What does H HB and 2H mean on a pencil?

HB GRAPHITE SCALE The second graphite grading scale is known as the HB scale. Most pencil manufacturers outside of the U.S. use this scale, using the letter “H” to indicate a hard pencil. Today, however, most pencils using the HB system are designated by a number such as 2B, 4B or 2H to indicate the degree of hardness.

What are the different hardness of pencil lead?

The 16 degrees of graphite pencil hardness are: 8B, 7B, 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB, F, H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 5H, and 6H. Graphite pencils with hardness degrees of 3B to 8B are ideal for artistic, pictorial drawing with their very soft to extra soft, very black graphite.

Which lead is softer H or HB?

The HB Scale Most pencil manufacturers utilize the HB grading system. The letter “H” is used to indicate the hardness of a pencil’s mark. The letter “B” is used to indicate the blackness of a pencil’s mark (a darker mark means a softer lead).

Which is darker H or 2H?

“H” pencils feature harder graphite. In other words, a “4H” pencil is harder than a “2H” pencil while a “4B” pencil is softer than a “2B” pencil. Harder pencils produce lighter marks since less of the material is released as pressure is applied. Softer pencils make darker marks since more of the material is released.

Is 2B lead harder than 4B?

2B is harder than 4B and 4B is harder than 6B. However, these are all on the soft side (B). The following is the standard scale.

Which pencil is darker HB or 2B?

The 2B pencil has a higher blackness, and the marks drawn are relatively black, while the HB pencil has a lower blackness, and the color of the marks drawn is relatively light, which is very different. 2B pencil is darker in color and lower in hardness.

Is 2B or HB better for writing?

In the term ‘HB’, H stands for ‘hard’ which is designated for hard leads, and B stands for ‘black’ which is designated for softer leads. It is a universal term printed on all pencils….