Choosing drawing pencils for sketching comes down to the grades you will actually use, how much control you want over light and dark marks, and whether you need accessories in the same set. I’d start with the Faber-Castell 9000 12-piece set for a balanced range and smooth graphite, the MARKART 14-piece set for especially broad grade coverage, or the KALOUR 18-piece set if you want erasers, a sharpener, and a blending stump alongside the pencils.
Get kitchen staples and gadgets delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Those differences matter more than the piece count alone. A larger range can help with subtle value changes, but a compact set may be easier to learn and carry. Accessories save separate purchases, while a pencil-only set puts the emphasis on graphite grades. I rank these options by how clearly each serves a sketching need, how useful its grade range looks on paper, and the tradeoffs buyers should know before choosing.
Key Takeaways
- The Faber-Castell 9000 set is my lead pick for sketchers who want 12 grades from 8B to 2H and a smooth graphite-and-clay formulation.
- MARKART covers an unusually broad 12B-to-4H span across 14 pencils, but it does not include erasers, a sharpener, or blending tools.
- KALOUR supplies the most useful starter accessories, though its listed maximum grade conflicts between 12B and 14B.
- Faber-Castell’s six-pencil set keeps the range focused on practical sketching grades from 2H to 6B, making it a simpler choice for learning value control.
- Mr. Pen offers 14 grades from 6H to 10B, a wide range for sketching and hatching, but the supplied details list no accessories or case.
| Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch Pencil Set – 8B to 2H, 12 Pieces |  | Best Overall for Sketching | Pencil count: 12 | Grade range: 8B to 2H | Lead material: Graphite and clay | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set – 14 Pieces, Graphite (12B – 4H), Ideal for Drawing, Sketching, Shading, Artists & Beginners |  | Best for a Broad Grade Range | Pencil count: 14 | Grade range: 12B to 4H | Pencil type: Graphite | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| KALOUR 18-Piece Sketch Pencil Set with Erasers, Sharpener, and Blending Stump |  | Best Starter Kit with Accessories | Set size: 18 pieces | Pencil count: 14 graphite sketch pencils | Listed hardness range: 5H to 14B in title; description says up to 12B | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mr. Pen Graphite Sketch Pencils, 14 Pack |  | Best for Hatching and Grade Variety | Pencil count: 14 | Grades: 6H, 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 8B, 10B | Material: Graphite | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set, 6 Pencils |  | Best Compact Set for Learning the Basics | Pencil count: 6 | Lead grades: 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B | Pencil shape: Hexagonal | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| drawing pencil | Pencil count | Recommended uses |
|---|---|---|
| Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sk | 12 | Drawing, sketching, writing |
| MARKART Professional Drawing S | 14 | Drawing, sketching, shading, blending |
| KALOUR 18-Piece Sketch Pencil | 14 graphite sketch pencils | — |
| Mr. Pen Graphite Sketch Pencil | 14 | Drawing, sketching, writing, shading, hatching |
| Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch | 6 | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sketch Pencil Set – 8B to 2H, 12 Pieces
For a sketcher who wants one set to cover light construction lines, everyday outlines, and darker shading, I’d begin with the Faber-Castell 9000 12-piece set. Its 8B-to-2H spread covers both hard and soft graphite grades, and the product description specifically calls out finely ground graphite and clay for smooth, scratch-free lines. That makes it a more balanced lead pick than the six-pencil Faber-Castell set, which offers fewer steps between light and dark marks.
The set is also a straightforward choice for students, artists, and designers who want pencils rather than a bundle of tools. Compared with KALOUR, it gives up the included erasers, sharpener, and blending stump; compared with MARKART, it has a stated range that does not extend as far into either extreme. Those are real tradeoffs if you want a full starter kit or very soft, dark grades. Still, the 12-piece range and stated graphite formulation make this the clearest all-round fit for sketching among the five.
Pros:- 12 pencils span grades from 8B to 2H.
- Description highlights finely ground graphite and clay for smooth, scratch-free lines.
- Grade range supports both light marks and darker shading.
- Suitable for drawing, sketching, and writing.
Cons:- No additional accessories are included.
- Graphite-only set, with no colored or specialty drawing media.
- Its listed range does not reach the harder 4H or softer 12B grades offered by MARKART.
Best for: Sketchers, students, and designers who want a balanced graphite range for outlines, tonal work, and shading.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a sharpener and blending tools in the box, or who specifically want grades beyond 8B and 2H.
- Pencil count:12
- Grade range:8B to 2H
- Lead material:Graphite and clay
- Stated lead quality:Finely ground; described as smooth and scratch-free
- Recommended uses:Drawing, sketching, writing
- Included accessories:None listed
Our verdict“I’d choose the Faber-Castell 9000 set for a well-rounded sketching range and smooth stated graphite, provided you already have the accessories you need.”
MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set – 14 Pieces, Graphite (12B – 4H), Ideal for Drawing, Sketching, Shading, Artists & Beginners
MARKART is the pick I’d make when a sketching style depends on having many hardness options close at hand. The stated 12B-to-4H range reaches farther at both ends than the Faber-Castell 9000 set’s 8B-to-2H spread, giving buyers more listed options for very dark shading and harder, lighter marks. With 14 pre-sharpened pencils, it also offers two more grades than that Faber-Castell set.
The description calls the graphite smooth and break-resistant, which should appeal to artists who want a versatile pencil-only collection. Its weakness is practical completeness: unlike KALOUR, MARKART does not include erasers, a sharpener, or a blending stump. And although the range is broad, buyers who are new to graphite may find it less immediately manageable than Faber-Castell’s six-pencil selection. I’d choose MARKART for range first, while choosing KALOUR for a ready-to-start accessory bundle or the 9000 set for a more restrained overall selection.
Pros:- 14 pre-sharpened graphite pencils.
- Broad stated range from 12B to 4H.
- Lead is described as smooth and break-resistant.
- Suitable for drawing, sketching, shading, and blending.
Cons:- No additional accessories are included.
- Graphite-only set.
- The broad range may be more than a new sketcher needs.
Best for: Artists and sketchers who want a broad range of hard and soft graphite grades in a pre-sharpened set.
Not ideal for: Beginners who prefer a small, easy-to-learn selection, or buyers who need accessories included.
- Pencil count:14
- Grade range:12B to 4H
- Pencil type:Graphite
- Lead description:Non-toxic, smooth, and break-resistant
- Preparation:Pre-sharpened
- Recommended uses:Drawing, sketching, shading, blending
- Included accessories:None listed
Our verdict“I’d pick MARKART when a wide stated grade range matters more than bundled tools or a compact learning set.”
KALOUR 18-Piece Sketch Pencil Set with Erasers, Sharpener, and Blending Stump
If a buyer is starting from an empty pencil case, KALOUR has the most complete bundle in this lineup. Its 14 graphite pencils plus two erasers, a double-hole sharpener, and a blending stump cover several basic sketching tasks without requiring separate tools at the outset. Compared with the pencil-only MARKART and Mr. Pen sets, this is the more convenient pick for someone who wants to practice shading and blending right away.
The main reservation is the product information itself: the title says the pencils reach 14B, while the description says up to 12B. I would not choose it specifically to obtain the deepest listed grade until that discrepancy is clarified. The stated range begins at 5H, so it also does not go as hard as MARKART’s 4H or Mr. Pen’s 6H. KALOUR still makes sense as an accessory-rich starter kit, but buyers prioritizing a clearly documented grade span may prefer either Faber-Castell set.
Pros:- 18-piece bundle includes 14 graphite pencils and four useful accessories.
- Includes both vinyl and kneaded erasers.
- Blending stump supports smudging and soft tonal transitions.
- Pencil range is described as suitable for sketching, shading, and detailed drawing.
Cons:- The stated maximum grade conflicts: title says 14B, description says 12B.
- The range starts at 5H, less hard than MARKART’s listed 4H or Mr. Pen’s 6H.
- Accessory bundle adds tools that experienced sketchers may already own.
Best for: New sketchers who want pencils, erasers, a sharpener, and a blending stump together.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a reliably specified maximum grade, or already own the included accessories and want to prioritize pencils.
- Set size:18 pieces
- Pencil count:14 graphite sketch pencils
- Listed hardness range:5H to 14B in title; description says up to 12B
- Included erasers:Vinyl eraser and kneaded eraser
- Other accessories:Double-hole sharpener and paper blending stump
- Stated material:Pencils described as non-toxic
- Item weight:0.16 kg
Our verdict“I’d choose KALOUR as a convenient starter bundle, while treating its maximum pencil grade as uncertain based on the supplied description.”
Mr. Pen Graphite Sketch Pencils, 14 Pack
Mr. Pen offers a clearly itemized 14-grade sequence from 6H through 10B, including several intermediate steps such as 3B and 5B. That makes it a useful choice for sketchers who like to move gradually between line weight and tone, or who practice hatching with different graphite hardnesses. Compared with MARKART, its listed span is narrower at the soft end but reaches harder grades; compared with the Faber-Castell 9000 set, it includes more individual grades.
The product description says the leads wear evenly and are easy to erase and sharpen, useful traits for repeated drawing sessions. However, no case, eraser, sharpener, or blending tool is listed, so the buyer may need to assemble the rest of the kit. The Faber-Castell 9000 set has a stated smooth graphite formulation, while Mr. Pen’s strongest case is its explicit grade list and range. I’d choose it for grade variety and hatching, not for an accessory bundle or a particularly dark maximum grade.
