The ballpoint pen, credited to László Bíró in 1938, uses a rotating ball, viscous oil-based ink, and capillary action to transfer ink to paper. Its quick-drying ink, low maintenance, and low cost made it a global staple. Today's market includes disposable plastic models, refillable metal pens, and a range of ink colors and tip designs. Compared with rollerball or gel pens, ballpoints trade wetter, darker lines for faster drying and greater durability.

Origin and overview

Invented in 1938 by Hungarian journalist László Bíró, the ballpoint pen moved everyday writing away from fountain pens and dip pens. Its simple, robust mechanism and fast-drying ink made it popular worldwide and remains the dominant disposable writing instrument in many places.

How it works: three physical principles

The ballpoint pen delivers ink through a tiny, freely rotating metal (or ceramic) ball seated in the tip. Three physical effects make that work:
  • Viscosity: ballpoint ink is oil-based and relatively viscous. That thickness prevents the ink from flowing out uncontrollably, so lines stay consistent.
  • Capillary action: ink is drawn from the reservoir to the ball by capillary forces inside the tip chamber.
  • Rolling transfer (and gravity): as the ball rolls against the paper it picks up ink from the reservoir and transfers a thin layer to the page. Gravity and motion help maintain a steady feed while writing.
The combination of these effects gives ballpoints a forgiving, low-maintenance writing action that works across many paper types.

Ink, variants and design

Modern ballpoint inks are typically oil-based (viscous) and come in standard colors such as black, blue and red; many manufacturers also offer green, purple, or novelty shades. Pen bodies now range from inexpensive disposable plastic models to premium metal, refillable designs. Features include retractable tips, click mechanisms, and ergonomic grips.

By contrast, rollerball and gel pens use water-based or gelled inks that produce darker, wetter lines but can smear more easily and require different handling.

Practical benefits and trade-offs

Ballpoint pens are cheap, durable, and usually maintenance-free. Their viscous ink dries quickly on most papers, which reduces blotting and smudging. Many companies use ballpoints as promotional items because they are inexpensive to customize with logos.

However, ballpoint ink can feel less saturated and slightly scratchier than liquid-ink pens. Because many models are disposable, there is a growing market for refillable pens and recycled-plastic options.

When to choose a ballpoint

Choose a ballpoint for everyday writing: forms, notes, and situations where quick-drying, low-maintenance writing is useful. Select a refillable or higher-quality model if you prefer smoother lines or want to reduce waste.

Historical note

László Bíró is credited with the invention and early development of the ballpoint pen in 1938. Specific patent filings and the role of collaborators and later commercial developments vary by source and date.
  1. Confirm the precise patent filings, dates and locations for László Bíró's ballpoint pen (1938 and subsequent patents) and whether collaborators/brothers were co-inventors.
  2. Verify authoritative biographical details for László Bíró relevant to the 1938 invention.

FAQs about Ballpoint Pen

Who invented the ballpoint pen?
The ballpoint pen is commonly credited to Hungarian journalist László Bíró, who developed the early design in 1938. Specific patent details and later commercial steps vary by source.
How does the ballpoint pen transfer ink to paper?
A small rotating ball at the tip picks up viscous, oil-based ink from the reservoir and transfers a thin layer to the paper. Capillary action draws ink to the ball and gravity and rolling motion maintain the feed.
What’s the difference between ballpoint, rollerball and gel pens?
Ballpoints use thick, oil-based ink that dries quickly and resists smearing. Rollerball and gel pens use water-based or gelled inks that produce darker, smoother lines but can smear more and require different handling.
Are ballpoint pens refillable?
Many ballpoints are disposable, but refillable designs and replaceable ink cartridges are common, especially in mid- and high-end models.
Why do ballpoint pens not usually blot or smudge?
Their oil-based, viscous inks dry quickly on paper and do not spread like wetter inks, which reduces blotting and smearing on most surfaces.

News about Ballpoint Pen

The 7 Best Pens of 2025 | Reviews by Wirecutter - The New York Times [Visit Site | Read More]

Optimization of micro tool geometry for ballpoint pen tip production using finite element simulation and orthogonal experiments - Nature [Visit Site | Read More]

Hampshire artist draws British wildlife with a ballpoint pen - BBC [Visit Site | Read More]

Officially, the 7 Best Pens - Esquire [Visit Site | Read More]

The Biro turns 80: How a simple pen rewrote everyday life - New Atlas [Visit Site | Read More]

Pens have gone extinct - The Spectator [Visit Site | Read More]