Long Standard International Ink Cartridge Guide

Long Standard International Ink Cartridge 73 mm fountain pen cartridge — Long Standard International Ink Cartridges, shown in two common long-profile shapes used by many pen and ink cartridge makers.

For the shorter and more widely compatible version, see the Short Standard International Ink Cartridge guide.

Not sure this is the right cartridge? Use the Pen Refill Finder to compare cartridge size, format, and compatibility.

Buy Long Standard International Ink Cartridges

Buy Pelikan Long Standard Ink Cartridges: Black, Blue, Blue/Black, Red, Green, Violet, Pink, Turquoise
Buy Monteverde Standard Long Ink Cartridges: Black, Blue, Blue/Black, Red, Green, Purple, Burgundy, Pink, Turquoise, Brown
Buy Waterman Standard Long Ink Cartridges: Intense Black, Serenity Blue, Mysterious Blue (Blue/Black)

A Long Standard International Ink Cartridge holds more ink than the short version, but it only fits pens with enough internal barrel space. If you are not sure whether your pen accepts the long format, the safer choice is usually the short standard international cartridge.

Quick Specs

Specification	Details
Common Format Name	Long Standard International Ink Cartridge
Other Common Names	Long international cartridge, standard international long cartridge, international long ink cartridge, long fountain pen cartridge
Cartridge Category	Fountain pen ink cartridge
Cartridge Format	Long standard international
Ink Type	Fountain pen ink
Length	Approximately 73 mm; some long standard international cartridges may measure closer to 70 mm
Short or Long	Long international cartridge
Bore / Opening	Approx. 2.4 mm standard-international opening; confirm cartridge shape, sealing point, and barrel clearance
Converter Alternative	Standard international fountain pen ink converter, depending on pen model
Common Ink Colors	Black, blue, blue-black, and select additional colors depending on ink brand
Common Compatible Pens	Full-size cartridge/converter fountain pens with enough barrel space for a long international cartridge
Similar To	Short standard international cartridges, Waterman long cartridges, Pelikan long standard cartridges
Not Compatible With	Compact pens that only accept short cartridges, Pilot/Namiki cartridges, Lamy T10 cartridges, Parker Quink cartridges, Platinum cartridges, Sailor cartridges, Sheaffer Classic cartridges, Cross proprietary cartridges, Zebra V-301 cartridges

Long Standard International Ink Cartridge Overview

The Long Standard International Ink Cartridge is the longer version of the international fountain pen cartridge format. It is commonly listed around 72–73 mm long, though some long standard international cartridges may measure closer to 70 mm depending on brand and measuring method.

This cartridge is designed for fountain pens that accept the international cartridge format and have enough internal barrel space for the longer cartridge body.

The key difference between short and long international cartridges is length. A short standard international cartridge is approximately 38 mm long, while a long standard international cartridge is roughly twice that length. The long cartridge holds more ink, but it is less widely compatible because not every pen barrel is long enough to fit it.

Why Choose a Long Standard International Ink Cartridge?

Choose a Long Standard International Ink Cartridge if your fountain pen accepts long international cartridges and you want more ink capacity than the short version provides.

The main benefit is simple: more ink. A long cartridge can be useful in full-size fountain pens, daily writers, work pens, school pens, or travel pens where you do not want to replace cartridges as often.

However, long cartridges are not the default safest choice. Many pens that accept short standard international cartridges do not accept the long version. Compact pens, pocket pens, and shorter-barrel pens usually require the short cartridge.

Writing Characteristics

A Long Standard International Ink Cartridge describes the cartridge format, not one specific ink formula.

Writing feel depends on the ink brand, ink color, nib, feed, and paper. A Waterman long cartridge, Pelikan long cartridge, or other long international cartridge may fit the same pen but write differently in terms of flow, saturation, lubrication, dry time, and shading.

The cartridge supplies the ink, but the fountain pen’s nib and feed control much of the writing experience.

Long Standard International Cartridge Compatibility Notes

The Long Standard International Ink Cartridge is compatible with many full-size fountain pens that accept international cartridges, but barrel length is the limiting factor.

Long standard international cartridges may have slightly different body shapes depending on the manufacturer. Some have a more tapered end, while others have a straighter or more stepped profile. These shape differences are common among long international cartridges and do not usually affect compatibility as long as the cartridge uses the standard international opening and the pen has enough internal barrel space.

