There are lots of stationery manufacturers around the world that produce ballpoint pens. With thousands of models available on the market, it is hard to talk about the standard length of these writing instruments since they are different. So, how long is a ballpoint pen?
Of course, prior to the manufacturing process and release of a new model, the companies do research and certain marketing tests to calculate and find the optimal pen length comfortable to use for customers. What is the average length of a ballpoint pen? Let’s discuss it.
What Is Considered a Ballpoint Pen?
Today, ballpoint pens are one of the most common writing media with millions of items sold daily. They provide a reliable writing experience and come with an affordable price tag.
Their working principle is simple: a reservoir with ink is connected with a pen point that dispenses ink over a metal ball. The ball rotates freely in any direction and transfers ink smoothly onto the paper. The ink tank is filled with thick and fast-drying ink (a dye dissolved in oil).
The name of the writing instrument originates from this “ball” point, which is usually made of steel or brass. Due to this design, ballpoint media are a good alternative to fountain ones because they offer clean writing. They are released with various widths of a ball point (fine, medium, and broad).
How Long Is an Average Ballpoint Pen?
How long is a ballpoint pen? The most popular size of these writing tools typically sold in stationery stores is between 130-140 mm (5.11’’-5.51’’). This category is followed by media from another popular range of 140-150 mm (5.51’’-5.9’’). Sometimes, companies manufacture compact models with a body length of 100-110 mm (3.93’’-4.33’’).
Standard ballpoint writing tools have enough ink to draw a line 900 meters long!
How Long Is the Zebra F 301 Stainless Steel Retractable Ballpoint Pen?
The Zebra F 301 retractable pen is a popular writing instrument produced by a Japanese manufacturer. It features a stainless steel barrel, a textured grip, and a metal clip for a secure clasp. It is 5.13’’ long.
The item has a sleek appearance and is refillable. It is available in various ink colors and comes in different point sizes. Its weight is 0.2 lbs.
What Is an Average Bic Ballpoint Pen Length?
The BIC Cristal (also known as the Bic pen) is a disposable ballpoint writing instrument mass-produced by the French company Société Bic. The tool was launched in 1950. Today, it is the best-selling medium in the world and has become the archetypal ballpoint pen that the Museum of Modern Art in New York City introduced into its permanent collection.
Its hexagonal shape mimics the form of a standard pencil. Its length is 149 millimeters (5.87 inches or 14.9 centimeters) with the cap and 145 mm (5.7’’ or 14.5 cm) without the cap.
The legendary medium is now in the Guinness World Records because since 1950, it has been sold 57 times per second, which is faster than any other brand. In 2006, the 100 billionth Bic pen was sold. This tool can write for 2 kilometers before it runs out of ink.
In Closing
With this guide, you now know the construction and the average length of ballpoint pens. You’ve discovered their principle of operation, and this may help you in their correct use and possible repair of these writing tools. Despite the brand, they are incredibly useful, portable, lightweight, and affordable along with being perfect for business, educational, and financial institutions. Still, there are models designed for collectors’ markets. These instruments have become so popular that they have influenced graphic design and art.
References
- Ballpoint Pen – https://en.wikipedia.org/
- Anatomy of a Ballpoint Pen: Parts of a Pen and How They Work – https://crestline.com/
- What Is Length, Depth and Height of a Ballpoint Pen? – https://www.quora.com/