10 best compass for drawing

A compass for drawing is a fundamental tool used in various fields, such as technical drawing, geometry, architecture, and art. It consists of two arms connected at a hinge, with one arm holding a pointed end for drawing circles and arcs while the other arm serves as a stabilizing point. Here's what you should know about compasses for drawing:

Components: A typical drawing compass consists of the following components:
- Compass Legs: These are the two arms of the compass. One leg has a pointed end, often with a removable lead or pencil attachment, for marking a center point and drawing circles. The other leg has a tip or a needle for stabilizing the compass while drawing.
Usage: Compasses are primarily used for drawing circles, arcs, and precise geometric shapes. They are invaluable tools in technical drawing, engineering, architecture, and mathematics to create accurate diagrams, graphs, and plans.
Varieties: There are various types of drawing compasses available, including:
- Traditional Compass: This type uses a removable lead or pencil to mark the circumference of the circle.
- Beam Compass: Instead of a pencil, it has a long, adjustable beam with interchangeable attachments for different drawing needs.
- Divider Compass: These compasses do not have a pencil or lead and are used primarily for measuring and transferring distances, not for drawing.
Adjustability: Most drawing compasses are adjustable, allowing you to set the desired radius or distance between the compass legs. This feature enables you to create circles of varying sizes.
Construction Materials: Drawing compasses are typically made of metal or plastic. Metal compasses are more durable and precise but can be heavier, while plastic ones are lightweight and more affordable.
Safety: When using a compass, it's essential to be cautious to avoid accidental injuries. The pointed end of the compass can be sharp, so users should handle it with care.
Compatibility: Drawing compasses are often used in conjunction with other technical drawing supplies like rulers, protractors, and drafting pencils to create complex drawings and diagrams.
Artistic Use: Drawing compasses are also popular among artists and graphic designers for creating intricate patterns, mandalas, and detailed artwork.
School and Office Supplies: Drawing compasses are readily available in stationery stores and are commonly used in educational settings and offices.
Maintenance: To ensure the accuracy of your compass, keep it clean and lubricated. Replace any worn-out parts, such as lead or pencil attachments, as needed.

In summary, a compass for drawing is a versatile tool used for creating precise circles, arcs, and geometric shapes in various professional and creative fields.Its adjustability and ease of use make it an essential tool for technical drawing, design, and mathematical applications.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best compass for drawing on the market

Mr. Pen- Professional Compass for Geometry, Extra Lead, Metal Compass, Compass, Compass Drawing Tool, Drawing Compass, Drafting Compass, Compass for Students, Compass for Woodworking, Compass Geometry

Based on 587 reviews Check latest price

1 High Quality Professional Bow Compass For Math, Geometry, Art, Drafting And Drawing; Creates Circles Up To 8 Inches In Diameter
Precision Geometry Compass With Spring Bow Head And Center Wheel Prevents Unintentional Leg Movements
All Metal, Nickel Plating Compass, Lifelong Satisfaction Guaranteed
Easy To Adjust Legs, Great For Precise Drawings
Packaged In A Clear, Reusable Pouch. Easy To Carry And Store

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this compass stay tight at the wheel when using? My Staedtler Compass moves every turn and is not consistent
Answer:	Yes. It’s a great tool! I’ve had same frustration with others. Enjoy construction activities with this compass!
Question:	How do we keep the lead sharp - does it come with a sharpener
Answer:	There is no sharpener but it comes with many many new tips even a couple extra metal ones. i did read you can request new tips any time for free.
Question:	What type of lead is included...2h, hb, or 2b
Answer:	Not sure, and the label that might have told is now gone, but it is not hard, and it's quite wide.
Question:	How small is the smallest drawable circle
Answer:	I just drew a circle in the all-the-way closed position. It was 5/8".

Mr. Pen Geometry Set with 6 Inch Swing Arm Protractor, Divider, Set Squares, Ruler, Compasses and Protractor, 15 Piece Set

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Geometry Set For All Levels Designed in USA
Package Includes 15 Piece: 2 Metal Compasses (1 Study Compass & 1 Graphic Compass), 1 Extra Lead for Graphic Compass, 1 Metal Divider, 2 Pencils for Compass, 1 Mechanical Pencil (0.5 mm) for Compass, 1 Pack of 0.5 mm Lead for Mechanical Pencil, 1 Eraser, 1 Metal Pencil Sharpener, 1 Ruler (6”), 1 Set Square (30°/60°), 1 Set Square (45°), 1 Protractor, 1 Protractor with Swing Arm (6”)
15 Piece Geometry Set, Compass Set in a Reusable Pouch, Easy to Carry and Store
Inch and Centimeter Measurements
The Math Set/Geometry Set Designed by Experienced Math Experts with All Essential Items for Teachers and Students at Any Level

