WHAT MAKES #2 PENCILS SO SPECIAL? When it comes to pencils, ... So it's probably best to err on the safe side and double-check your pencil type before heading into the exam.

The No. 2 pencil could be called the Goldilocks of pencils, because it's not too soft and not too hard, making it the preferred choice on that school supply list.

Why don't you see No. 1 or No. 3 pencils on your back-to-school checklist? Here's why the No. 2 is the Goldilocks of writing utensils.

No. 1 pencils were the darkest; No. 2 were the second darkest, and so on. Today, that scale includes 21 different grades, but No. 2 pencils are still the ultimate “tweener” pencil: ...