There’s the chisel, fine, bullet, brush, broad, and so many more! What do all these different types of marker tips mean? Which one should I use? Don’t fret, this is guide will tell you all you need to know about the different types of marker tips.

Markers 101: Different Types of Marker Tips

Tip Size -

The first way to differentiate marker tips is by size. Tip sizes are measured in millimeters and generally range from .03mm all the way up to 50mm. Pens usually are measured by the precise millimeter while markers are put into one of five categories:

The smallest are extra fine markers. These are ideal for detail work! Adding sharp lines to your artwork or creating crisp, tiny text on chalkboards is so easy with the right size tip. These types of makers will be your go-to for tiny pieces.

Some examples of extra fine tip markers are:

• Bistro Chalk Markers
• DecoColor Paint Markers

The next size up are the fine markers. The difference between the tip sizes is noticeable. These markers are ideal for covering small areas or writing, but they don't allow for the level of detailing that an extra fine marker would. These are ideal every-day markers to use on chalkboards, whiteboards, note taking, and more!

These are some of our favorites:

• Fine Bistro Chalk Markers 
• Fine DecoColor Paint Marker 
• Le Plume Permanent Marker 

The medium tip markers are your perfect middle-of-the-road marker. These are great for creating art, office use, and crafts. Get started with one of these:

• Medium Bistro Chalk Marker
• Medium Le Plume Permanent Marker
• Medium DecoFabric Marker

Broad tips are perfect for covering larger areas. These types of markers are great when creating art, filling in large areas, and creating large-scale hand-lettered pieces. These are some of the most popular options:

• Broad Bistro Chalk Marker 
• Broad DecoColor Paint Marker
• Broad Le Plume Permanent Marker

Working on something really big or trying to save time covering a large surface area? These jumbo markers are what you need! Jumbo tip sizes are exactly what they sound like, big markers. They are ideal for coloring in a solid background or large projects like big canvas or murals.

Check out these best-sellers to see what we mean:

• Jumbo Bistro Chalk Marker
• Jumbo DecoColor Paint Marker 
• Easy Chalkboard Marker

Tip Shapes -

Another way to categorize marker tips is by shape. The shape of the tip can affect the way it writes and draws making certain types of markers better for certain projects.

Bullet tip markers are the most common type of marker tip. It is rounded at the top like a bullet and is good for writing and coloring. Here are some of our favorites: 

• Fabric Marker Broad
• Artist Pigmented

Chisel tip markers have a slanted end that allows for both thicker and thinner lines. Chisel tips are common in calligraphy and other forms of lettering art. Chisel tips are also commonly found in highlighters so that you can create thick, sharp lines.

• Chisel Bistro Chalk Marker
• Calligraphy Marker 
• Chisel Fabric Marker

Brush tip markers are markers that write like a paint brush. The harder you push on a brush tip marker the thicker the line will be. The tip of the brush tip markers are good for creating small lines. Brush tip markers are most popular with hand lettering and coloring.

These are some of our favorites:

• ColorIn Brush 
• Le Plume II - Dual-Tip Marker
• Fabric Marker Brush Tip

You’ll want to find the best combination of size and shape marker for your project. Some markers come double sided so you have different types of tips to use all in one marker, just be sure to store these markers horizontally! By storing them horizontally, you'll guarantee that one end of the marker doesn't dry out.

Also, check out our guide on types of marker ink so you'll be confident you're buying exactly what you need.