Tool description

The Pencil Hardness Calculator helps artists, designers, and drafters compare and convert graphite pencil grades across different brands and grading systems. Whether you're switching between brands or trying to match a specific hardness level, this tool provides instant conversions between the standard HB scale, numerical scale, and brand-specific systems from Staedtler, Faber-Castell, and Derwent.

Features

  • Multiple Grading Systems: Convert between HB scale, numerical scale (1-12), and brand-specific grades
  • Major Brand Support: Includes Staedtler, Faber-Castell, and Derwent grading systems
  • Bidirectional Conversion: Convert from any scale to any other scale
  • Comprehensive Grade Range: Covers from 9H (hardest) to 12B (softest)
  • Brand Availability Check: Indicates when certain grades aren't available in specific brands
  • Instant Results: Real-time conversion as you type

Use Cases

  • Cross-Brand Comparison: Find equivalent pencils when switching between brands
  • Art Supply Shopping: Match pencil hardness when traveling or shopping internationally
  • Technical Drawing: Ensure consistency when different team members use different brands
  • Art Education: Teach students about graphite hardness scales across manufacturers
  • Sketching Reference: Quickly reference which pencil to use for different techniques
  • Collection Management: Organize and understand your pencil collection

What is Pencil Hardness?

Pencil hardness refers to how hard or soft the graphite core is, which affects the mark it makes on paper:

  • H Scale (Hard): Lighter marks, harder graphite, used for technical drawing and fine detail
  • B Scale (Black/Soft): Darker marks, softer graphite, used for shading and artistic work
  • HB: Middle grade, balanced between hard and soft
  • F (Fine Point): Slightly harder than HB, maintains a fine point

The number before the letter indicates intensity: 9H is extremely hard, while 9B is very soft.

Supported Scales

  1. HB Scale (Standard): 9H, 8H, 7H, 6H, 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B, 12B
  2. Numerical Scale: 1 (hardest) to 12 (softest)
  3. Staedtler: Full range from 9H to 12B
  4. Faber-Castell: 9H to 8B (does not produce 10B-12B)
  5. Derwent: Uses unique notation including H, 2H-5H, F, HB, B-8B, EB, EE, EEE, EEEE

Conversion Details

The tool uses industry-standard equivalencies between brands. Note that:

  • Some brands don't produce all grades (e.g., Faber-Castell stops at 8B)
  • Derwent uses unique designations like "EB" (Extra Black) for very soft pencils
  • Numerical conversions are approximate equivalents for reference
  • Actual pencil performance may vary slightly between manufacturers due to graphite formulation differences