The Complete Guide to Paper Mate Pencils

Are you unsure which Paper-Mate Pencils to buy?

This complete guide to Paper-Mate pencils shows you every pencil that Paper-Mate makes and the different lead diameters.

While the Paper Mate company started making pens in 1940, it came out with its first pencil more than forty years later.

In 1984, PaperMate released its quintessential mechanical pencil, the Sharp Writer. This yellow barrel is known in classrooms around the world.

PaperMate now has 12 different families of pencils: Advanced, ClearPoint, ClearPoint Break Resistant, ClearPoint Color, ClearPoint Elite, ComfortMate Ultra, Handwriting, Profile Mech, Sharpwriter, Write Bros., Mirado, and Everstrong.

Table of Contents

1. Paper Mate Advanced Pencils

The Paper Mate Advanced Pencil is perfect for a formal setting, like the office. These pencils are made of metal, so they will last a long time.

The barrel is also textured, so they’re easy to grip. These pencils are retractable, so you can store the lead inside the pencil when you are not using it.

This way, you don’t get lead all over the inside of your pocket or your purse.

1.1. Paper Mate Advanced Pencil Types and Sizes

The Paper Mate Advanced Pencil comes in two different types, 0.7mm and 0.5mm, but they only come in #2 lead.

Because of the #2 lead, they can be used for scantron tests if you want to get them for school.

They come in three sleek colors: black, grey, and rose gold.

1.2. Paper Mate Advanced Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm, #2 lead

The Paper Mate 0.7mm Advanced Mechanical Pencil comes in all three colors available.

An eraser is hiding under the tip, so you have one if you need it, but it’s not an eyesore at the top of the pencil.

Plus, these pencils match your iPhone and Macbooks, so if you are looking to keep all of your technical tools matching, these pencils are perfect.

The 0.7mm is thicker and makes it great for filling in bubbles quickly.

1.3. Paper Mate Advanced Mechanical Pencils, 0.5mm, #2 lead

The Paper Mate 0.5 Advanced Mechanical Pencil only comes in grey or back, not rose gold.

However, if you need to write with thinner lines on the page, 0.5mm is the right choice.

It comes in a one or two-pack, so you can just buy one at first to try it out and see how you like it. This model and the 0.7mm are refillable, so you don’t have to keep purchasing more pencils.

2. Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencils

The Paper Mate Clearpoint pencil is perfect for someone who wants a cute, fun style in their mechanical pencil.

The barrels are clear but have all different colored accents available, so you can match your pencil with your mood.

The Clearpoint has secure rubber comfort grips, making them easy to hold. The twist eraser lets you store a larger eraser at the top of your pencil.

2.1. Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencil Types and Sizes

The PaperMate ClearPoint Pencil comes in 0.5mm, 0.7mm, and 0.9 mm.

There are all different colors available: purple, blue, black, green, pink, red, and even more, depending on the size pack that you purchase.

You can get a small set of just one pencil, or up to twelve pencils if you know you like this model.

Plus, a side lead advance loads up your lead for you, so you never run out while writing.

2.2. Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm, HB #2 lead

If you want a variety of colors and 0.7mm lead, then the Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencil is just what you’re looking for.

There are six different color packs: purple, fashion assorted, black, assorted, business assorted, and blue.

The pencils come with two pieces of lead in each.

2.3. Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.9mm, HB #2 lead

If you want a thick line and extra lead and erasers, go with the Paper Mate Clearpoint 0.9mm Mechanical Pencil Set.

This set includes two extra erasers and a cartridge with six additional pieces of lead.

If you know you have a math class coming up where you will need a lot of pencils, this set has everything you need.

Plus, if you tend to write hard, it’s better to get a thicker lead so it won’t break as easily.

2.4. Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencil Mix & Match Set

The Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencil Mix and Match set is great if you want to only purchase one pencil but want different decorative options.

In this set, the barrel is only one color, but it comes with four additional pencil caps in bright colors (yellow, orange, pink, and purple) and brightly colored erasers.

However you’re feeling, you’ll have a fun pencil cap to match.

2.5. Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.5mm, HB #2 lead

Some people write softly, and if that’s you, a 0.5mm pencil is a good way to go. With thin lines, this gives you more room to write all your notes on one page.

There aren’t as many fun colors available, but there’s still quite a variety with black, blue, green, and purple available.

Plus, depending on the size of your set, these pencils come with 2-3 erasers and an extra pack of lead.