User questions & answers

Question:	does the divider have a screw adjustment
Answer:	The metal compasses do. The 6" plastic protractor with swing arm doesn't.
Question:	What size lead does the compass use
Answer:	The size of the compass lead is 2mm in diameter, and 1 cm in length. There is another compass in the set that you can use with almost any pen or pencils. the set comes with 2 #2 pencils.
Question:	How big of a circle can I draw
Answer:	Hi, Thanks for your question. There are two compasses in the set. One has its own lead and it opens up to 6.5" meaning 13" circle in diameter. The other one you can use with pencils, pens, markers,... and it opens up to 5.25" i.e. 10.5" circles.
Question:	How do I use the divider
Answer:	Usually dividers are used to transfer measurements without leaving a mark. Also you can use them to mark measurements on paper, wood and...So you measure something with your divider then you can transfer it to other things, multiple times, without measuring again and again or leaving a mark with pencils or pens.

Product features

Mr. Pen Story: Committed to Quality and Service

What's Included:

How to use:

Open the compass to the radius desired for your circle.
Place the compass point on a piece of paper where you would like the center point of the ring.
Place the position of the pencil/lead on the paper.
Rotate the compass to mark a circle on the paper with a pencil. Draw without lifting the point of the compass of the paper.

Offizeus Professional Compass for Geometry with Extra Lead Refills - Makes 10 Inch Circle - Math Compass, Drawing Compass - Metal Precision Bow Compass with Lock - for Drafting, School, Woodworking

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

PLEASURE TO USE STURDY SPRING BOW COMPASS - Adjustment wheel with automatic locking mechanism makes drawing easy and fun, you never want to return to plastic compass again!
WITH PLENTY OF SPARE PARTS - OFFIZEUS compass comes with 9 spare leads, extra steel needle tip and spare holding screws and nuts.
PERFECT FOR KIDS AND ADULTS - Excellent for use in school, woodworking, or at home. The best circle drawing tool for student, artist, mathematician, carpenter.
CARRY POUCH - Everything packaged nicely in reusable clear pouch for easy to carry and store.
100% SATISFACTION OR YOUR MONEY BACK - That’s our unconditional guarantee! If you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase, we promise to offer you a prompt and full refund or ship you a replacement, so you can buy with peace of mind.

User questions & answers

Question:	The lead is actually graphite, correct
Answer:	It seems to be graphite - I don't have equipment to test its composition, so can't say definitively.
Question:	Where is it made
Answer:	China.
Question:	How small of a diameter can it produce
Answer:	Hi, Thanks for asking. You can draw about 0.4 inch (1 cm) diameter circle.
Question:	how wide a diameter circle
Answer:	The diameter of the circle you can draw is 9 to 10 inches depending how you have set up the lead / needle tips and how worn out the lead tip is. Thanks for asking!

Product features

PRECISION BOW COMPASS - ALL METAL DESIGN

OFFIZEUS precision bow compass / divider includes easy-to-use adjustment wheel and locking mechanism preventing leg movement during drawing. By adjusting center wheel you can easily change the radius of the circle.

When the desired radius is achieved, the mechanism is automatically locked to adjusted position. Compass is equipped with 2mm diameter lead refill tips and needle and they are easily replaceable. They are attached to compass with thumb screws, no tools are required.

PLEASURE TO USE

Adjustment wheel with automatic locking mechanism makes drawing easy and fun.

IDEAL TOOL FOR:

Students, Teachers, Carpenters, Woodworkers, Metalworkers, Engineers, Architects, Mathematicians, Artists, Craftsmen, Designers.

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Precision bow compass
10 lead tips packed in 3 plastic tubes
2 needle tips
2 spare screws and nuts
Clear reusable pouch

Offidea Professional Woodworking Compass with Wing and Pencil Holder, 8 Inch - Ideal Large Compass for Geometry, Drawing, Drafting - Perfect Pencil Compass for Carpenter

Based on 943 reviews Check latest price

WING DIVIDER WITH PENCIL HOLDER - Made from thick high-quality carbon steel and with a sizable length of 8 inches. Built for demanding projects.
EASY TO DRAW AND ADJUST - Lockable heavy-duty drawing compass for repeat measurements or drawing circles and arches, it won’t skip or slide out of your control.
MAKES STRONG ENGRAVINGS - Carpenter's scribe makes circles between 1/2" and 22" diameter for most of the materials.
IDEAL DRAFTING COMPASS FOR WORKSHOP - Use as a professional carpenters compass for woodworking, carpentry, metalworking or leatherwork.
100% SATISFACTION OR YOUR MONEY BACK - That’s our unconditional guarantee! If you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase, we promise to offer you a prompt and full refund or ship you a replacement, so you can buy with peace of mind.

