7 Best Mechanical Pencil for Math 2020 [With Buying Guide]

The pencil used nowadays is quite different from the traditional ones used in the 17^th century. If you are a student or an architect, then you have to solve a lot of math problems. Instead of using a wooden pencil for math, go for a mechanical pencil.

Mechanical pencils are equipped with updated features to help you in writing fluently with comfort. There are a variety of mechanical pencils with different designs and mechanisms. Choosing the best mechanical pencil for math might sound easy, but in reality, it is not.

So, we have narrowed down some of the best mechanical pencils with a buying guide to make it easy for you to select one for yourself.

In a hurry! Check the Chart to Make Your Decision.

Best Mechanical Pencil for Math Reviews 2020

To help you finding the mechanical pencil for math, I have compiled a list of ideal mechanical pencils that will allow you to enjoy writing and solving mathematical problems.

1. Top Pick – rOtring 600 Series Mechanical Pencil, 0.35mm (502603)

Choose the professional writing tool rOtring 600 Series mechanical pencil, which is equipped with outstanding features. First, the mechanical pencil’s durable metal body and non-slip knurled metal grip remain cool no matter how long you write.

Ergonomically-designed, it is featured with an enhanced barrel that offers an adequate balance and weight to the pencil, making it easy for you to write with comfort for a longer period. The weight helps in putting balanced pressure on the paper while drawing or writing.

As the pencil has a unique hexagonal shape, it won’t slide away when you set down the pencil on the table after finishing your work.

It is equipped with a lead hardness indicator that will help you to identify the hardness grade easily. Additionally, the fixed lead guidance sleeve of the pencil with advanced lead prevents it from breaking while writing. Moreover, this mechanical pencil effectively manages to provide precise and clear ruler-based drawings too.

What we like:

• Sturdy full metal construction makes it long-lasting to use.
• Ergonomic and unique hexagonal design provides a perfect balance.
• Precision lead advancement prevents breakage.

What we didn’t like:

•        It is heavyweight, so, it is not ideal for sketching.

2. Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil, (0.5mm)

Pentel has been providing high-quality products to the world for over 70 years. And it’s excellent GraphGear 1000 mechanical pencil is one of them. The mechanical pencil features a finely chiseled metallic grip of the pencil equipped with latex-free and soft pads that provide immense comfort while writing.

You can easily identify the lead size of the pencil as each of them is equipped with a built-in lead hardness indicator in different colors. The 4 mm tip design of the pencil makes it easy to use with templates and rulers.

If you think the tip of the mechanical pencil will break if you write with it for a long time, then you are absolutely wrong. This unique pencil is featured with a dual-action retractor that protects the lead of the pencil from breaking by retracting the pencil tip for ease of use.

Moreover, it is pre-loaded with a strong Pentel super Hi-Polymer HB lead, which doesn’t need to be sharpened and helps to create clear lines. The lead is refillable, plus the eraser too. The highlighting part of this top mechanical pencil is the durable and lightweight construction.

Even if you drop it accidentally, the pencil will still work fine. You can do anything from sketching to solving math problems with this long-lasting mechanical pencil. This superior mechanical pencil can be used by architects, writing enthusiasts, artists, and draftsmen, both for general and technical writing.

What we like:

• Sturdy and durable construction.
• Built-in lead size indicator.
• Dual-action retractor.

What we didn’t like:

• Some users didn’t like the plastic construction.

3. Parker Mechanical Pencil, Medium Point (0.5mm)

The stylish Paker’s mechanical pencil comes in an iconic and attractive Jotter design. It is expertly-crafted with a shiny silhouette stainless steel barrel with chrome accents. Plus, the high-shine stainless steel body is accented by an arrowhead clip and high-shine trims.

You can use Parker’s sturdy HB graphite leads that prevent breakage and bending with this mechanical pencil for smooth writing. The 0.5mm lead of the pencil helps to create clear lines for detailed writing.

With this best 0.5 mm mechanical pencil for math, you can solve problems for hours without your hand getting cramped. The weight of the pencil is satisfactory, and it fits perfectly in the hand. The pencil is equipped with an eraser under the cap for a convenient writing experience.

You can give this professional and stylish mechanical pencil to graduates, job-seekers, or hand it out at corporate events to make a good impression. Affordable, this pencil comes in a distinctive and elegant gift box too.

What we like:

• Attractive design with stylish stainless-steel barrel.
• Firm and comfortable grip.
• Great quality for the price.

What we didn’t like:

• This pencil might be damaged after a longer use and it requires replacement.

