The Short Answer
The correct Apple Pencil tip is a replacement nib made for Apple Pencil, not a generic stylus tip. For the best fit, choose a tip that specifically lists your model—Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), Apple Pencil (2nd generation), or Apple Pencil (1st generation). Apple’s official replacement tips fit all four current Apple Pencil families, while third-party tips may fit only selected generations.
In practical terms, most compatible Apple Pencil tips are about 0.28 to 0.31 inch (7 to 8 mm) long, with a threaded base approximately 0.14 to 0.16 inch (3.5 to 4 mm) across. The visible writing point is much narrower, usually about 0.04 to 0.08 inch (1 to 2 mm), depending on whether the tip is plastic, metal, or a mixed-material design.
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If you are replacing a worn or lost nib, the safest choice is a tip labeled for your exact Pencil model or for all four Apple Pencil generations. A standard four-pack of Apple tips costs about $19, while generic packs commonly range from $6 to $10 for four to eight tips.
Standard Sizes
Apple does not prominently publish a complete engineering drawing for the replacement nib. The measurements below represent the common physical range for Apple Pencil-compatible tips. Small differences are normal between Apple and aftermarket products, so compatibility labeling matters more than a measurement alone.
| Measurement | Typical size in inches | Typical size in centimeters | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall tip length | 0.28–0.31 in. | 0.71–0.79 cm | Length of the removable nib from point to threaded base |
| Base outside diameter | 0.14–0.16 in. | 0.36–0.41 cm | Approximate width of the threaded section |
| Writing point diameter | 0.04–0.08 in. | 0.10–0.20 cm | Size of the contact point touching the iPad screen |
| Exposed cone height | 0.20–0.24 in. | 0.51–0.61 cm | Visible tapered portion after the tip is installed |
| Typical replacement weight | About 0.02–0.04 oz. | About 0.6–1.1 g | Weight of one replacement nib, not the complete Pencil |
These are not furniture-style standardized sizes such as a screw diameter or pencil lead grade. The important feature is the internal thread and shoulder that allow the nib to screw into the Pencil’s sensor assembly. A tip can look the right size but still fail to register pressure or tilt if its thread depth, internal contact, or conductive material is incorrect.
Apple’s official Apple Pencil Tips come in a four-pack for about $19. They are the most straightforward option when you want a predictable fit and the same general feel as the original nib. Less expensive options include the SIXFU four-pack at about $5.98, an Upgraded Replacement Tips four-pack at about $5.98, and Inesore’s eight-pack at about $9.97. Prices can change, and aftermarket packs may include different finishes or metal tips.
How to Measure Your Space
“Space” on an Apple Pencil refers to the opening and threaded receiver at the Pencil’s nose. You do not need to measure it for most replacements, but these steps can help if you have a damaged tip, a loose fit, or an unbranded replacement.
- Remove the old tip. Turn the nib counterclockwise by hand. Do not use pliers unless you protect the tip with a soft cloth, because crushing the plastic can damage the Pencil’s sensor area.
- Measure the overall nib length. Use a ruler with millimeter markings or digital calipers. A compatible replacement will generally fall near 7 to 8 mm from the point to the bottom of the threaded base.
- Measure the base, not the point. The tapered writing end varies by design. Measure the cylindrical threaded base, which is typically about 3.5 to 4 mm across.
- Inspect the Pencil opening. Look for dust, a cross-threaded insert, or a broken piece of nib. The opening should be clean and the metal contact area should not be bent or recessed.
- Check the thread by hand. Start the new tip straight and turn it clockwise gently. It should engage smoothly for several turns. If it stops immediately, wobbles, or requires force, remove it rather than tightening it.
- Test the connection. Open a drawing or handwriting app and check that the Pencil writes consistently. Test tilt and pressure if your model and app support them. A nib that physically screws in can still be electrically incompatible.
Do not sand, cut, or enlarge a replacement tip to make it fit. The tip is part of the Pencil’s sensing system, and altering it can cause intermittent input or scratching.
By Room or Use Case
For Everyday Note-Taking
Choose a standard white or hard-plastic replacement tip with a rounded point. It is usually the closest match to the original feel and works well for writing, calendars, email, and document markup. A four-pack is practical if you use the Pencil daily. Expect to pay roughly $1.50 to $5 per tip in a multipack.
For Drawing and Illustration
Artists often prefer a tip with a little controlled friction rather than an especially slick metal nib. A standard plastic tip gives predictable line control and is less likely to feel slippery on glass. The point is normally about 1 to 2 mm wide, although the visible line width is controlled mainly by the app, brush settings, pressure, and tilt—not just the physical nib diameter.
For Matte Screen Protectors
A matte protector adds friction and can wear a plastic tip faster than a bare screen. Keep a spare pack available and avoid sharp metal tips unless the manufacturer specifically says they are safe for your protector. Metal tips may last longer, but they can feel harsher and may leave marks if grit collects between the tip and screen.
For Heavy-Duty or School Use
Look for a multi-pack of eight or more, especially when several people share iPads. Inesore’s eight-pack, listed around $9.97, is an example of the value-focused format. Confirm that the package names your Pencil model; “universal” can mean only that the seller intends the tips for multiple Apple Pencil generations, not that every stylus uses the same nib.
For Apple Pencil Pro, USB-C, or Older Models
Many replacement tips are cross-compatible with Apple Pencil Pro, 1st generation, 2nd generation, and USB-C models, but read the product title and compatibility details carefully. An Apple Pencil tip is not interchangeable with a Logitech Crayon, Samsung S Pen, Surface Pen, or an ordinary capacitive stylus. Those products use different attachment systems and sensors.
Common Sizing Mistakes
- Buying by appearance alone: A cone that looks identical may have the wrong thread or internal contact.
- Confusing a screen protector with a tip: “Paper-feel” describes the protector’s surface, not a special Apple Pencil nib size.
- Assuming every metal tip is universal: Metal construction does not guarantee compatibility with every Apple Pencil model.
- Over-tightening the nib: Hand-tight is generally sufficient. Excessive force can damage the threads or sensor assembly.
- Ignoring wobble: A loose tip can produce inconsistent lines and should be replaced even if it still writes.
- Using a damaged tip too long: A cracked or flattened nib can feel rough and may expose harder material to the iPad’s glass.
FAQ
Do all Apple Pencil models use the same size tip?
Apple’s official replacement tips are designed for Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), Apple Pencil (2nd generation), and Apple Pencil (1st generation). Aftermarket products vary, so confirm the listed model compatibility before ordering.
What is the actual diameter of an Apple Pencil tip?
The threaded base is commonly about 0.14 to 0.16 inch (3.5 to 4 mm) across. The writing point is narrower, usually about 0.04 to 0.08 inch (1 to 2 mm). These are practical replacement ranges rather than a single official universal measurement.
Can I use a third-party Apple Pencil tip?
Yes, provided it is made for your Apple Pencil generation. Plastic third-party tips are usually the closest low-cost substitute. Metal or mixed-material tips may have a different glide, sound, and screen-protector compatibility.
How often should I replace an Apple Pencil tip?
Replace it when the point becomes visibly flattened, rough, chipped, loose, or inconsistent. Heavy daily use may require replacement every few months, while occasional note-taking can allow one tip to last much longer. Check the nib regularly rather than replacing it on a fixed schedule.
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