Fineliner Line Width Guide

Fineliner Line Width Guide

A fine line for delicate details, a stronger outline to bring a subject forward—changing your pen’s width can change the character of a drawing.

This is a general guide to choosing fineliners by their stated line width, not a size chart for a particular brand. Size codes printed on pens are not universal and do not always correspond directly to millimetres, so check the individual product description when comparing pens.copic+1

The uses below are suggestions, not rules. Choose the weight of line that suits your drawing, lettering or handwriting.

Stated line width Line character Suggested uses
0.03–0.10mm Extremely fine Tiny details, delicate textures and closely spaced hatching
0.15–0.20mm Very fine Fine illustration, cross-hatching and small features
0.25–0.35mm Fine Everyday sketching, handwriting, lettering and general linework
0.40–0.50mm Medium Clear outlines, journal entries, comic panels and pattern drawing
0.60–0.80mm Broad Bold contours, headings and stronger graphic accents
1.0mm and above Very broad Heavy outlines, large lettering and solid graphic marks

Choosing your first widths

For a versatile starting set, try:

  • Around 0.2mm for detail and hatching.

  • Around 0.3mm for general drawing.

  • Around 0.5mm for stronger outlines.

These are starting points, not essential purchases. One pen is enough to begin; additional widths give you more ways to vary the emphasis.

A note on measurements

Treat the stated width as a guide rather than a guarantee of an identical line on every surface. Pressure, paper and the condition of the tip can affect the result. Compare pens on the paper you intend to use.

This guide covers fixed-width fineliners. Brush pens, flexible dip nibs and fountain-pen nib grades need separate guidance.