Fountain Pen Nib Sizes & Types - A Guide

Choosing the right fountain pen nib size can be difficult. If you have no idea where to start, or you are buying for somebody else then look at the size of the handwriting. Those with small handwriting will generally prefer a finer nib grade, while broader nib grades are generally more suited to larger handwriting. The following is a guideline of the different types of nibs available, and their best use case.

Standard Nibs

Standard nibs are normal fountain pen nibs, as you are probably used to, which come in all sorts of different sizes.

Oblique Nibs

Oblique nibs are intended for those who slant the pen when they write and are precision ground at an angle on the tip of the writing point. A person holding the pen at an angle can get the same writing effect and smoothness of line as someone holding the pen straight.

Italic & Calligraphy Nibs

An italic nib provides flair and line variation in handwriting, while maintaining a smooth writing experience. A calligraphy nib tends to have sharper corners which gives a crisper line and more variation in line width. Writing with a calligraphy nib tends to be slower as the nib needs to be held at the correct angle continuously in order to prevent skipping.