Pros:- 14 listed grades span 6H to 10B.
- Intermediate grades allow gradual shifts in tone and line weight.
- Leads are described as wearing evenly.
- Description says the pencils are easy to erase and sharpen.
Cons:- No case or accessories are listed.
- Graphite-only set.
- Maximum listed grade is softer in range than MARKART’s 12B and KALOUR’s stated 12B-to-14B.
Best for: Sketchers who want many clearly listed grades for hatching, shading, and varied line work.
Not ideal for: Buyers looking for a complete starter kit, pencil case, or extra-soft grades beyond 10B.
- Pencil count:14
- Grades:6H, 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 8B, 10B
- Material:Graphite
- Lead characteristics:Described as super-bonded and even-wearing
- Stated maintenance:Easy to erase and sharpen
- Recommended uses:Drawing, sketching, writing, shading, hatching
- Weight:0.16 kg
Our verdict“I’d choose Mr. Pen for its broad, clearly enumerated grade selection, especially when hatching and gradual tonal changes are priorities.”
Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set, 6 Pencils
This six-pencil Faber-Castell set keeps the choices focused: 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, and 6B. For someone learning how pressure and grade affect a sketch, that selection is easier to navigate than MARKART’s 14-pencil 12B-to-4H range. The hexagonal shape gives the pencils a familiar grip, and the description says their graphite-and-clay leads are break-resistant and glued along the pencil length.
Its compact range is also its limit. Compared with the Faber-Castell 9000 set, it has half the pencils and does not extend to 8B, so buyers who want very dark shading or finer incremental grade changes will have less choice. It does cover a practical sequence from a harder 2H to a softer 6B, though, and the pencils are described as pre-sharpened and erasable. I’d treat this as a focused learning set rather than a full-range collection.
Pros:- Six practical grades cover 2H through 6B.
- Hexagonal shape is designed for an ergonomic grip.
- Leads are described as break-resistant and glued along the pencil length.
- Pre-sharpened and erasable; made with reforested wood.
Cons:- Only six pencils, fewer options than every other set in this roundup.
- Does not reach the 8B to 12B grades available in larger sets.
- No additional accessories are listed.
Best for: Beginners who want a compact selection of common grades for learning sketching and shading.
Not ideal for: Artists who want many intermediate grades, very soft graphite, or accessories included.
- Pencil count:6
- Lead grades:2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B
- Pencil shape:Hexagonal
- Lead material:Graphite and clay
- Lead construction:Break-resistant; glued along pencil length
- Preparation and use:Pre-sharpened and erasable
- Wood material:Reforested wood
- Item weight:0.2 g as listed
Our verdict“I’d choose this compact Faber-Castell set to learn core sketching grades, but I’d move to the 9000 set for a broader working range.”
How We Picked
I compared these five sets as graphite drawing tools for sketching, rather than treating more pencils as an automatic advantage. The useful question is whether a set gives a buyer a workable spread of light, middle, and dark marks for the kind of drawing they want to make. Grade range, number of pencils, stated lead characteristics, included accessories, and clarity of the product information all shaped the rankings.
The Faber-Castell 9000 set ranks first because its 8B-to-2H range and stated smooth, scratch-free graphite-and-clay formulation form a balanced proposition for varied sketching. MARKART follows for buyers who value a wider stated range, while KALOUR places below it despite the extras because its grade ceiling is inconsistent in the supplied description. Mr. Pen’s 14 grades offer breadth without listed accessories. The six-pencil Faber-Castell set earns a distinct place for buyers who prefer a compact selection of common working grades.
I also weighed what each set leaves out. All five are graphite-focused, so none is a mixed-media or colored-pencil option. Several sets omit accessories, and the product details do not give comparable information about pencil storage or lead diameter. I have not inferred performance beyond the descriptions: the rankings reflect stated features and how directly they serve a sketching workflow.
| drawing pencil | Recommended uses |
|---|---|
| Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Sk | Drawing, sketching, writing |
| MARKART Professional Drawing S | Drawing, sketching, shading, blending |
| KALOUR 18-Piece Sketch Pencil | — |
| Mr. Pen Graphite Sketch Pencil | Drawing, sketching, writing, shading, hatching |
| Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Drawing Pencils
For drawing pencils, the best choice depends on whether you need more grades, a focused starter selection, or tools for blending and correcting. I’d choose around the way you sketch: begin with the marks you make most often, then decide whether extreme grades or bundled accessories would meaningfully help.
Choose a grade range that fits your sketching
In a typical graphite grading scale, H grades are harder and tend to make lighter marks, while B grades are softer and tend to make darker marks. HB sits near the middle. For light layouts and controlled lines, harder grades can be useful; for shading and richer darks, softer grades give more options. The Faber-Castell six-pencil set covers 2H to 6B for a focused start, while the 9000 set expands to 8B and MARKART lists the broadest span, from 4H to 12B. Mr. Pen offers a clearly itemized spread from 6H to 10B. KALOUR’s listed maximum is inconsistent, so I would not use it as the deciding option for a particular soft grade.
