Mechanical pencil was invented by John Hawkins and Sampson Mordon in 1822 in Britain. Looking very much like a regular ballpoint pen, a mechanical pencil uses specially manufactured graphite or lead instead of using ink cartridges like in a ballpoint pen. A mechanical pencil is also known as technical pencil, propelling pencil, automatic pencil or lead pencil.

A mechanical pencil typically has a writing barrel. To use a mechanical pencil, simply put a pencil lead into the writing barrel. Then, close the writing barrel. Depending on the type of mechanical pencil, the pencil lead can be pushed through the writing barrel in small increments, by clicking the top of the mechanical pencil, shaking the mechanical pencil, pressing a ratchet button on the grip of the mechanical pencil, or by twisting the cone of the mechanical pencil.

There are a few types of mechanical pencil, namely ratchet-based pencils, screw-based pencils, and twist-based pencils. However, ratchet-based mechanical pencils have a few variations, such as top-clicked, button-clicked, and there are even shakeable variations available. These mechanical pencils are also available in many sizes of leads, ranging from 0.2mm to 1.0mm, up to 2.0mm, with 0.5mm and 0.7mm being the most commonly used lead sizes.

One of the advantages of using a mechanical pencil is that the lead is always sharp and thin, thus eliminating the need of constant sharpening. It also eliminates waste in the form of wood shavings and lead dusts, thus it is cleaner. Since no sharpening is needed, using a mechanical pencil also saves time, especially in a situation where time management is crucial, such as during an important examination. A mechanical pencil also tends to last long and does not need replacement, unless it drops down and breaks or the inner mechanism is damaged. With the convenience of being refillable, mechanical pencils are great for students and even working adults who need to use pencils frequently.

Mechanical pencils are also environmentally friendly. Those who are going green should eliminate usage of wooden pencils and start investing in mechanical pencils. Mechanical pencils, just like regular wooden pencils, usually come with a small eraser that fits in right at the top of the mechanical pencil. This adds to the functionality of the mechanical pencil, adding convenience into its advantages. Most mechanical pencils also have rubber grips around the body of the pencils for a better hold of the pencils.

Nowadays, the lead or graphite for mechanical pencils comes in many colors, such as pink, blue and green. Although they may not be suitable for school or work purposes, the colored leads are great as alternatives to colored pens, as they are still erasable. Certain models of mechanical pencils use liquid graphite. These mechanical pencils work just like normal ballpoint pens, but the graphite ink is erasable, once it dries up on a paper. There are also disposable mechanical pencils, but with regular mechanical pencils being sold at reasonable prices, there is no need for disposable mechanical pencils. Mechanical pencils are also usually sold in a set with matching pens, and the price ranges depending on the materials and quality. These mechanical pencil sets make excellent gifts for any occasions.