2.6. Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.7mm, HB #2 lead

This pencil set is excellent for someone a fan of lime green. In every pack available, you get a lime green pencil and either a blue or purple one as well (depending on the package you pick).

This pack also comes with lead and erasers, and with its standard 0.7mm lead, it’s a great starter pack for school, work, or home.

2.7. Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils, 0.5mm, HB #2 lead

Thin lead, like 0.5mm, is great for writing in small lines.

These Paper Mate Clearpoint Mechanical Pencils with 0.5mm lead are perfect for places like doctor’s offices or anywhere someone might be filling a document, but also need to erase in case of an error.

You can get them in blue in one count, or if you are worried someone might walk away with them (they’re that good!), you can get a pack of 12 black ones.

3. Paper Mate Clearpoint Break Resistant Pencils

If you are the kind of person who writes hard, then the Paper Mate Clearpoint Break Resistant Pencil was made for you.

With a spring-loaded tip, this pencil absorbs the shock that would usually break a piece of lead.

Plus, this has an upgraded, 4-sided textured grip, so it’s easier to hold.

3.1. Paper Mate Clearpoint Pencil Types and Sizes

The Paper mate Clearpoint Break Resistant Pencil comes in two lead sizes, 0.5 mm and 0.7mm. And while the 0.5mm is only available in grey and a two-pack, you can purchase the 0.7mm in a blue pack of twelve or a 3-count assorted of purple, teal, and pink. The 0.7mm is also available in a three-pack of black that includes extra lead and two refillable erasers.

3.2. Paper Mate Clearpoint Break Resistant Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.5mm, HB #2 Lead

This Paper Mate Clearpoint Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencil set in 0.5 mm is for a no-nonsense writer.

The grey color is perfect if you want to keep it simple.

Plus, you don’t need to buy anything else since this set comes with extra lead and erasers.

And this pencil feels like you are writing with a pen, so you can write for long periods and have no problems.

3.3. Paper Mate Clearpoint Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm, HB #2 Lead

If you just want the pencils without anything extra, go for the Paper Mate Clearpoint Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencil in 0.7mm.

This pencil is only available in a pack of 12.

It’s great for the classroom if you have lots of kids who break their pencils easily because these will withstand their grips.

3.4. Paper Mate Clearpoint Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.7mm, HB #2 Lead

The 0.7mm Clearpoint Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencil Set comes with two to three pencils, erasers, and extra lead.

The 0.7mm lead won’t cut through your paper like smaller lead sometimes can.

The break-resistant engineering of these pencils does put them at a higher price point, so buy extras if anyone in your classroom or office has sticky fingers.

4. Paper Mate Clearpoint Color Mechanical Pencils

If you want to have different colors of lead to write with, then the Paper Mate Clearpoint Color Mechanical Pencils are the only option.

These pencils only come in a six-pack with the following colors: pink, red, orange, green, blue, and purple.

The barrels all match the color of lead inside, and it’s 0.7mm in size and erasable.

4.1. Paper Mate Clearpoint Color Lead Mechanical Pencils

These color lead mechanical pencils are great if you don’t want to use dull black lead or ink but still need them to be erasable.

If you’re a teacher, the kids in your classroom will be thrilled with the chance to write their homework in fun colors.

Or, if you’re a student who wants to separate their notes into different categories, you can color-code what you’re writing.

5. Paper Mate Lead Refills

The great thing about Paper Mate pencils is that they have lead refills that you can use for all their pencils (except the Sharpwriter, which is not refillable, or any woodcase pencils).

This way, you don’t have to keep buying new pencils repeatedly; you can refill the ones you have.

There are even colorful lead refills for their color lead mechanical pencils, but you can only get refills in red, green, and blue.

5.1. Paper Mate Lead Refills Types and Sizes

Paper Mate lead refills are available in different colors and graphite for their 0.7mm lead.

For 0.5mm lead, refills are only available in graphite.

You can get the color lead refills in a three-count or a starter set of colored mechanical pencils with two refill packs.

Each pack of lead comes with six pieces.

With the graphite lead for either 0.7mm or 0.5mm, each package comes with 105 pieces of lead total.

5.2. Paper Mate Clearpoint Color Lead and Eraser Mechanical Pencil Refills

It might be a little frustrating that while the Paper Mate Clearpoint Color Lead Mechanical Pencils come in six different colors, there are only three colors of lead refills available.

For example, if you look on Amazon, different 0.7 color lead refills are available.

If you want an exact match to your pencil, you can try some of those.

