I’ve always wondered how long erasers would last. So, I grabbed a few erasers and a digital counter for a series of timed tests.
How many strokes does it take to finish an eraser?
It takes 1301 strokes to finish a small eraser attached to the end of a pencil. It takes 2314 strokes for a medium, standalone eraser. The size, volume of pressure, amount of use, and type of eraser will determine how many strokes it takes to finish an eraser. Erasers can last up to 12+ months.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how many strokes it takes to finish an eraser.
How Many Strokes Does It Take To Finish an Eraser? (By Different Sizes)
The size of an eraser can affect how long it lasts.
Larger erasers last longer than smaller erasers because they have more surface area. Smaller erasers usually run out much sooner.
On average, here is how many strokes it takes to finish an eraser by size:
| Eraser Size | # of Strokes to Finish Eraser |
|---|---|
| Small | 1301 |
| Medium | 2314 |
| Large | Unknown/Forever |
| Knotted | Unknown/Forever |
Here is a short video where a YouTuber performed a test to finish an eraser:
Here is a YouTube Short by Isaiah Photo also finishing a complete, medium-sized eraser.
How Many Strokes Does It Take To Finish an Eraser? (By Pressure)
Additionally, the amount of pressure applied to the eraser also affects how long it lasts.
The more pressure that you apply, the more quickly the eraser will wear down. The less pressure, the less wear and tear on the eraser.
Here is how many strokes it takes to finish an eraser with different levels of pressure.
Small Eraser by Pressure:
| Amount of Pressure | # of Strokes to Finish Small Eraser |
|---|---|
| Low | 1400 |
| Medium | 1301 |
| High | 967 |
Medium Sized Eraser by Pressure:
| Amount of Pressure | # of Strokes to Finish Medium Eraser |
|---|---|
| Low | 2500 |
| Medium | 2314 |
| High | 1400 |
How Many Strokes Does It Take To Finish an Eraser? (By Frequency of Use)
The amount of use an eraser gets also determines how long it will last.
If the eraser is used sparingly, it will last much longer than if it is used frequently. If you use an eraser all day every day, it will not last as long as if it is only used once a week.
Here is how long it takes to finish an eraser with different levels of use.
Small Eraser by Frequency of Use:
| Frequency of Use | How Long the Small Eraser Lasted |
|---|---|
| Low frequency (once a week) | 6+ months |
| High frequency (once a day) | 3-4 weeks |
Medium-Sized Eraser by Frequency of Use:
| Frequency of Use | How Long the Medium Eraser Lasted |
|---|---|
| Low frequency (once a week) | 12+ months |
| High frequency (once a day) | 6 months |
Larger erasers usually last for years—long enough to get dirty, moldy, or lost.
How Many Strokes Does It Take To Finish an Eraser? (By Type of Eraser)
Some erasers last longer than others.
For example, the large blocky white erasers that look like small bricks can last for years. I know one person who has used the same one for 7 years!
Most medium-sized erasers can also last a long time with minimal use. If stored properly, erasers can last for many years.
Small, pencil-topper erasers typically last no longer than 3-4 weeks of regular use.
Which Eraser Lasts the Longest?
Kneaded erasers last longer than any other eraser.
Larger erasers will last longer than very small erasers. The material of the eraser will also impact how long it lasts.
Erasers made of synthetic rubber usually last longer than those made of natural material.
The type of paper you are erasing will also affect how long the eraser lasts. Coated papers cause less wear on the eraser than uncoated papers.
In general, kneaded erasers will last the longest, followed by large standalone erasers, medium erasers, and small pencil-top erasers.
How To Make an Eraser Last Longer
Erasers work by transferring friction into heat and gripping the graphite (from pencils or other fun utensils) off of the page.
The more you use an eraser, the more quickly it will transfer heat and break down.
To make your eraser last longer, here are a few tips:
Use Less Pressure When Erasing
When erasing, it’s important to use less pressure.
It’s important to use a light touch when erasing so that you don’t wear down the eraser unnecessarily.
If the surface you’re erasing on is particularly dirty or unsteady, it may be helpful to use a small piece of cloth or tissue to clean it off before erasing.
This will help the eraser glide more smoothly over the surface and make it easier to erase.
Also, purchasing and using a good desk and chair for writing will support your stability and balance when erasing.
Use a Larger Eraser
When it comes to erasers, size does matter.
A larger eraser means that you will have to make fewer strokes to erase an entire word or sentence.
This is because a larger eraser has more surface area coverage than a smaller one.
Use an Eraser Less Frequently
The friction of the eraser against the paper causes tiny particles to break off the eraser. If you use an eraser less frequently, it will last longer because there will be fewer particles breaking off.
Clean Your Eraser
When an eraser is new, it takes a few strokes to erase material from a surface.
As the eraser becomes dirty and filled with graphite and other debris, it takes more and more strokes to remove material from a surface.
The debris on the eraser prevents it from making contact with the surface being erased, which makes it harder to erase correctly.
To clean your eraser, use a small piece of cloth or tissue to wipe off the debris.
When you are finished cleaning it, make sure that the eraser is completely dry before using it again.
Store Your Eraser Properly
First, if the eraser is new, make sure to keep the eraser clean and dry.
Second, if you are not using the eraser, make sure to store it in a dry place. If it gets wet, it will break down faster.
If it’s stored in a humid place, the material of the eraser will also start to break down and it will not last as long.
Has Anyone Ever Finished an Eraser?
Yes, I have finished erasers to get and validate the original research in this article.
Also, several people on YouTube have also finished erasers.
In my desperate attempt at answers, I scoured internet forums. I browsed YouTube comment sections. A handful of artists and students claimed to have finished erasers, too.
Odds are, more people than we think (probably in the dozens or hundreds) have done so over time.
However, no one seems to have written a detailed article with actual stroke counts and calculated times until now.
Final Thoughts: How Many Strokes Does It Take To Finish an Eraser?
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