Magnetic Field Diagram
Free printable magnetic field diagram — a bar magnet with its north and south poles and the curved field lines that run between them, with labels and direction arrows. Download PDF or PNG for Letter paper.
The magnetic field of a bar magnet
Every magnet is surrounded by an invisible magnetic field. This diagram shows the field of a bar magnet, drawn as curved field lines running from the north pole to the south pole. Here is what happens at each labeled part of the diagram:
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| North pole (N) | One end of the magnet. Outside the magnet, magnetic field lines point away from the north pole. |
| South pole (S) | The other end of the magnet. Field lines point back into the south pole. |
| Magnetic field lines | Curved lines that show the shape of the field. They are closest together near the poles, where the field is strongest. |
| Direction of the field | Outside the magnet, the field always points from the north pole to the south pole. |
Companion worksheet
A free fill-in worksheet with an answer key, built from the labels above — students match each part to its description, then answer a couple of short questions. Great for a quick check after using the diagram.
How to print
Choose Download PDF for a ready-to-print file that fits US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape, or Download PNG for the high-resolution image.
Frequently asked questions
Which way do magnetic field lines point?
Outside the magnet, magnetic field lines always point from the north pole to the south pole. Inside the magnet they run from south to north.
Where is a magnetic field strongest?
A magnetic field is strongest near the poles of the magnet, where the field lines are closest together.
What paper size should I print this on?
The diagram is sized for standard US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape orientation. Use "Download PDF" for a print-ready file that fits the page automatically.