User questions & answers

Question:	How could something 8 inchs create a 22 inch circle? If both sides are 8 inches, that would be 16 inches total
Answer:	If you could open it all the way (i.e. flat, which you can’t), but if so, that would be the radius. And so the circle diameter would then be 2x16, or 32inches. So then it is reasonable that one could make a 22 inch circle. I have not tried it to verify though
Question:	Hi, i'd like to know if anyone has used this as a scribing tool? i used to own the fast cap accuscribe and i'm looking for something more durable
Answer:	The tube the pencil sits within is narrow, so thicker markers will not fit. I want to try a "grease pencil" that are available, as a #2 pencil wont stand up to scribing most of the surfaces I intend to use this with.
Question:	Does anyone have a recommendation for a mechanical pencil that fits this compass? Ideally
Answer:	I tried every .5mm pencil I have, but they all are too large to fit in the compass sleeve. Then I remembered I had some PaperMate Sharpwriter, which is a disposable 0.7mm pencil sold by Amazon. It fits perfectly! Here is the Amazon link: https://smile.amazon.com/Paper-Mate-SharpWriter-Mechanical-Pencils/dp/B06ZZHHY68/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2CPJ59REBLKWG&keywords=papermate+sharpwriter+2+mechanical+pencils&qid=1580257098&sprefix=papermate+sharp%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-2 I hope this helps! I'm glad you asked the question, as I have now put the Sharpwriter pencil in the compass to replace the wooden pencil that's always dull! I wish it were the finer 0.5 lead, but it still is far better than a dull wooden pencil. David
Question:	Will this hold a pen or marker approx. 3/8in/5mm in diameter
Answer:	The retainer ring will only hold a pencil or pen of same size. 3/8" will not work without a different ring!

Product features

OFFIDEA 8 INCH WOODWORKING COMPASS - BUILT LIKE A TANK

Made from thick high-quality carbon steel and with a sizable length of 8 inches. Built for demanding projects.

Lockable wing for repeat measurements or drawing circles and arches, it won't skip or slide out of your control.

IDEAL FOR:

Woodworking
Metalworking
Leatherworking
Drawing or scribing
Use as a divider when measuring diameters

WING DIVIDER WITH PENCIL HOLDER

Made from high-quality carbon steel for professional use. Finely ground point doesn't slip accidentally. Sturdy rivet joint structure prevents legs to move during use.

EASY TO DRAW AND ADJUST

Easy to use and reliable locking mechanism for repeat measurements or scribing precise circles and arch.

Mr. Pen Professional Metal Compass with Wheel and Lock for Geometry, Drafting, Math, Drawing

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Professional Compass With Universal Adapter, Extension Beam For Math, Geometry, Art, Drafting And Drawing, Creates Circles Up To 18 Inches In Diameter
Precision Geometry Compass With Spring Bow Head And Center Wheel Accompanied Quick Setting Adjustment With Push Button Mechanism Prevents Unintentional Leg Movements
Packaged In A Clear, Reusable Pouch. Easy To Carry And Store
10 Extra Lead, Spare Needle And Screws And Screw Driver
Please find instruction video in the picture section of listing

User questions & answers

Question:	Are the blue parts made of plastic? I can't tell in the picture, especially the top
Answer:	Yes made of plastic,and I don't use mine for anything other than drawing mandalas and it does the job OK.
Question:	Can this draw an ellipse
Answer:	Probably not as Mr. Pen is designed to draw circles.
Question:	How long is this product
Answer:	From tip to point it is 6 5/8 inches.
Question:	What is the maximum diameter? The description says 18" while the video says
Answer:	With the "extender leg" attached I am able to open the compass to a diameter of 11.5". I don't see how you could expand it to 18" or 24".

Mr. Pen- Professional Large Compass for Woodworking, 12 Inch Compass with Wing, Compass for Geometry, Compass Drawing Tool, Woodworking Compass, Pencil Compass for Carpenter, Drafting, Drawing Compass

Based on 230 reviews Check latest price

Professional All Metal Compass/Divider For Woodwork, Carpentry, Metal Work, Leather Work, Math, Etc.
The Compass Leg Measure 12 Inch And Can Draw Circles Upto 30 Inch (76 cm) in Diameter
Designed With A Pencil Holder To Easily Change The Pencil For Sharpening Purposes (Pencil Is Not Included)
Can Be Used As A Scribe Or Divider To Quickly Measure lengths And Copy Measurements
Lockable Sliding Nut Design Allows For Quick Leg Adjustment And Repeatable Measurements

User questions & answers

Question:	how do I make a 39 inch circle
Answer:	You need something like a yardstick compass, which are point and pencil adapters that slide onto a standard yardstick. https://smile.amazon.com/Alumicolor-Compass-Drawing-Cutting-Circles/dp/B007RFPVSC/ https://smile.amazon.com/70036-Yardstick-Compass-Lead-Pin-Post/dp/B00BB58ADW/
Question:	Great Compass , but we’re missing the two set screws
Answer:	The carpenter's 12" compass I received lacked the locking and pencil retention screws necessary for its use. I e-mailed the Mr. Pen folks to request the screws early that evening. They responded via e-mail around three the next morning apologizing for the problem and stating that if I'd send them my Amazon order number they would be happy to send me a new compass. I did so and received notification that my order had shipped that same day. Two days later I received my new compass. No hassle and prompt, cheerful customer service make this a great outfit to do business with. And yes, the product was of great quality.