A pen that accepts a short standard international cartridge does not automatically accept a long standard international cartridge.

Before buying the long version, confirm:

Your pen accepts international cartridges
Your pen has enough internal barrel space for a 72–73 mm cartridge
The section uses the standard-international opening
The cartridge seats securely on the feed nipple
The barrel closes fully with the cartridge installed

If your pen is compact, short, pocket-sized, or unusually slim, the short cartridge is usually the safer option.

Long Standard International vs Short Standard International Ink Cartridges

Cartridge Format	Approx. Length	Compatibility	Best Use
Short Standard International Ink Cartridge	38 mm	Fits many more pens, including compact cartridge/converter pens	Best default choice when compatibility is uncertain
Long Standard International Ink Cartridge	Most commonly 72–73 mm; some closer to 70 mm	Fits only pens with enough internal barrel space	Best for full-size pens that specifically accept long international cartridges

The short cartridge is the more flexible option. In many full-size pens, you can use a short cartridge even if the pen can also accept a long cartridge. The reverse is not always true.

Pen Brands That May Use Long Standard International Ink Cartridges

Long standard international cartridges are most useful in full-size cartridge/converter pens. Brand compatibility is model-dependent.

Pen Brand	Long Cartridge Compatibility	Notes
Waterman	Common	Waterman long cartridges are one of the most common long international-style cartridge options.
Pelikan	Common in some cartridge/converter models	Pelikan long cartridges are commonly associated with the long standard international format, but Pelikan piston-fill pens do not use cartridges.
Faber-Castell	Possible in full-size cartridge/converter models	Many Faber-Castell pens use standard international cartridges, but confirm barrel clearance for long cartridges.
Monteverde	Possible in full-size cartridge/converter models	Many Monteverde pens use standard international cartridges; long cartridge fit depends on pen length.
Diplomat	Possible in full-size cartridge/converter models	Many Diplomat cartridge/converter pens use standard international cartridges, but long fit should be confirmed by model.
Schneider	Possible in full-size cartridge pens	Some Schneider pens accept standard cartridges; confirm whether the barrel allows the long version.
rOtring	Possible in some cartridge models	Many rOtring fountain pens are discontinued, so confirm model-specific compatibility.
Other international-compatible pens	Possible	Full-size pens that accept standard international cartridges may accept long cartridges if the barrel is long enough.

Ink Brands That Make Long Standard International Ink Cartridges

Long standard international cartridges are less common than short cartridges, so color and brand options are usually more limited.

Ink Brand	Notes
Waterman	One of the most common long international-style cartridge options.
Pelikan	Pelikan long cartridges are commonly associated with the long standard international format.
Monteverde Magnum Long Ink Cartridge	Monteverde Magnum long cartridges are commonly associated with the long standard international format.
Generic / private-label long cartridges	Use caution. Confirm length, opening, and compatibility before ordering.

Many ink brands focus more heavily on short standard international cartridges because the short format fits a wider range of pens. If you want the broadest ink color selection, the short cartridge format usually offers more options.

Be Careful With Long Cartridge Fit

Long standard international cartridges are easy to misunderstand because the opening may match the standard international format while the cartridge body is too long for the pen barrel.

A long cartridge that seats properly in the section can still fail to fit if the barrel cannot close over it.

This is especially important with:

Pocket fountain pens
Compact fountain pens
Slim fountain pens
Short-barrel pens
Pens designed to carry two short cartridges
Pens that accept short cartridges but not long cartridges
Pens with internal barrel obstructions

When in doubt, use the short standard international cartridge or check the pen manufacturer’s compatibility information.

Compatible Pens

The Long Standard International Ink Cartridge is most likely to fit full-size cartridge/converter fountain pens that accept international cartridges and have enough internal barrel space.

Common compatible categories include:

Full-size Waterman fountain pens that accept long cartridges
Pelikan cartridge/converter fountain pens that accept long cartridges
Full-size Faber-Castell cartridge/converter fountain pens with enough barrel clearance
Full-size Monteverde cartridge/converter fountain pens with enough barrel clearance
Full-size Diplomat cartridge/converter fountain pens with enough barrel clearance
Other full-size international cartridge fountain pens that specify long cartridge compatibility

Do not assume compatibility based only on brand. Always confirm the specific pen model.

