Magnets come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes – Apex alone offers 450 different types – and each geometric variant has unique benefits. With so many options, it might feel overwhelming to choose. That’s why we created this short guide to help you narrow down your choices. Let’s run through the pros and cons of each common shape: bar, cube, cylinder, disc, block, and sphere. 

Bar Magnets

The bar magnet, which is magnetized through the length of its body, creates a long magnetic field. This provides you with enough surface area to handle with relative ease. As its poles are on either end of the bar, the weakest point is at the center. This can be problematic if you plan to rely on the length of the magnet to hold something up. Also, keep in mind that the magnetic field becomes weaker as you move farther away from either pole, making it useful for picking up small objects from a short distance.

Cube Magnets

Popular on dry erase boards and artwork displays, cube magnets are ideal in a classroom or office as they’re easy to handle. One obvious disadvantage to cubes is that all sides look the same. This can be problematic when you are trying to identify north and south poles, but you can use our electronic pole identifier if necessary, or mark the poles upon receiving the magnet. If you’d like, you can order custom magnets that have the poles marked in advance.

Cylinder Magnets

Because of their shape, cylinder magnets produce relatively high levels of magnetism from a small surface area. Their unique shape also gives you plenty of space to grasp. If you require a strong pull force, a 1:1 ratio is your best option, as the entire magnet face will create pull. Cylinder magnets’ strength is useful in many applications, such as finding metal studs at a construction site, separating metal or ferrous particles, or determining the authenticity of old coins by checking their magnetism. 

Disc Magnets

Disc magnets are strong and effective due to their wide, flat surface and large pole area. With a low profile and good surface contact, they are an all-purpose solution, so, it’s easy to see why they are our most popular product. Typically, they are better suited for real-world applications than block magnets (see below).  You will find them used in all sorts of industries, from fashion and home decor (sewn into fabric) to electronics (inside of speakers), while industrial-sized disc magnets are commonly used to pick up old cars at junkyards. One of the few drawbacks to disc magnets that is their low profile can make them difficult to handle.

Block Magnets

Block magnets are a close second to disc magnets in popularity. If this particular shape fits your application, it may be the best choice. Why? Because there is more magnetic material, which leads to more of a magnetic pull force. By alternating them side-by-side, you can create an entire wall of magnets, which is useful for holding tools and supplies.  Though block magnets are incredibly versatile and powerful, they are also more expensive compared to disc magnets—a direct result of their shape and weight. 

Sphere Magnets

Thanks to their unique shape and the lines of force they generate, sphere magnets provide the highest local gauss readings of all magnets, giving them a unique advantage to their counterparts. However, that high gauss reading comes with a trade-off. Because they lack a flat surface area, it’s harder for them to adhere to certain surfaces.  So, while magnetic spheres are aesthetically pleasing and fun to play with, they do not serve many realistic purposes outside of classrooms and research institutes. They are often sold as toys and novelty items like Rattlesnake Eggs. 

All Shapes and Sizes From Apex Magnets

Ready to make a purchase? Dive right into our enormous selection! If you are still unsure of what you need, contact our friendly sales team. We work with customers to hand-pick the best product. Keep in mind, if you place your order by 3:00 pm EST (online or by phone), it will go out that same day.