Choosing your first fountain pen is only part of the journey. Once you begin exploring different nib sizes, you quickly discover that the same fountain pen can produce noticeably different results depending on the nib you use.
A nib controls the width and character of the line placed on the page, which means it can influence everything from the appearance of your handwriting to the way an ink behaves on paper. A fine nib can make detailed notes feel precise and controlled, while a broad nib can give the same ink a much more expressive presence.
For beginners, the terminology can initially feel confusing. Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, and Double Broad may sound straightforward, but understanding what those sizes actually mean can make choosing a fountain pen nib much easier.
Ferris Wheel Press' The Adventurers Nib Collection offers five No. 6 interchangeable nib sizes, ranging from Extra Fine to Double Broad, giving writers the opportunity to change their writing experience without changing their entire fountain pen. The collection uses Jowo-style housing and is compatible with Ferris Wheel Press writing instruments that use full-sized No. 6 nibs, including the Marquise and Joule Fountain Pen collections.
What Is a Fountain Pen Nib?
The nib is the metal component at the front of a fountain pen that delivers ink to the page.
Unlike a ballpoint pen, which uses a rolling ball to transfer ink, a fountain pen uses the nib and feed system to control the movement of liquid ink. The shape and size of the nib's writing tip determine how wide the resulting line tends to be.
This means that changing nib size can change the personality of your handwriting without requiring you to change your pen.
A single fountain pen can therefore become a very different writing instrument simply by using another nib.
What Do Fountain Pen Nib Sizes Mean?
Fountain pen nib sizes generally describe the approximate width of the line produced by the nib.
| Nib Size | Approximate Line Width |
|---|---|
| Extra Fine (EF) | 0.38mm |
| Fine (F) | 0.45mm |
| Medium (M) | 0.55mm |
| Broad (B) | 0.65mm |
| Double Broad (BB) | 0.75mm |
These measurements provide a useful reference for understanding the differences between the nibs, although the appearance of a line can also be influenced by ink, paper, writing pressure, and writing angle.
The progression is simple: as the nib gets broader, it generally places a wider line of ink on the page.
Extra Fine: For Small and Precise Writing
The Extra Fine (EF) nib is the narrowest option in the Adventurers collection, with an approximate line width of 0.38mm.
This makes it particularly appealing to writers who use small handwriting or need precision on the page. If you regularly write in compact notebooks, annotate documents, create detailed notes, or simply prefer a finer line, Extra Fine can be an excellent option.
It also provides an interesting way to experience fountain pen ink because less ink is deposited with each stroke compared with broader nibs.
For beginners who naturally write small, an Extra Fine nib can feel precise and controlled.
Fine: A Versatile Everyday Choice
The Fine (F) nib produces an approximate 0.45mm line and offers a useful middle ground for writers who want precision without going as fine as Extra Fine.
Fine nibs are particularly versatile for everyday writing, making them suitable for journaling, note-taking, correspondence, planning, and general handwriting.
If you're unsure which nib size to begin with, Fine can be an approachable starting point because it offers a relatively controlled line while still allowing the character of fountain pen ink to appear on the page.
Several Ferris Wheel Press writing instruments are available with No. 6 nibs, and the Adventurers collection allows compatible pens to be fitted with different sizes as your preferences develop.
Medium: A Balanced Writing Experience
The Medium (M) nib has an approximate line width of 0.55mm, giving it a more noticeable presence than Fine.
For writers who enjoy seeing a little more ink on the page, Medium can provide a satisfying balance between everyday practicality and expressive writing. The broader line can also allow characteristics such as shading and colour variation to become more apparent, depending on the ink and paper being used.
Medium is a particularly useful option if your handwriting is neither especially small nor especially large and you want a fountain pen nib that feels comfortable across a variety of writing situations.
Broad: More Ink, More Expression
The Broad (B) nib produces an approximate 0.65mm line.