Compatible Brands

Brands and cartridge families to compare include:

Waterman
Pelikan
Faber-Castell
Monteverde
Diplomat
Schneider
rOtring
Other full-size standard international cartridge/converter pens

Because long cartridges are less universally compatible than short cartridges, barrel clearance matters as much as cartridge opening.

Alternative Cartridges and Ink Options

The most practical alternative to a Long Standard International Ink Cartridge is the Short Standard International Ink Cartridge.

Many pens that accept long international cartridges can also accept short international cartridges. The short version holds less ink, but it is easier to find and more broadly compatible.

Other options may include:

Waterman long ink cartridges
Pelikan long standard ink cartridges
Short standard international cartridges
Standard international fountain pen ink converter, if supported by the pen
Bottled fountain pen ink with a compatible converter

Before choosing a replacement, use the Pen Refill Size Guide to compare cartridge length, opening, shape, and compatibility.

Cartridge Family

The Long Standard International Ink Cartridge belongs to the international fountain pen cartridge family.

It is the longer companion to the 38 mm short standard international cartridge. The long version offers more ink capacity, but it is less broadly compatible because the pen must have enough room inside the barrel.

This cartridge family is separate from proprietary systems such as Pilot/Namiki, Lamy, Parker, Platinum, Sailor, classic Sheaffer, Cross, Zebra V-301, and other brand-specific cartridges.

How to Identify a Long Standard International Ink Cartridge

A Long Standard International Ink Cartridge is best identified by its long cartridge body, standard-international opening, and compatibility with full-size international cartridge fountain pens.

Slight differences in the cartridge body shape are normal, but the cartridge should still follow the long standard international profile and seat securely in the pen.

Key identification points:

Most commonly listed around 72–73 mm long
Some long standard international cartridges may measure closer to 70 mm
Approx. 2.4 mm standard-international opening
Longer than a short standard international cartridge
Used only in pens with enough barrel space
Often associated with Waterman long cartridges and Pelikan long cartridges
Not the safest option for compact pens
Not the same as a proprietary long cartridge unless the pen maker confirms compatibility

Do not identify this cartridge by opening alone. The pen must also have enough internal barrel length for the cartridge body.

Not sure if this is your cartridge? Check the Pen Refill Finder to compare size, shape, and compatibility before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Long Standard International Ink Cartridge?

A Long Standard International Ink Cartridge is the longer version of the international fountain pen cartridge format. It is commonly listed around 72–73 mm long and is used in full-size fountain pens with enough barrel space.

Is a long international cartridge 70 mm or 73 mm?

Most references list long international cartridges around 72–73 mm, while some long cartridges, especially certain Pelikan-style listings, may measure closer to 70 mm. For this reason, it is best to treat the format as approximately 70–73 mm, with 72–73 mm being the most common published length.

Is a Long Standard International Ink Cartridge the same as a short international cartridge?

No. The short version is approximately 38 mm long. The long version is much longer and only fits pens with enough internal barrel space.

Can I use a short international cartridge instead of a long international cartridge?

Usually yes, if the pen accepts standard international cartridges. Many pens that accept long cartridges can also use short cartridges, though the short cartridge holds less ink.

Can I use a long international cartridge instead of a short international cartridge?

Only if your pen has enough barrel space for the long cartridge. Many compact pens that accept short standard international cartridges cannot accept the long version.

Do long standard international cartridges fit all standard international pens?

No. The opening may be the same standard-international format, but the pen barrel must also be long enough. The short cartridge is more broadly compatible.

What brands make Long Standard International Ink Cartridges?

Waterman and Pelikan are two of the most common long international cartridge options. Long cartridges are less widely available than short standard international cartridges.

Are Waterman long cartridges standard international?

Waterman long cartridges are commonly treated as long international-style cartridges and are often used as a major reference point for this format. However, Waterman compatibility can still be model-dependent.

Are Pelikan long cartridges standard international?

Pelikan long cartridges are commonly associated with the long standard international format, though specific measurements may vary by listing and measuring method.

What is the best alternative to a Long Standard International Ink Cartridge?

The best alternative is usually a short standard international cartridge, provided your pen accepts standard international cartridges. A compatible fountain pen ink converter may also be an option.

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