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Which Pencil Set Should I Buy?
Answer six quick questions about your level, subjects, budget and drawing style and get a ranked shortlist of coloured (colored) pencil lines with reasons.
The best coloured pencil set depends on your level, subject and budget. Beginners are usually better off with a good 24 to 48 pencil set from a respected brand than a huge budget set. This six-question quiz matches you to ranked options with reasons.
Question 1 of 6
How to find the right coloured pencil set
- Say how experienced you are. Beginners, improvers and professionals suit different pencil lines.
- Choose your subjects. Portraits, wildlife, landscapes and still life each lean on different colours and softness.
- Set your budget. The shortlist takes your budget into account.
- Choose your style. Soft and painterly, or sharp and detailed, changes which wax or oil pencils suit you.
- Read your ranked shortlist. Each result explains why it was matched and links to a full review.
How the pencil set quiz works
Choosing a coloured pencil range is confusing because the differences are about feel and behaviour, not just price. This quiz asks six short questions and scores a range of well-known artist and student pencils against your answers: how experienced you are, what you like to draw, whether you prefer soft blending or crisp detail, how much you want to spend, whether you are interested in water-soluble pencils, and whether longevity matters because you will sell or exhibit work.
The scores use qualities artists consistently describe - soft and creamy versus firm and precise, ease of blending, range of colours, and lightfastness reputation - rather than paid placement. Where a product has an affiliate link it is marked and we may earn a commission, but the ranking is calculated from your answers, not from commission (see our editorial policy).
After the quiz
- Read the linked review or comparison for the top result before you buy.
- Pick paper to match: best paper for coloured pencils.
- Start small: a core set plus a few single pencils beats a huge set you never finish.
Frequently asked questions
Are colored pencils and coloured pencils the same thing?+
Yes. Colored pencil is the US spelling and coloured pencil the UK spelling of the same product. The quiz covers both, and the same brands are sold under both names.
How accurate is the quiz?+
It scores each range against your answers using the qualities artists most commonly cite: softness, precision, blending, range and lightfastness. It is a shortlist, not a verdict - always check each range's current colours and specifications, and try open-stock pencils where you can.
Do I need a big set to start?+
Not necessarily. A mid-size set is plenty for learning, and you can add single pencils later. Our guide to how many coloured pencils you need explains how to build a core palette.
What is the best coloured pencil set for beginners?+
A mid-range set of 24 to 36 pencils from a respected artist brand gives better results than a large cheap set, because the pigment is stronger and layers more smoothly.
Are wax or oil-based pencils better?+
Wax-based pencils are softer and blend easily; oil-based pencils are firmer, hold a point longer and suit fine detail. Many artists use both.
Do I need an expensive set to draw realistic art?+
No. Technique, paper and patience matter more than price, although artist-grade pencils make layering easier.