This chart compares the writing surfaces of the pens offered on this site.

Although there is variation between nibs of a given manufacturer, there is a greater difference between different companies. The Japanese standard is smaller than the Italian and German. Bexley uses a German nib. Pelikan offers the greatest selection and ease of installation. These numbers were acquired through micrometer-measurements of tips themselves; they are not intended to specify the written line widths each would produce since these will vary due to writing pressure, ink and paper choice.

Calligraphy nibs use a different and broader scale than fountain pen nibs. A fountain pen fine is much less than half the width of a calligraphy fine.

Most vintage pens are found with extra-fine and fine nibs. Medium nibs are less common and broads are rare. Those vintage fine and extra fine tips are even finer than most points made today.