4. PILOT Dr. Grip Limited Mechanical Pencil, 0.5mm (36173)

The Pilot Dr. Grip is the perfect writing solution for those who want something easy and comfortable to use. The pencil offers superior comfort to the people who have to write for a long time and enables them to share their ideas flawlessly.

It is beautifully finished in a thick and luxurious platinum metallic barrel that looks visually-pleasing. The weight and balance of this thick pencil are perfect enough for you to write evenly and smoothly with it.

The pencil comes with a cushioned grip, which is designed ergonomically to reduce fatigue while writing. This cushion grip resists slipping of the pencil, which is helpful for long-term writing. It is even recommended by the Arthritis Foundation for those who have stiff or painful joints.

You can advance the lead easily either by shaking the pencil up and down or by pushing the button. The 0.5mm lead and the eraser can be retracted and replaced.

What we like:

• Cushion grip reduces fatigue.
• Ergonomic design helps to write for long hours.
• Recommended by Arthritis foundation.

What we didn’t like:

• Contains a small eraser cap.

5. Paper Mate 1799403 Clearpoint Elite 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil

Nothing can beat the Paper Mate Clearpoint Elite 0.5mm when it comes to choosing an affordable and perfect mechanical pencil for students. This mechanical pencil is featured with a new technology that prevents the lead from breaking and internal jamming of the lead when you drop it accidentally.

The pencil offers a comfortable grip for perfect control while writing or drawing. It comes with a durable metal body, which makes the pencil long-lasting to use.  Without releasing the pencil you can easily advance the lead with the help of the click-advance button included on the side of the pencil.

The featured twist-up eraser helps in advancing and retracing it whenever needed. It has a contoured and cushioned grip that allows painless grip and minimizes finger fatigue.

With this best pencil starter pack, you get two refillable mechanical pencils, two erasers, and six refillable leads. This simple yet effective mechanical pencil will be a perfect writing tool for professionals, students, and architects.

What we like:

• Comes with a new technology that prevents internal lead breakage.
• Easy to advance and retract the eraser.
• You can know when the lead runs out.

What we didn’t like:

• The barrel’s color can’t be chosen.

6. JIMMIDDA Metal Automatic Mechanical Pencil (0.5mm)

You will fall in love with the JIMMIDDA’s metal automatic pencil once you start writing with it. The pencil comes in a nice metal body with a non-slip and comfortable knurled grip that allows one to draw, write, or sketch for hours without feeling any fatigue.

This one of the best mechanical pencils for math comes with sturdy and rugged metal body that helps the pencil in lasting for a long time. The balanced weight of the metal tube and the low center gravity of the roulette will make the pencil easy to handle and light in your hand.

Its simple 4 mm retractable tip is best for detailed drawing and technical writings. Moreover, you can retract the 0.5 mm lead easily and store the pencil in a tiny space.

The firm clip of the pencil holds on the shirt or pocket and prevents it from falling. While writing if you make any mistakes, then you can rectify them with the included eraser. The best part of this mechanical pencil is that it comes with a 45-days money-back warranty.

What we like:

• Long-lasting and comfortable metal body.
• Fatigue-less grip.
• In-built eraser and retractable lead.

What we didn’t like:

• Lead may break easily.

7. Pentel P205BP2-K6 Sharp Mechanical/Automatic Pencil

With a slim body and built-to-last construction, the Pentel Sharp automatic mechanical pencil comes to provide you with a long-lasting and premium experience. The shiny and vibrant metallic shine makes the pencil stylish and sleek for any use.

It is more durable than the cheap plastic-made pencils and has a better grip than them. This mechanical pencil is perfect for students who have to write for a longer time as it is comfortable and lightweight to hold.

Moreover, they can control the pencil easily to create clear lines while drawing. It firmly holds the lead and allows you to write smoothly without any breakage. You can advance the lead by clicking the end-cap with your thumb.

It is pre-loaded with Pentel Super HB lead that is strong and doesn’t break easily. With the help of the sturdy lead, you can produce dark clear lines without any frills. While traveling, you can fasten the metal clip firmly to the pocket or any document quite easily.

What we like:

• Sturdy construction makes the pencil long-lasting.
• Lightweight and easy to hold.
• Super-strong lead.

What we didn’t like:

• Short and small eraser.

Why Choose a Mechanical Pencil for Math?

There are several reasons to choose a mechanical pencil for math over a wooden pencil.

Comfortable to use: Mechanical pencils are constructed with perfect weight and balance so you can glide it easily across the paper while solving the problems. The ergonomic design of the pencil allows you to hold it comfortably without much pressure.

They come with a non-slip grip made of either metal or rubber that lets you write for a longer time without feeling any pain in your hand. Even if your hands become sweaty, the pen will not slide from your fingers. Therefore, with a mechanical pencil, you can do your job without any difficulty.

