The right tools can help take our artwork to the next level, and if you’re a sketching enthusiast, excellent graphite pencils are key to producing beautiful drawings.
Graphite pencils come in a range of hardness levels (2B, HB), to suit the many tasks we use them for, such as writing, sketching and technical planning. You can jump to our short buyer’s guide for more on how the graphite grading scale works and what to consider when buying graphite pencils.
We’ve included soft graphite pencils, jumbo designs and beautiful tins in our roundup. Have a browse, and upgrade your artistic tools and sketches today!
You can also read our roundup of the best colouring pencils and add a touch of vibrancy to your masterpieces.
7 of the best graphite pencils
1. Faber-Castell, Castell 9000 Art Set Pencil
Best for traditional design
- Buy now from Amazon (£6.69)
Specs: 6 pencils | HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B and 8B
Faber-Castell has been producing top-of-the-range stationery since 1761, so you can trust you’re investing in reliable art supplies.
Ideal for drawing, sketching and writing, and featuring a break-resistant design to ensure your pencils last for longer, it’s no surprise the Castell 9000 is a firm favourite amongst illustrators and artists.
The Castell 9000 Art Set features six pencils, ranging from HB to 8B. This means you can easily create depth, and practise your high-contrast work.
Plus, thanks to the tin’s neat size, you can easily pop it in your bag and sketch on the go!
Pros: Trusted brand, ideal for beginners
Cons: Only one pencil of each grading
Make sure your illustrations are on point with an electric pencil sharpener!
Winsor & Newton Studio Collection Sketching Pencils
Most comprehensive set
- Buy now in the UK from Amazon (
£15.00£12.45) - Buy now in the US from eBay ($33.75)
Specs: 10 graphite and charcoal pencils | 2B, 6B and 8B | sharpener and eraser included
Winsor & Newton is another art supplier we’re huge fans of here at Gathered. You can stock up on everything from canvases and watercolour brushes to sketchbooks and gouache paint.
What’s really cool about the brand’s Studio Collection Sketching Set is the fact you’ve got both charcoal and graphite pencils to experiment with, allowing you to capture delicate tones and fine detail.
The white charcoal is ideal for creating atmospheric sketches on black paper, why not have a go at drawing a striking landscape design? Read our charcoal drawing for beginners guide for a step by step tutorial.
You’ll also find an eraser and sharpener in this set so you can keep your art desk essentials well-stocked.
Pros: Additional accessories, great for blending
Cons: Missing a HB pencil
STAEDTLER 121-S BK5D Noris School Graphite Pencils
Best for value
- Buy now in the UK from Amazon (
£4.44£1.40) - Buy now in the US from eBay ($6.29)
Specs: 5 pencils | 2B, B, HB, H and 2H
The instantly recognisable black and yellow STAEDTLER graphite pencils are an affordable option. Ideal for doodles, scribbles and writing as well as shading and sketching, you’re sure to get plenty of use out of this budget-friendly buy.
While they’re not as attractively presented as some of the graphite pencils in our roundup, at such a good price, you can stock up! Keep your pen pot filled, and know you’ve always got a decent graphite pencil to hand.
Pros: Great value, easy all-rounder for everyday use
Cons: Not suitable for gifting due to basic packaging
Take a look at the best drawing pencils for more stationery options!
Derwent Graphic 9B-H
Biggest variety of graphite grades
- Buy now in the UK from Amazon (£9.99)
- Buy now in the US from Walmart ($17.21)
Specs: 12 pencils | H, F, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B and 9B
Derwent’s Graphic 9B to H Set contains 12 different pencils of varying degrees of hardness, making this set ideal for those looking to experiment with drawing techniques.
Have fun trialling all of the options, and achieve everything from fine detail to beautiful smudging!
The pencils also feature an anti-roll hexagonal design to allow for a solid grip. This is a welcomed feature that’s sure to benefit those trickier parts of an illustration that require a great deal of precision.
Pros: Wide choice of H and B pencils for various effects, compact slimline tin
Cons: On the more expensive end of the scale
Gathered’s favourite drawing books
Looking to expand on your drawing skills and knowledge? Invest in a drawing book and learn as you sketch!
