Can I use a 2B pencil on a Scantron?

The US #2 pencil is equivalent to an HB. An HB or a 1B would be a better choice than 2B (very soft and hard to erase well if you want to change an answer), and much better than a 2H which might take too long to fill in the blanks.

What does 2B pencil mean?

Soft leads are graded using the letter ‘B’ to designate how ‘black’ the mark they make is. Numbers are then used to indicate the degree of softness – the higher the number the softer the lead and the blacker the mark. For example, a 2B lead is softer than a B lead and will produce a blacker mark.

What is a 2B pencil used for?

It is a universal term printed on all pencils. It means that the pencil is hard and black, and also depicts the hardness and nature of the lead used in a pencil….

Why do Scantrons have #2 pencils?

No. 2 pencils are soft enough to make marks that the Scantron machine can properly read. Some competitors instruct people to use No. 2 or softer, but as many people are not familiar with pencil hardness scales they may not be aware if higher numbers are softer or harder.

Can I use HB pencil on Scantron?

The pencil lead weight that corresponds to #2 pencil lead is “HB.” With the same type of lead, it’s deeply unlikely any scantron machine in use today, no matter how outdated, would have trouble reading your markings. (You can read more about lead grades and mechanical pencils here if you are interested.)

Will Scantron work with pen?

As such, you can use pens, pencils, and even printer toner or ink, if you want to run your scantron through a printer to mark all your answers. They read pencil marks by shining light through the paper and Lucite light guides, which was then read through phototubes.

Which is darker 2B or HB?

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. The usage of 2B pencil and HB pencil is also quite different. 2B pencil is darker in color and lower in hardness.

What makes a #2 pencil so special?

Pencils numbered higher than 2 have harder leads and are often used by engineers, architects, and draftsmen because of their harder points. The underlying logic here is that the harder point gives the user greater control of the lead.

Is No 2 pencil same as 2B?

“B” or “2B” pencils as well according to the same FAQ. Generally, a #2 pencil is about the equivalent of an HB pencil. According to this system, pencils are graded on a continuum for “H” (hardness) and “B” (blackness), with a number to say how hard or how black it is.

Is 0.7 lead the same as a #2 pencil?

Is 0.7 lead the same as a #2 pencil? A 6B pencil is very soft and a 6H pencil is very hard. Softness and hardness relate to how dark a mark the pencil makes. An HB lead is right in between and is considered equivalent to a #2 pencil.

Are all pencils #2?

Of course! Pencil makers manufacture No. 1, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 pencils—and sometimes other intermediate numbers. The higher the number, the harder the core and lighter the markings.

What’s the difference between 2B and HB pencils?

Because you need to make a mark that is dark enough to read, and harder pencils will not do that. Softer pencils will tend to smear, leaving marks in other, possibly wrong places. Number 2 or the slightly softer B are good choices. Take 4 or 5, in something where the points will not get broken.

When do you use a # 2 pencil?

Lower numbers are darker, but wear down more quickly. #2 is often used for everyday writing. Lighter, harder pencils might be used in drafting (they don’t smear much), and artists might use a range. Outside of the US, pencils are usually scaled by letter.

What does the letter B mean on a pencil?

Likewise, a pencil maker might use the letter “B” to designate the blackness of the pencil’s mark, indicating a softer lead. The letter “F” is also used to indicate that the pencil sharpens to a fine point.

What kind of lead is in a Pentel mechanical pencil?

Refill lead for 0.7mm or 0.9mm Mechanical pencils Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead is equivalent to a #2 Pencil, guaranteed to scan on tests, resists breaking and never needs sharpening.