If you just want colorful lead, you can purchase the smaller color lead refill packs or the starter set from Paper Mate.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Colored Mechanical Pencil Lead to see a lot more colors by different brands.

5.3. Paper Mate Mechanical Pencil Refills, 0.5mm, HB #2 lead

The 0.5mm refill fits any refillable Paper Mate Mechanical Pencil.

Since these packs contain a whopping 105 pieces of lead, they will last you for a long time.

These claim to be the longest pieces of lead available on their website, so you won’t have to load them as often as other mechanical pencils.

Check out our Best Mechanical Pencil Lead Guide to see who makes the best lead for pencils

5.4. Paper Mate Mechanical Pencil Refills, 0.7mm, HB #2 lead

The Paper Mate 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil Refills come with the same perks as the 0.5mm refills, except the lead is a bit thicker.

If you prefer slightly bigger lines while writing, buy 0.7mm pencils and these lead refills.

6. Paper Mate Clearpoint Elite Mechanical Pencils

Out of all the Paper Mate Clearpoint varieties, the Clearpoint Elite is the fanciest.

At the highest price point, these pencils come with a thick, cushy comfort grip, metal accent pieces, and lead shield technology that stops your pencil from breaking.

If you are looking for a quality mechanical pencil with all the bells and whistles, this one is the way to go.

6.1. The Paper Mate Clearpoint Elite Mechanical Pencil Types and Sizes

The Paper Mate Clearpoitnt Elite comes in both 0.5mm and 0.7mm.

You can only purchase these pencils in sets with both erasers and lead.

These pencils are meant to be reused over and over again, and with their higher price point, you don’t want to lose them.

The 0.5mm comes in a pack with one blue and one black pencil, whereas the 0.7 mm comes in either a pack of one blue and one green or two grey ones.

These pencils only come in 2-pack sets.

6.2. Paper Mate Clearpoint Elite Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.5mm, HB #2 lead

If you want a pencil that feels and looks like a pen, then the Paper Mate Clearpoint Elite Mechanical Pencil set in 0.5mm is a great option.

These smooth, thin lines are perfect for a formal office setting.

If you take a lot of notes that need to look nice but also with the option of erasing, then these pencils with 0.5mm lead will do the trick.

6.3. Paper Mate Clearpoint Elite Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.7mm, HB #2 lead

If you want a slightly more colorful pencil, the Paper Mate Clearpoint Elite set in 0.7mm is a good option.

While the lead is only graphite, there are more color options for the barrel. However, these pencils do not have ridges and feel smooth, so you can use them for long periods without any irritation.

7. Paper Mate Comfort Mate Ultra Mechanical Pencils

The Paper Mate Comfort Mate Ultra Mechanical Pencil is designed to keep you comfortable while writing.

It has a jumbo cushioned grip to make your fingers ultra-relaxed and an hourglass design that helps your hand better hold the barrel.

This pencil was made to be used for hours on end, for long tests or writing sessions.

7.1. Paper Mate Comfort Mate Ultra Mechanical Pencil Types and Sizes

The Paper Mate Comfort Mate Ultra comes in two different pencil sets, one with 0.7mm lead and the other with 0.5mm lead.

You cannot buy the pencils by themselves, you can only get them with lead and eraser refills.

Like the Clearpoint Elite, these pencils are designed to last you a long time and not to be purchased over and over.

Although, you may want to buy lots of these for your friends!

7.2. Paper Mate Comfort Mate Ultra Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.7mm, HB #2 lead

The Paper Mate Comfort Mate Ultra Mechanical Pencil set in 0.7mm comes in either a two-pack or a three-pack.

There is one red and one blue pencil in the two-pack, and in the three-pack, there is one red, one blue, and one purple pencil.

The lead sets come with six extra pieces of lead and five extra erasers.

7.3. Paper Mate Comfort Mate Ultra Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.5mm, HB #2 lead

There is only one option for the Paper Mate Comfort Mate Ultra 0.5mm Mechanical Pencil set, a two-pack that comes with one red pencil and one blue pencil, five erasers, and six extra pieces of lead.

If you want to fit more notes on the page, or have small handwriting, then this 0.5mm lead set is the better choice.

8. Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencils

It can be challenging for kids when they first start writing, so Paper Mate created the Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencil.

This pencil was specifically made for children learning to write because the triangular design is easier to hold. The lead is 1.3mm, which is much thicker than normal so that it won’t break when kids are in the middle of writing. Plus, the barrels are fun colors, designed to entice kids to use them.