KOH-I-NOOR Jumbo Woodless Graphite Pencil
Best for large scale projects
- Buy now in the UK from Cass Art (£1.45)
- Buy now in the US from eBay ($5.98)
Specs: 1 graphite stick | HB
If you’re sketching and drawing on more extensive pads and canvases, we’d recommend adding a jumbo graphite stick to your collection. The broad tip allows you to cover a large area more efficiently.
Available from Cass Cart, the KOH-I-NOOR Jumbo Woodless Graphite Pencil is woodless. The design is covered in a lacquered envelope to prevent your hands from becoming caked in graphite lead for a less messy sketching session.
Pros: Great for backgrounds
Cons: Not suitable for detail work
Caran d'Ache Graphite Line Sketching Pencils
Best for travel
- Buy now in the UK from WHSmith (£12.99)
- Buy now in the US from Amazon ($28.70)
Specs: 6 pencils | 9B, 7B, 5B, 3B, HB, 2H
The Caran d'Ache Graphite Line pencils are perfect for sketching on the road. They’re ideal for those who often stumble across inspiration whilst out and about!
Packed in a sturdy, metal tin, and with six pencils of various grades, there’s plenty to like about this set.
Caran d’Ache is on the pricier side, but the Graphite Line Sketching tin is now available from WHSmith for a reduced price. Buy now for a 35% saving!
Pros: Neat tin for easy travel, mix of H and B pencils
Cons: Expensive in comparison to other brands
Moleskine Graphite Drawing Pencil Set
Best rectangular pencils
- Buy now in the UK from Amazon (£8.99)
- Buy now in the US from Amazon ($16.13)
Specs: 5 pencils | H, HB, 2B, 4B and 6B
We’re a huge fan of Moleskine’s stylish notebooks, but did you know the popular brand does stationery too?
Moleskine’s Graphite Drawing Pencil Set includes five pencils of various grades. There are both grey and black pencils included so you can create stunning depth in your art and practise your shading at the same time.
The pencils have a unique, flat and rectangular shape (similar to a carpenter’s pencil) so they shouldn't roll away!
Pros: Distinct grip, mix of black and grey pencils
Cons: Not well suited to extreme high contrast work
If you’re looking to enhance your graphic design work, a mechanical pencil will do the job nicely.
What to consider when buying graphite pencils
Graphite grading
Before investing in graphite pencils, it’s best to get to grips with the grading system. Pencils with a B grading are softer which makes them super for blending. The number next to the B dictates the degree of softness, as well as the darkness.
A 9B produces an extremely soft and rich, inky shade, whereas a 2B will still be soft, but a lot lighter. The higher end of the B scale, 6B to 9B, are ideal for tonal work, shading and creating moody effects.
A HB is an excellent middle-ground, neither too soft nor hard, and you’ll find one in most graphite pencil sets. A popular choice for both general drawing and sketching.
H graded pencils are firmer, and lighter in colour. The higher the number, the harder the pencil. A 6H is particularly firm therefore is more suited to technical drawing, hence why you don’t see as many H pencils in sketching and drawing graphite pencil sets.
A 2H however works well for intricate, detailed illustrations, so if you’re all about the finer detail, make sure your set has a couple of H pencils in the mix.
Drawing style
Think about your drawing style before investing in a set of graphite pencils: are you keen to shade and blend, or are you a fan of precision?
If you’re keen to blend and draw atmospheric masterpieces, go for a set with a wide range of B pencils. A mixed tin of Bs and Hs allow a degree of flexibility with your creations, and can work well for artists of all abilities.
Treat your work to a quality graphite pencil
We always recommend opting for a reliable art supplier brand when buying graphite pencils. While it’s easy to pick up any old pencil you find lying around the home (we know you’re itching to get drawing!), it’s best to go for a specialist retailer.
The brands we’ve included in our list are all high-quality producers of graphite pencils so you know you’re buying the best on the market.
Plus, quality doesn't always mean high cost. There are plenty of affordable options out there! Drawing is such an accessible and satisfying art form.
Test out your new graphite pencils with inspiration from Gathered!
You’ve got your graphite pencils, but now you’re struggling to think of an idea. Find inspiration in our list of 25 easy things to draw today!
