, how much ink is laid down, how the pen feels on paper, and how your handwriting looks on the page. Understanding nib sizes is one of the most important steps in finding your ideal fountain pen.
Standard Sizes
Extra Fine (EF)
The finest standard nib size, producing a line width of approximately 0.3-0.4mm (Western) or 0.2-0.3mm (Japanese). Ideal for small handwriting, detailed work, and writing on lower-quality paper where broader nibs might feather. The trade-off is that EF nibs provide less ink shading and can feel scratchy on textured paper.
Fine (F)
The most popular nib size worldwide, producing a line of approximately 0.4-0.5mm (Western) or 0.3-0.4mm (Japanese). Fine nibs strike an excellent balance between detail and smoothness, making them the default recommendation for most writers. They work well on nearly all paper types and show moderate ink shading.
Medium (M)
A medium nib produces a line of approximately 0.5-0.7mm (Western) or 0.4-0.5mm (Japanese). This size beautifully showcases ink properties like shading, sheen, and shimmer. Medium nibs feel noticeably smoother than fine nibs due to the larger tipping material contact area. An excellent choice for correspondence and journaling.
Broad (B)
Broad nibs lay down a generous line of 0.7-0.9mm or wider, creating bold, expressive strokes with maximum ink saturation. They are the smoothest-writing standard nibs and are favored by those with larger handwriting or those who want maximum visual impact from their ink. Best used with high-quality, fountain pen-friendly paper.
Specialty Nibs
Stub
A stub nib has a flat, rectangular tip that creates thick downstrokes and thin cross-strokes, adding a calligraphic quality to everyday handwriting. Stub nibs are often available in 1.1mm and 1.5mm widths and are an accessible way to add flair to your writing without learning formal calligraphy.
Italic
Similar to a stub but with crisper, sharper edges that produce more dramatic line variation. Italic nibs require a more consistent pen angle and are less forgiving than stubs, but reward proper technique with beautiful, calligraphic results.
Flex
Flex nibs are designed to spread under pressure, producing line variation based on how hard you press. Modern flex nibs offer moderate variation suitable for expressive writing, while vintage flex nibs can produce extraordinary hairline-to-broad variation for calligraphy and Spencerian script.
Japanese vs. Western Sizing
One of the most common sources of confusion for pen enthusiasts is the difference between Japanese and Western nib sizing. As a general rule, Japanese nibs (Pilot, Sailor, Platinum) run approximately one size finer than their Western counterparts. A Japanese Medium is roughly equivalent to a Western Fine, and a Japanese Fine is closer to a Western Extra Fine. Keep this in mind when ordering pens from different manufacturers.
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