Saves time: The best part of using a mechanical pencil is you don’t have to sharpen the lead. When using a wooden pencil, a lot of time is lost in sharpening the pencil and cleaning the waste.

Therefore, a mechanical pencil saves your time and allows you to write continuously. Moreover, the lines produced by a mechanical pencil are uniform and clear that make your work look neat and clean.

Refillable lead and eraser: Whenever the lead runs out, you can easily refill the pencil with another lead and can continue writing. Not only the lead but also the eraser can be replaced too in less than a minute.

Long-lasting use: Mechanical pencils come in either sturdy plastic or stainless-steel body, which makes it durable to use. If you use and store them safely, then they will last for years. Therefore, you don’t need to spend money on a box of wooden pencils every month.

Different designs: Every mechanical pencil from different brands comes with an attractive and colorful exterior. Some of them come in a circular or hexagonal shape with a different designed barrel. This adds a lot of fun while writing with a mechanical pencil, as you get to choose from the varied designs according to your preference.

0.5 or 0.7 mm; which Lead Is Better for Math or Writing?

The leads of the mechanical pencils differ in size. Most of the common lead-size used is 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm. Lead size 0.7 mm is thicker than the 0.5 mm and produces wider lines. On the other hand, a 0.5 mm lead creates thinner and fine lines.

So, for writing purposes, a 0.5 mm lead will be ideal, and for regular writing, math equation, or drawing, a 0.7 mm is the best as they are smoother and darker. Many students prefer 0.5 mm lead for overall-purposes like drawing, writing, and sketching.

But for beginners who tend to put much pressure while writing should go for a 0.7 mm lead as it won’t break easily. Also, 0.9 mm lead provides much thicker line on the paper. It is sturdy and durable as well.

Things to Consider when Buying the Best Mechanical Pencils for Math

When you purchase a product you should always consider some factors so that you can be benefited and achieve the best out of it. Before purchasing a mechanical pencil too, you need to consider few essential factors that will help you in using it flawlessly, without any trouble.

Sturdy construction: The body of a mechanical pencil will determine how durable it will be. Most of the mechanical pencils come with a stainless-steel, metal, or plastic construction. A mechanical pencil with a sturdy body prevents any damage and will last for a long time. So, make sure the pencil you will purchase is made with sturdy and high-quality material.

Comfortable grip: It is one of the most essential factors that decide the comfort level while writing. The grip of a mechanical pencil should be comfortable enough for a non-stop fatigue-less writing experience. Mechanical pencils come in either silicone, rubber, or metal grips.

Those suffering from arthritis or joint problems should prefer pencils with a thick grip made with rubber or silicone, and those who have small hands need to purchase a mechanical pencil with a narrow grip.

Also, make sure they are non-slip grips as it will allow you to write for a long time even if your hands become sweaty.

Lead advancing mechanism: Advancing the lead is what you have to do frequently while writing with a mechanical pencil, so you need to consider the mechanism type in terms of the situation. There are different mechanisms used for advancing the lead.

Push-button and side-click mechanisms are the most common ones that advance the lead with a click of a button. Some of the affordable mechanical pencils come with these mechanisms.

If you want something reliable and fast-paced, then go for mechanical pencils that are equipped with a shaker or auto advance mechanism. Both the mechanisms allow you to advance the lead without releasing the grip.

Size of lead: When purchasing a mechanical pencil, people don’t think much about the size of the lead. The lead size of a mechanical pencil needs to be considered according to your work.

Pencils with 0.5mm leads produce thin and sharp lines, therefore, they are best for math, detailed writing, and sketching. Whereas, a mechanical pencil that has a 0.7mm lead is more durable and creates dark and precise lines, so they are the best mechanical pencil for drawing.

Eraser: Make sure the mechanical pencil you purchase has a long in-built eraser if you tend to make mistakes often while writing. Small erasers won’t be helpful in the long run, so go for mechanical pencils that have long erasers.

Price: Like every other product, mechanical pencils also come in different price ranges. Cheap mechanical pencils are of low cost, while the ones that have the most features are expensive. So, you should choose and spend your money wisely. 

Final Thoughts

Writing with a mechanical pencil helps you to execute your writing in a detailed, uniform, and clean way. When writing for solving math, it’s wise to pick a quality mechanical pencil. However, it’s hard to choose the best mechanical pencil for math from a wide number of options.

But let me make it easy for you by recommending the popular Pentel GraphGear 1000 (0.5mm) pencil. The sturdy built, firm grip, and ergonomic design of this mechanical pencil will leave you in awe and provide you a memorable writing experience.