At this width, the difference from Fine becomes much more apparent. Broad nibs put down more ink, giving handwriting a stronger visual presence and allowing the colour and properties of the ink to become more prominent.
This can make Broad nibs particularly enjoyable for expressive handwriting, signatures, headings, creative writing, and situations where you want the writing itself to make more of a visual statement.
If you enjoy colourful or shimmering fountain pen inks, a broader nib can also give the ink more room to show its character.
Double Broad: Designed to Make an Impression
The Double Broad (BB) is the widest nib in Ferris Wheel Press' Adventurers collection, with an approximate line width of 0.75mm.
This nib is designed for particularly expressive writing, where the width of the line becomes an important part of the visual experience.
Double Broad can be especially interesting for large handwriting, signatures, titles, creative lettering, and artistic applications where a generous amount of ink across the page is desirable.
It also creates an opportunity to see fountain pen ink in a completely different way. A colour that appears relatively restrained through an Extra Fine nib can become much more dramatic when laid down with a Double Broad.
How Nib Size Changes Your Ink
One of the most interesting things about changing nib sizes is discovering that the ink itself can appear different.
The formulation hasn't changed, but the amount of ink deposited on the page has.
A Fine nib may produce a relatively controlled representation of a colour, while a Broad or Double Broad nib can create more intense colour and give properties such as shading and shimmer greater opportunity to appear. Paper quality and absorbency also influence the final result.
This is particularly useful for fountain pen enthusiasts who enjoy collecting inks.
You don't necessarily need a new ink to discover something different.
Sometimes, you simply need a different nib.
Choosing a Nib for Your Writing Style
The best nib size depends largely on how you write and what you want your fountain pen to do.
If you have compact handwriting and need precision, Extra Fine or Fine may suit you particularly well. If you want a versatile everyday option, Fine or Medium can provide a comfortable balance. If you enjoy expressive handwriting, signatures, headings, or seeing more ink on the page, Broad or Double Broad may be more appealing.
A simple way to think about the options is:
- Extra Fine: detailed, compact writing
- Fine: controlled everyday writing
- Medium: balanced and versatile writing
- Broad: expressive, ink-rich writing
- Double Broad: bold and highly expressive writing
There isn't a universally superior nib size.
The right nib is the one that complements your handwriting and the way you want to use your fountain pen.
Why Interchangeable Nibs Are Useful
One of the advantages of an interchangeable nib system is that you don't have to purchase an entirely different fountain pen to explore another writing style.
Ferris Wheel Press' Adventurers Nib Collection uses full-sized No. 6 nibs with Jowo-style housing, and the collection is designed to be compatible with Ferris Wheel Press writing instruments that use the full-sized No. 6 nib, including the Marquise Fountain Pen and Joule Fountain Pen collections.
This gives writers considerably more flexibility.
You might use a Fine nib for everyday journaling, switch to a Broad nib for signatures or headings, and experiment with a Double Broad when working on creative lettering. The pen remains familiar while the writing experience changes.
For someone beginning to build a fountain pen collection, this can be a practical way to explore different nib personalities.
Nib Sizes Are About More Than Line Width
Line width is the most obvious difference between nib sizes, but it isn't the only thing you'll notice.
The amount of ink placed onto the page can influence colour intensity and the visibility of characteristics such as shading. Your handwriting may also feel different because broader nibs encourage a different rhythm and movement across the page.
This is why choosing a nib is ultimately a personal experience.
Two writers can use the same fountain pen and ink but prefer completely different nib sizes because their handwriting, paper preferences, and creative habits are different.
The more you experiment, the easier it becomes to understand what works for you.
Which Nib Size Should a Beginner Choose?
If you're buying your first fountain pen, Fine or Medium can be sensible places to start, particularly if you intend to use the pen primarily for everyday writing.
Fine offers a controlled line that works well for notes, journals, correspondence, and general handwriting. Medium provides a little more ink and a more noticeable line, which can be appealing if you enjoy seeing the colour of your ink more clearly.
