How to Hold a Pencil

Correctly holding a pen is an important step in the process of learning to write and draw well. The “tripod” pen grip is the technique of using the middle finger, index finger and thumb to hold and use the pencil with the best control. Knowing how to hold a pencil and practicing correct posture will help you hold the pen correctly and maintain it when writing or drawing.

Table of Contents

Learn to hold a “tripod” pen

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Sit up straight, feet flat on the floor and maintain good posture when sitting down to write. Correct posture is important when learning how to hold a pencil; otherwise, you may hurt your back and will gradually form bad posture as a habit. Sit in a chair with a straight back and low enough that you can place both feet firmly on the floor. ^{[1] X Research Source}

When teaching children to hold a pencil, it is important to focus on their posture to form good habits.

Use your thumb and index finger to pick up the pen. The “tripod” pen grip technique uses the thumb, index finger, and middle finger to form a triangle holding the pencil. Start by holding the pencil between your thumb and index finger, holding the pencil at a 45-degree angle. ^{[2] X Research Source}

The “tripod” grip allows you to give the most precise strokes when writing and drawing, helping to create small and delicate strokes.
It is also the best technique for teaching children how to write, as it is the easiest and most common way to learn to write.

Place your index finger on the tip of the pencil. For the easiest control of the pen, you need to place the tip of your index finger on the tip of the pencil with the help of your thumb. Hold the pen gently, avoid squeezing. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Hold the pencil as close to the tip as possible.

Other ways to hold a pencil

Apply the “four point” pen grip technique. Hold the pen with your index finger and thumb like a “tripod” pen technique. Hold the pen with your index finger, thumb, and middle finger. Rest the pencil on the fourth finger, so you use four fingers instead of three. You can hold it like this if it feels natural to you, as this technique is just as effective as other gripping techniques. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Although not as common as the “tripod” grip, this grip is often encouraged when teaching children, as children often follow a natural instinct.
Do not press on the pencil with your ring finger, as this will reduce mobility and flexibility in the hand. You should only rest the pencil on this finger and use the other fingers to write.

Use palm-up grip to draw. Use your index finger and thumb to hold the pen up at a higher-than-normal position towards the center of the pen body. The ring finger and little finger support the bottom of the pen. Hold the pen loosely, index finger and thumb facing each other on either side of the pen. Draw wide and even strokes by moving your wrists, arms, and elbows, but keeping your hands still. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

This technique will not be effective when writing, as it is not used to create detailed strokes.
When teaching children to draw, this is a good technique for children to use large-format paper.

Change the way you hold the pen if your hand hurts. There is no right way to hold a pen, so change your grip technique if you feel unusual pain or fatigue while writing or drawing. If a child complains of pain while writing, or you notice that his or her writing speed is not good, consider changing your child’s pen technique from “tripod” to “four point,” or vice versa. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Children can start the learning process with a childish grip, but it’s important to help them build hand strength through practice and transition to an adult grip as quickly as possible.

Practice holding a pen with good posture

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Start by using a short pencil. A short pencil will prevent you from holding the pen with many fingers or holding it the wrong way. Use a short pencil when teaching children how to hold a pencil for the first time to make sure they pick it up with their index finger and thumb. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Bad habits are less likely to form when using a short pencil, because there isn’t enough room to put multiple fingers or to hold the pencil in unusual ways.
You can break the pencil in half and sharpen one end, or use a piece of broken crayon.

Set of “clamp and flip” method. Clip the sharp end of the pencil between your thumb and forefinger when picking up the pen. Flip the pencil over so that it is in the skin between the thumb and forefinger. Practice this movement several times until it feels natural. ^{[10] X Research Source}

This is a great tip when teaching kids about pen position. ^{[11] X Research Source}
This method ensures that the pencil is in the correct position in the hand.
The “clamp and flip” method prepares you for the “tripod” technique, the most common way to hold a pencil.

Place a ball of paper or a small ball in the palm of your hand. To avoid clenching or squeezing too tightly, place a small ball in your cupped palm. If a small ball or ball of paper doesn’t fit in the palm of your hand, you’re probably holding the pen too tight and narrow. You need to adjust the pen holding position so that the ball fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. ^{[12] X Research Source}

If a child squeezes the pencil too hard or seems to be struggling with grip, here’s one way to help. ^{[13] X Research Source}
The ball or ball of paper should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the beer bottle cap.

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Practice writing on a flat surface with the tip of a pencil. Hold the pencil tilted or upright with the tabletop, focusing on using the tip of the pencil to write. Holding the pen at a 45 or 90 degree angle to the table is up to you, and whichever technique you feel most comfortable with. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Warning

Improper grip can reduce writing speed and clarity, and even cause arthritis later in life.

Steps

Learn to hold a “tripod” pen

Other ways to hold a pencil

Practice holding a pen with good posture

Warning

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