How to Choose a Fountain Pen Nib Size (Extra Fine to Stub), A 10-Minute Test

This quick test is designed to prevent the most common mismatch: buying a nib that sounds right on paper, but does not suit your real handwriting. You can do it with any fountain pen you already own, or use it as a decision tool before you buy.

1. Pick your top three uses. Examples include planner notes, journaling, and signing cards. Write them at the top of the page.
2. Choose one paper you actually use. If you are unsure where to start, pick a fountain-pen-friendly option from Notebooks & Planners and use only that for the whole test.
3. Write one “normal” line. Use your everyday speed and pressure, no performance handwriting.
4. Write one “small” line. Use the smallest size you would realistically write in a margin or planner box.
5. Add a heading line. Write a short title twice, once slowly and once quickly, to see how the nib behaves when you move faster.
6. Do a pause test. Stop mid-word for two seconds, then continue. If it struggles to restart, note it.
7. Check readability. If letters close up when you write small, you will likely prefer a finer nib. If your normal writing feels faint or draggy, you may prefer a slightly wider nib or smoother paper.
8. Change one variable at a time. Before blaming the nib, try a better paper option and repeat only the normal line. The quick checks in this paper guide can help you spot whether the issue is absorbency, bleed-through, or ink behaviour.

To make this easier: Start with a dependable, everyday fountain pen as your baseline, so you are learning the differences in nib size instead of fighting an inconsistent setup. If you are new to fountain pens, it is also reasonable to begin with cartridges for a cleaner start, then move to bottled ink once you know what line width you enjoy most.

If you are deciding between two sizes: Choose the one that keeps your small writing readable. A slightly finer nib is usually easier to live with across more paper types, and you can still make your writing feel richer later by adjusting paper and ink choices.

If your nib feels scratchy: first lighten your pressure and slow down slightly. Fountain pens are designed to write with a gentle hand, and pressing harder can make even a good nib feel rough. Next, try smoother, fountain-pen-friendly paper and retest, because paper texture alone can change the feel dramatically. If it still feels unpleasant, a different nib size or a compatible nib swap can be a sensible, lower-cost experiment than replacing the whole pen.

If your pen skips or hard-starts: note when it happens. If it shows up after pauses, the ink may be drying on the tip, or the paper may be pulling ink away quickly. If you are using a converter or cartridge, confirm it is seated properly and that ink is flowing into the feed. A simple rinse and refill can also help if the pen has been sitting unused.

If your lines feather or bleed through: treat it as a paper issue first. Move to paper designed for ink, then rerun the same test lines. Once the paper is controlled, you will get a clearer read on what the nib is actually doing.

If you are unsure what to buy next: tie your next purchase to one goal. If you want cleaner refills and more ink choice, consider exploring a converter setup once you are comfortable with your pen. If you want better results on the page, invest in paper first. If you want more character in your writing, a stub nib can add line variation, but it tends to reward slower writing and better paper.

Note for younger writers: fountain pens can be a great hobby for teens and adults. For younger kids, focus on a light grip and smoother paper, and consider simpler writing tools until they are comfortable controlling pressure and angle.