However, beginners shouldn't feel restricted to Fine or Medium.
If you already know that you write very small, Extra Fine may be the better choice. If you have larger handwriting or enjoy expressive lettering, Broad could be much more satisfying.
Your handwriting is the best starting point.
Exploring Nib Sizes With Ferris Wheel Press
The Adventurers Nib Collection makes experimenting with nib sizes part of the creative process.
Its five No. 6 two-tone steel nibs are available in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, and Double Broad, with each offering a different writing experience. Ferris Wheel Press describes the collection as a way to move between delicate flourishes and bold statements while keeping the writing experience smooth and inky.
The nibs also have individual character designs, making the collection itself something that can appeal to fountain pen collectors as well as writers interested in experimenting with line width.
For someone beginning to explore fountain pens, this provides a simple lesson: you don't have to settle on one writing style forever.
Your pen can evolve with you.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding fountain pen nib sizes becomes much easier once you stop thinking of them simply as numbers and start thinking about how you want your writing to look and feel.
Extra Fine offers the narrowest line, followed by Fine, Medium, Broad, and Double Broad, with each successive size putting more ink onto the page and creating a progressively more expressive writing experience. Ferris Wheel Press' Adventurers Nib Collection covers all five sizes, from 0.38mm Extra Fine to 0.75mm Double Broad, giving compatible No. 6 fountain pens considerable flexibility.
Your first nib doesn't have to be your forever nib.
Try different widths, pair them with different inks, write on different papers, and pay attention to what feels natural in your hand. The more you experiment, the more you'll discover that nib size isn't simply a technical specification.
It's another way to make your handwriting your own.
FAQs
What are the different fountain pen nib sizes?
The Adventurers Nib Collection from Ferris Wheel Press offers five No. 6 nib sizes: Extra Fine (0.38mm), Fine (0.45mm), Medium (0.55mm), Broad (0.65mm), and Double Broad (0.75mm). Each size produces a different approximate line width and writing experience.
What fountain pen nib size is best for beginners?
Fine or Medium can be good starting points for everyday writing because they provide a balance between controlled line width and comfortable ink flow. However, the best choice depends on your handwriting. Writers with very small handwriting may prefer Extra Fine, while those who enjoy larger or more expressive writing may prefer Broad or Double Broad.
What is the difference between Fine and Medium fountain pen nibs?
The Ferris Wheel Press Fine nib has an approximate line width of 0.45mm, while the Medium is approximately 0.55mm. The Medium therefore produces a broader line and generally places more ink onto the page.
Which fountain pen nib is best for small handwriting?
An Extra Fine or Fine nib is generally the most suitable starting point for small handwriting. Ferris Wheel Press' Extra Fine nib is approximately 0.38mm, while its Fine nib is approximately 0.45mm, giving writers two relatively narrow options.
Which nib size shows fountain pen ink colour best?
Broader nibs generally place more ink onto the page, which can make colour characteristics more prominent. Medium, Broad, and Double Broad nibs can therefore be particularly enjoyable for exploring shading, shimmer, and other visual properties of fountain pen inks. However, the final appearance also depends on the ink and paper being used.
Can I change the nib on a Ferris Wheel Press fountain pen?
Compatible Ferris Wheel Press writing instruments that use a full-sized No. 6 nib can use the Adventurers nibs. Ferris Wheel Press specifically lists the Marquise Fountain Pen and Joule Fountain Pen collections as compatible, using Jowo-style housing. The company notes that compatibility with other pens in your collection cannot be guaranteed.
Can changing the nib change the writing experience?
Yes. Changing nib size changes the approximate line width and the amount of ink placed onto the page, which can alter the visual character of your handwriting and how your fountain pen ink appears. This makes interchangeable nibs a useful way to explore different writing styles without changing the entire fountain pen.