8.1. Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Mechanical Pencil Set

The Paper Mate Handwriting Triangular Pencil is only available in a set of five pencils.

The set includes a pack of refillable leads and two extra erasers.

The pencil barrels come in five colors: green, blue, purple, pink, and orange. Additionally, if you are an adult who has problems writing because of a health or sensory issue, these pencils are easier to hold.

9. Paper Mate Profile Mech Mechanical Pencils

The Paper Mate Profile Mech mechanical pencil looks and feels like a pen, but it’s actually a pencil.

That makes this pencil great for the office, or if you want a nicer-looking pencil at your home.

If you press the eraser down and push down on the tip, the lead retracts, making it easy to store away.

9.1. Paper Mate Profile Mech Mechanical Pencil Types and Sizes

The Paper Mate Profile Mech Mechanical Pencil is only available in 0.7mm lead. You can get just the pencils with a black barrel in eight, 12, or 36-count packages, or you can get a package of eight pencils with different colored barrels.

If you’d prefer to get refills and erasers as well, you can purchase a set that has them in various colors in two to four-count.

9.2. Paper Mate Profile Mech Mechanical Pencils, 0.7 mm, HB #2 Lead

If you just want a lot of nice-looking mechanical pencils, the 0.7 mm Paper Mate Profile Mech has that option.

You can get a big box of 36 black pencils, perfect for the office or school. If you like to get different colors, there is an eight-count package with barrels in red, orange, lime green, green, blue, navy blue, purple, and black.

These pencils do not come with lead refills.

9.3. Paper Mate Profile Mech Mechanical Pencil Sets, 0.7mm, HB #2 Lead

If you want a good starter set, the Paper Mate Profile Mech Mechanical Pencil sets come with everything you need, including lead refills and extra erasers.

Plus, there are four different color set options: black/blue, black, fashion assorted, and business assorted.

This pen set is available for Box Tops for Education if your child’s school collects those.

10. Paper Mate Sharpwriter Mechanical Pencil

The Paper Mate Sharpwriter Mechanical Pencil is the first one that Paper Mate produced.

They were so successful that Paper Mate still makes them today!

They are available in one color, yellow, and have a simple barrel. The tip of the pencil twists the lead out, and you can twist the lead back in to store it away.

These are disposable pencils, so you throw them in the trash once the lead runs out.

10.1. Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm, HB #2 led

The Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencil only comes in 0.7mm lead.

You can get a box of five pencils if you just want to try them out, or you can get a box of 36.

These pencils are great to have around in your classroom in case one of your students forgot theirs at home and needs to borrow one for schoolwork or a test.

Because they’re disposable, they are the cheapest mechanical pencils Paper Mate offers.

They’re still quality mechanical pencils, but it’s not going to break your bank if you have to buy a lot of them.

11. Paper Mate Write Bros. Mechanical Pencil

If you liked the simplicity of the SharpWriter Mechanical Pencil but want a little more variety, then the Paper Mate Write Bros. Mechanical Pencil has what you are looking for.

This pencil is still a simpler barrel, but it has lots of fun colors and designs available.

Plus, there’s more lead variety and the barrel is refillable. If you lose it, it’s not expensive to replace, but you don’t have to waste them either.

11.1. Paper Mate Write Bros. Mechanical Pencil Types and Sizes

The Write Bros. Mechanical Pencil is available in 0.5mm lead, 0.7mm lead, and 0.9mm lead.

There are big packs of 48 pencils and small packs of five. There are five different barrel types: strong, fun, precise, comfort, and classic.

11.2. Paper Mate Write Bros. Assorted Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm, HB #2 lead

If you aren’t sure what type of Paper Mate Write Bros. pencil to start with, this assorted pencil pack is a good option.

This box comes with 20 fun pencils, 20 classic pencils, and eight comfort pencils.

With a little bit of everything, you’ll have the right pencil for any person in your life.

All of these pencils come with the standard 0.7mm lead and have 40-50% more lead in them than the BIC Xtra Life Mechanical Pencil.

11.3. Paper Mate Write Bros. Strong Mechanical Pencils, 0.9mm, HB #2 lead

If you tend to break your pencil lead, it’s better to go with 0.9mm.

These Strong Mechanical Pencils have ridges on the plastic barrel, making them easier to grip.

However, the stem is smaller than some of the other varieties, so it might be a little harder to hold on to than some of Paper Mate’s bigger pencils available.

You can purchase the Strong pencils in colorful 12 or 24-packs.

