Best Drafting Compasses of 2025

Jordan Akhtar Avatar
Jordan Akhtar
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025

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Drafting compasses are essential tools for architects, engineers, and designers who require precision in their technical drawings. These compasses are designed to create accurate circles and arcs with a range of diameters, making them ideal for drafting plans, diagrams, and blueprints. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from traditional metal compasses to modern plastic ones, and often include additional features such as interchangeable leads and adjustable arms. Whether you are a professional or a student, drafting compasses are an indispensable tool for anyone who needs to create precise and detailed drawings.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Helix Oxford Metal Compass with Pencil Cover #TOP 1
Helix Oxford Metal Compass with Pencil
ftb score rating icon 9.9
STAEDTLER 552 Mars Comfort Compass Set Cover #TOP 2
STAEDTLER 552 Mars Comfort Compass Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Faber-Castell Stream Quick-set Compass for Drafting Cover #TOP 3
Faber-Castell Stream Quick-set Compass for Drafting
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Drafting Compasses

#TOP 1

Helix Oxford Metal Compass with Pencil

G05011
navy blue
1 count (Pack of 1)
Helix Oxford Metal Compass with Pencil Cover
Helix Oxford Metal Compass & Pencil, Navy Blue

The Helix Oxford Compass is a traditional die cast metal compass, perfect for school use. Its shortened safety point ensures that you can use it with confidence, making it ideal for students. The self-centering mechanism allows for precise drawing, enabling you to create accurate circles effortlessly. Additionally, the camlock pencil retaining ring cannot be removed, providing optimum safety during use. This design prioritises user safety while maintaining the quality you expect from the trusted Helix brand.

What We Like
High-quality metal construction
Safe for school use
Self-centering feature
Secure pencil retention
#TOP 2

STAEDTLER 552 Mars Comfort Compass Set

552 02 ST
Aluminium
350 mm
STAEDTLER 552 Mars Comfort Compass Set Cover
STAEDTLER 552 02 Mars Comfort Quick-Setting Compass with Push-Button, Extension Bar, Universal Adapter and Lead Box (585mm Diameter)

The STAEDTLER 552 Compass is designed for convenience and precision in drafting. It features a quick-setting push-button mechanism, allowing you to easily adjust the compass for various tasks. The foldable lead and needle legs make it compact and portable, perfect for on-the-go use. With an interchangeable lead part, you can switch out the shaft to suit your preferences, while the interchangeable needle offers flexibility for different drawing needs. This compass can draw circles up to 350 mm, or even larger with the extension rod, up to 585 mm, catering to all your design requirements.

What We Like
Quick-setting mechanism
Foldable for portability
Interchangeable lead and needle
Large circle diameter capability
#TOP 3

Faber-Castell Stream Quick-set Compass for Drafting

174530
black stone
1 count (Pack of 1)
Faber-Castell Stream Quick-set Compass for Drafting Cover
Faber-Castell Stream Quick-set Compass - Black Stone, 174530

The Faber-Castell Quick-set Compass is an essential tool for both school and college students. It allows you to easily draw circles up to 340 mm in diameter, making it perfect for various drafting tasks. The quick-set feature enables you to adjust the compass swiftly, saving you time during your studies. Additionally, it comes with a tin that includes spare parts and leads, ensuring you always have what you need at hand. Made in Germany, this compass is designed for reliability and precision.

What We Like
Quick-set adjustment
Draw circles up to 340 mm
Includes spare parts and leads
Reliable German craftsmanship
#TOP 4

Liquidraw Professional Compass Set for Technical Drawing

CS08
Liquidraw Professional Compass Set for Technical Drawing Cover
Liquidraw Compass Set Technical Drawing Professional Set Of 8 Geometry Set Math Drafting Metal Compass With Spring Bow Head Dividers Circle Drawing Tools School, Engineering, Architecture, Woodworking

The Liquidraw Compass Set is an ideal choice for technical drawing enthusiasts. This professional set includes eight essential tools, such as a lead compass and a bow compass, ensuring you have everything needed for precise measurements. The inclusion of a lead sharpener and pencil holder adds convenience, allowing you to keep your tools ready for use. Packaged in a carry case, this set makes it easy for you to store and transport your tools, perfect for school, engineering, architecture, and woodworking projects.

What We Like
Includes essential drawing tools
Convenient carry case for storage
Ideal for various technical uses
Precision in measurements
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 5

Bohoman 8 Inch Professional Woodworking Compass

)PLND9130
silver
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Bohoman 8 Inch Professional Woodworking Compass Cover
Bohoman Professional Woodworking Compass with Wing and Pencil Holder,8 Inch-Ideal Large Compass for Geometry,Drawing,Drafting-Perfect Pencil Compass for Carpenter(200mm)

The Bohoman Woodworking Compass is a reliable tool for precise marking and drawing. Its strong engraving capability allows you to create circles from 1/2 to 22 inches in diameter, making it perfect for various materials. The lockable design ensures smooth adjustments without slipping, giving you full control while working. Additionally, the compass is easy to adjust, allowing you to set the marking distance conveniently. Made from durable steel, this compass is designed for demanding projects, ensuring longevity and consistent performance for carpenters and designers alike.

