Buying Guide

Hexagonal vs. round custom pencils

Six flat sides or one smooth curve — a straight side-by-side from the people who print both.

The short answer

Choose hexagonal custom pencils for classrooms, offices and conferences, because the flat sides stop them rolling off a desk. Choose round custom pencils when they will be held for a long time, such as drawing or journaling, because the smooth barrel is more comfortable in the hand. Both take a full-wrap print and a foil-stamped imprint, both use a bonded core in cedar or basswood, the cost is the same, and both start at a minimum order of 12 with a free mockup within 24 hours.

Side by side

	Hexagonal	Round
On a desk	Flat sides, so it does not roll off a desk or table	Rolls freely, so it is more likely to end up on the floor
In the hand	A familiar classroom and office pencil with a flatter grip	More comfortable held for a long session, which is why most drawing pencils are round
Print	Takes a full-wrap print and a foil-stamped imprint	Takes a full-wrap print and a foil-stamped imprint
Timber	Cedar or basswood, stated on the quote	Cedar or basswood, stated on the quote
Core and grades	Bonded to both slats and centred; HB standard, 2H to 6B available	Bonded to both slats and centred; HB standard, 2H to 6B available
Cost	Same as round	Same as hexagonal
Best for	Schools, offices, conferences and retail	Drawing, sketching, journaling and long note-taking sessions

Where hexagonal wins

Hexagonal is the classroom and office default because it does not roll off a desk. That makes it the practical pick for schools, conference tables and any giveaway that will spend its life on a flat surface. If you need a barrel that stays put, a flat profile is the point. For jobsite work, carpenter and flat pencils go further with a non-rolling flat or oval body. See printed round and hex pencils.

Where round earns its place

Round is more comfortable held for a long time, and it is what most people prefer for drawing. For sketch pads, journals and note-takers who write for long stretches, the smooth barrel is easier on the hand. Round pencils also suit brands that want a classic, uninterrupted barrel for a wrap-around logo. If every pencil needs its own name, either shape works with personalised name pencils.

The verdict

Pick hexagonal for schools, offices, conferences and retail, where pencils live on desks and counters.

Pick round for drawing, sketching and long note-taking sessions where comfort matters most.

Either way, the minimum order is 12 pencils, your free mockup arrives within 24 hours and the finished order ships in about 2 weeks. Send your logo and quantity through the quote form and we will mock up your pencil in both shapes so you can compare them.

GET A QUOTE