11.4. Paper Mate Write Bros. Fun Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm, HB #2 lead

The Paper Mate Fun Mechanical pencils come with different cute emoji designs on each color.

These are great for older elementary kids who won’t press so hard on the pencil and can use a 0.7mm.

Or, if you’re an older adult who loves to laugh, these are sure to make you smile.

You can purchase them in a 12-count pack.

11.5. Paper Mate Write Bros. Precise Mechanical Pencils, 0.5mm, HB #2 lead

If you want a cheaper mechanical pencil that writes accurately, the Paper Mate Write Bros. Precise Mechanical Pencil is terrific.

It has 0.5mm lead, so it’s suitable for writing in small spaces where you need to add lots of detail.

The eraser is smudge-free, so it keeps your paper looking neat.

The barrel is silver and the clip has different colored accents.

11.6. Paper Mate Write Bros. Comfort Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm, HB #2 lead

The Comfort Mechanical Pencil is perfect if you have a lower budget but still want to be comfortable while writing. This pencil has a plastic barrel but a nice rubber grip that you can hold while writing, keeping your hand relaxed for long periods of time.

These pencils come in a five or 12-count box.

11.7. Paper Mate Write Bros. Classic Mechanical Pencils, 0.7mm, HB #2 lead

If you want a simple mechanical pencil that’s one step above something like the Sharpwriter, the Paper Mate Write Bros. Classic Mechanical pencil is what you’re looking for.

It has a simple plastic barrel with retractable lead and a ridged grip that helps you hold it.

However, it’s not as comfortable as the Comfort variety because it’s plastic.

12. Paper Mate Mirado Woodcase Pencil

Paper Mate has two non-mechanical pencil options, the first being the Mirado. It’s painted black on the outside and built from quality wood, so it won’t break in the middle of your test.

This is not a mechanical pencil, so you have to get up and sharpen it from time to time.

However, it’s good to force yourself to take breaks, and sharpening your pencil is the perfect time to give yourself five minutes to stretch.

Check out our Wooden Pencils Vs Mechanical Pencils guide if you are unsure which type of pencil is best for you.

If you are a fan of wooden pencils then Check out our Wooden Pencil Brands Ultimate Guide to see 211 pencils from 20 different brands.

12.1. Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior Woodcase Pencils, HB #2 lead

The Paper Mate Mirado Black Warrior Woodcase Pencil is made with #2 lead, just like all of Paper Mate’s mechanical pencils, so you can use it on any standardized test.

It comes only in a 12-count box. There’s an eraser on top that’s latex-free, so it’s good for anyone with a latex allergy.

13. The Paper Mate Everstrong Woodcase Pencil

If you want that classic yellow schoolhouse pencil, then the Paper Mate Everstrong Woodcase Pencil is precisely what you’re looking for.

These pencils have break-resistant lead, so you need to sharpen them less often.

And these pencils sharpen smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about frayed edges that might give you a splinter.

13.1. The Paper Mate Everstrong Woodcase Pencil Types and Sizes

The Paper Mate Everstrong Woodcase Pencil comes in #2 lead, and you can get it in boxes of 12, 24, or 72.

You can also purchase it as a set of 12 that comes with one pink pearl eraser or a set of 24 that comes with three pink pearl erasers.

13.2. Paper Mate EverStrong #2 Woodcase Pencils

If you just need a lot of quality, affordable pencils for your classroom or office, you can’t go wrong with the Paper Mate EverStrong #2 Woodcase Pencil.

With a box of 75, you might be set for the entire school year (or at least one quarter, hopefully, depending on your class size!).

The lead inside also writes dark, so you can easily read everything your students write.

13.3. Paper Mate EverStrong #2 Woodcase Pencils with Pink Pearl Erasers

If you work with children, you know that they often run their eraser down on the top of their pencil because they have to do so much erasing.

This pencil set comes with one to three extra pink pearl erasers, so even if they run out of the top of the eraser, there’s another large one that can be used.

14. Where Can I Buy Paper Mate Pencils?

The easiest place to find a large variety of Paper Mate pencils is Amazon.

Buy Paper Mate Pencils on Amazon

However, because Amazon fluctuates its prices often, you may not be getting the best deal.

You can also check office supply stores like Office Depot, Staples, or Office Max. Large warehouse stores like Target and Wal-Mart or drug stores like Walgreens and CVS have them as well.

If you need a pencil immediately, it’s better to go to a brick-and-mortar store to avoid dealing with any shipping delays.