More pencils help only when you use the added steps
A 14-pencil set can provide more intermediate choices, which may help if you deliberately control tone by changing grades rather than relying on pressure. But a larger set also means more pencils to identify and keep organized. Beginners may get more from learning a few contrasting grades—such as a harder pencil, HB, and a couple of softer B grades—before adding finer steps. That is why the compact Faber-Castell set has a genuine role, while Mr. Pen and MARKART suit buyers who already know they want a broader palette of graphite marks.
Decide whether accessories belong in the set
KALOUR stands apart because its bundle includes a vinyl eraser, a kneaded eraser, a sharpener, and a blending stump. Those tools can support lifting marks, cleaning edges, sharpening, and softening graphite. The other four listings focus on pencils and do not list comparable extras. If you already own drawing tools, the accessories may add little; if you are starting fresh, they can make the set easier to use from the first sketch. Compare the full contents rather than choosing by the piece count alone.
Check what the product details actually specify
Look for a complete grade list when a particular range matters to your work. Mr. Pen names all 14 grades, while the Faber-Castell sets state their endpoints or full selection. KALOUR has a mismatch between its title’s 14B maximum and the description’s 12B maximum. MARKART’s range is clearly stated as 12B to 4H, though its description does not enumerate every pencil. Also note that the supplied listings do not provide comparable details for lead diameter or storage cases, so I would not assume those features are present.
Match the set to the way you carry and work
If your sketching happens at a desk and you keep separate tools nearby, a pencil-only set may be enough. For drawing on the move, the six-pencil Faber-Castell set’s limited selection may be simpler to pack, but no case is listed. KALOUR has more pieces and the greatest number of listed accessories, which adds useful tools and bulk. Check whether you have a way to store and transport the pencils before treating a larger set as the more convenient choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which set would I choose for general sketching?
I’d start with the Faber-Castell 9000 12-piece set. Its stated 8B-to-2H range covers light marks and darker shading, and the description highlights finely ground graphite and clay for smooth, scratch-free lines. MARKART reaches farther at both ends, and KALOUR includes accessories, but the 9000 set offers the clearest balance of range and stated lead characteristics for a general sketching choice.
Are more pencil grades better for a beginner?
Not automatically. A smaller set can make it easier to learn how hard and soft grades affect line darkness and shading before adding more choices. The six-pencil Faber-Castell set provides a practical 2H-to-6B sequence for that purpose. A broader set such as Mr. Pen or MARKART is more useful when you already want finer steps or a wider range of marks.
Which option includes the most sketching accessories?
KALOUR is the only listing here that explicitly includes two erasers, a double-hole sharpener, and a paper blending stump alongside its 14 pencils. That makes it the most ready-to-start bundle in the group. Its grade ceiling is listed inconsistently, though, so I’d choose it for the accessories rather than relying on the title’s 14B claim.
Which set has the broadest clearly stated grade range?
MARKART states a range from 12B to 4H, the widest endpoints among the sets with a consistent range in the supplied details. Mr. Pen has a narrower 6H-to-10B range but explicitly lists every grade. KALOUR’s title says 14B while its description says 12B, so its maximum is uncertain from the information provided.
Can these sets be used for both drawing and writing?
Several descriptions explicitly include writing among the uses, including the Faber-Castell 9000 and Mr. Pen sets. All five are graphite-focused, so they can serve basic graphite mark-making needs, but grade range and softness affect how each pencil feels for a given task. If writing is a main use, a smaller middle-grade selection may be more practical than a set centered on very soft shading grades.
What are the best drawing pencil?
The best drawing pencil depends on your preferred medium, technique, and level of control. The picks above offer options to consider for sketching, shading, and more detailed work, so compare their lead grades and formats with the way you like to draw. Softer leads can suit darker marks and tonal shading, while harder leads can help with lighter, finer lines. If you are unsure, choose a versatile drawing pencil that feels comfortable in your hand and try it on the paper you use most. The right choice is the one that supports your style and gives you the marks you want.
Conclusion
I’d recommend the Faber-Castell 9000 set to most sketchers who want a balanced range and smooth, described graphite. Choose MARKART if your drawings call for a broader hard-to-soft span and you already have accessories. For a first set with tools included, KALOUR is the convenient pick, with the stated grade ceiling caveat. Mr. Pen suits artists who want 14 clearly listed grades for hatching and tonal control, while the six-pencil Faber-Castell set is the simpler route for learning core grades without managing a larger collection.
Fall Picks
eufy Security Essential 7-Piece Alarm System
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