What We Like
Strong engraving capabilities
Lockable design for stability
Easy adjustment for convenience
Durable steel construction
Multi-functional applications
#TOP 6

STAEDTLER Mars Comfort Quick-Setting Compass

553 01 ST
multicoloured
STAEDTLER Mars Comfort Quick-Setting Compass Cover
STAEDTLER 553 01 Mars Comfort Quick-Setting Compass with Centre Wheel, Universal Adapter and Lead Box (360mm Diameter)

The STAEDTLER Mars Comfort Compass is designed for precision and ease of use. It features a push button mechanism that allows you to quickly adjust the compass for accurate measurements. The hinged leg joint and needle provide stability while drawing circles, making it suitable for both professional and educational settings. With a replaceable lead insert, you can easily continue your work without interruption. This compass can create circles up to a diameter of 360 mm, giving you the flexibility to tackle various projects with confidence.

What We Like
Easy to adjust mechanism
Stable hinged leg joint
Replaceable lead insert
Large circle diameter capability
#TOP 7

Nicpro 12 Inch Compass for Woodworking

MG183
Gray
12 Inch
Nicpro 12 Inch Compass for Woodworking Cover
Nicpro 12 Inch Compass for Woodworking with Wing and Pencil Holder, Professional Carpenter Pencil Compass Great for Geometry, Drawing, Drafting

The Nicpro Woodworking Compass is crafted from high-quality carbon steel, ensuring durability for demanding projects. Its 12-inch length offers versatility for various tasks, making it ideal for both professionals and enthusiasts. With a lockable design, you can easily adjust it to draw precise circles and arches, providing you with control during your work. The pencil holder allows you to create circles up to 30 inches in diameter, which is particularly useful for large designs and layouts, enhancing your overall efficiency.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel construction
Lockable for precise adjustments
Pencil holder for large circles
Versatile for various applications
#TOP 8

ZLKSKER 6 Inch Professional Woodworking Compass

6 inch
ZLKSKER 6 Inch Professional Woodworking Compass Cover
ZLKSKER 6/8/10 inch Professional Woodworking Compass with Pencil Holder & Lockable Wing, Geometry & Drafting Compass for Carpenter (6 inch)

The ZLKSKER Woodworking Compass is crafted from high-quality carbon steel, ensuring durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. This tool is ideal for large carpentry projects, allowing you to scribe, draft, and work with various materials such as metal and wood. With its lockable wing, you can easily measure and transfer measurements, making repetitive tasks straightforward. The sharp tips enable you to draw clear lines with precision, enhancing your work's accuracy and quality.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel construction
Lockable wing for easy measurements
Sharp tips for precise lines
Versatile for multiple materials
#TOP 9

OTTYMO 7-Piece Geometry Compass Set

blue,silver
OTTYMO 7-Piece Geometry Compass Set Cover
OTTYMO Geometry Set 7Pcs Professional Compass Set Stainless Steel Compass Drawing Tool Math Drafting Dividers Tool Set Math Compass with Spring Bow Head for School Engineer Woodworking Architect Home

The OTTYMO Compass Set is a durable and reliable tool for all your drawing needs. Made from zinc alloy and plastic, it resists bending and rusting, ensuring longevity. The set allows you to draw circles up to 52cm in diameter, making it perfect for larger projects. With its spring chuck and centre wheel, the compass provides stability, helping you achieve precise circles effortlessly. Additionally, the included professional ruling pen offers variable line widths, suitable for fine detail work, making your drawing experience both easy and enjoyable.

What We Like
Durable metal construction
Draws large circles effectively
Stable and precise drawing
Includes professional ruling pen
#TOP 10

Jodsen 6 Inch Adjustable Metalworking Compass Set

DISS210268
Jodsen 6 Inch Adjustable Metalworking Compass Set Cover
Professional Compass Set,6 Inch Adjustable Working Compass with Wing,Metal Drafting Compass Drawing Circular Tool with 2 Pencil for Metalworking Leather Work

The Jodsen Drawing Compass is an essential tool for anyone involved in metalworking, carpentry, or leatherwork. Made from high-quality carbon steel, it ensures durability and smooth performance while preventing rust with its anti-rust oil feature. The large adjustable pencil marking allows you to draw clear patterns effortlessly, and the included eraser adds convenience to your tasks. Additionally, its lightweight design means you can enjoy accurate drawing and repeated measurements without the worry of breakage, making it a reliable choice for your projects.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel construction
Includes 2 pencils and eraser
Accurate and easy to adjust
Lightweight and long-lasting
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are compasses used for in drafting?

A technical drawing tool named drawing compass is used to draw circles or arcs. This tool is also known as a pair of compasses, or simply as a compass. It can also be used for measuring distances or more precisely distances on the maps.

2. Which type of compass is more suitable for drafting and why?

Beam compasses are usually larger than any other type. So, they are very useful in larger drawings. Both the legs of the compass are vertically fitted to a straight horizontal beam, which is often a ruler. With this compass, you can precisely adjust the distance between two legs and draw bigger circles.

Editor's Notes

During our drafting compass research, we found 306 drafting compass products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 64,419 customer reviews through our big data system to write the drafting compasses list. We found that most customers choose drafting compasses with an average price of £7.30.

The drafting compasses are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of drafting compasses, including Helix, STAEDTLER, Faber-Castell, Liquidraw, Bohoman. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,148 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Jordan Akhtar Avatar

Jordan Akthar owns one stationery store in Bradford, and another in Derby. He started with a corner bookshop, and now the rest is history. He is often found in his stores taking count of inventories of books and stationery. Jordan also likes to write, and this drove his passion for writing articles on stationery maintenance. He owns a blog, where in his free time, he would write DIY tips on how you can recycle and refine your stationeries.