Westcott Metal Ball Bearing Compass with Pencil, Nickel Plated

Westcott

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

All nickel metal plated
Easy grip top control
Adjusts to draw circles up to 13" diameter
Includes pencil

User questions & answers

Question:	can it lock in place
Answer:	Yes, you can lock it in place.
Question:	Will it fit a standard Bic pen
Answer:	Yes, a standard Bic pen will fit this Compass.
Question:	how do you adjust it to go past 6 inches. I need a 8.5 " circle
Answer:	Westcott Metal Ball Bearing Compass with Pencil draws circles up to 13" diameter. To draw a 8.5" circle adjust the settings to 4.25

Mr. Pen- Professional Compass for Woodworking, 8 Inch Compass with Wing, Large Compass for Geometry, Compass Drawing Tool, Woodworking Compass, Pencil Compass for Carpenter, Drafting, Drawing Compass

Based on 250 reviews Check latest price

Professional All Metal Compass/Divider For Woodwork, Carpentry, Metal Work, Leather Work, Math, etc. - Leg Length: 8 Inches
Pencil Holder To Easily Draw Circles Up To 18” In Diameter
Can Be Used As A Scribe Or Divider To Quickly Measure And Copy Measurements
Draws Arcs And Circles Repetitively With High Dimensional Accuracy With The Lockable Wing Design
Made From High Quality Steel, It Will Not Rust Or Get Corroded

Unjoo Drawing 9Pc Geometry Set Aluminum Compass, Geometry Precision Tool for Student, Circle Drawing Tool and Architecture, Drafting Kits for Engineer

Check latest price

Package includes: 1 shatterproof plastic box; 3 graphic compass; 4 Conversion head; 1 pencil refill; Robust plastic case for protecting and storing tools in one place in a backpack or desk.
High quality: The professional compasses are made by aluminum and stainless steel. Durable and easy carry.
Extension Beam Design: An Extension Beam attaches to the big Compass for drawing large circles. You can draw larger circle without lots of measuring and connect dots. Interchangeable attachments, a slip handle for pens, pencils, stylus or markers
Wide use: The drafting set is a fantastic assistant for those working in machine design, Geometry compass set is suitable for architects, engineers, draftsmen, builders, roofers, teachers and students, This tool is perfect for DIY handymen and artists for a variety of geometry tasks
Guarantee: Buy Now, Limited sale offer, You Are Backed by our 365 Days Money Back Guarante

Mr. Pen- Professional Compass with Lock and Free Life TIME Lead Replacement, Compass for Geometry, Spring Bow Compass, Precision Compass Math, Drafting Compass, Compass Drawing, Metal Compass

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

1 High Quality Professional Compass/Divider For Math, Geometry, Art, Drafting And Drawing, Creates Circles Up To 9 Inches In Diameter
Precision Geometry Compass With Spring Bow Head And Center Wheel Prevents Unintentional Leg Movements
All Metal, Nickel Plating Compass, Lifelong Satisfaction Guaranteed
FREE LIFE TIME Lead Replacement, Contact us via Amazon and we will ship them to you for free. 2 Pieces Of Spare Lead Includes in The Package.
Packaged In A Clear, Reusable Pouch. Easy To Carry And Store

User questions & answers

Question:	What size lead does this use
Answer:	It's a specially shaped lead. I would imagine you would need refills designed specially for a compass and they all seem pretty interchangeable.
Question:	Can I put a regular pencil in this and use this
Answer:	No. It will only accept lead points. The opening is not large enough to accommodate a pencil.
Question:	No matter how much i tighten the screws, both the lead and needle push up when i try to draw a circle. how can i prevent this
Answer:	When I replace the lead I make sure the screws are loose enough for me to slide the lead all the way to the back of the compass. Then tighten it slowly and make sure the lead hasn’t moved while I tighten it more. I had the same problem when I first replaced the lead but found the right way to tighten the lead.
Question:	Are extra leads easily available, if needed
Answer:	Hi, Thank you for your question. You can just message us on Amazon or email us and we will ship you extra lead anytime. free of charge.