Pencil Lead Hardness Selector
Match a task to a graphite grade, convert between the HB scale and US pencil numbers, and see the whole scale from hard and pale to soft and black.
Recommended grade
The all-round default — a legible line with a reasonable point life.
US number → HB grade
The HB scale (hard → soft)
| Grade | US # | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| 9H | hard | |
| 8H | hard | |
| 7H | hard | |
| 6H | hard | |
| 5H | hard | |
| 4H | hard | |
| 3H | hard | |
| 2H | #4 | medium |
| H | #3 | medium |
| F | #2½ | medium |
| HB | #2 | medium |
| B | #1 | medium |
| 2B | soft | |
| 3B | soft | |
| 4B | soft | |
| 5B | soft | |
| 6B | soft | |
| 7B | soft | |
| 8B | soft | |
| 9B | soft |
Reading the HB scale
The scale runs from very hard grades like 9H, through 2H, H, F, and HB in the middle, down to soft, dark grades like 2B and on to 9B. Harder leads contain more clay relative to graphite, so they wear slowly and mark lightly; softer leads are richer in graphite, so they deposit more of it and read darker.
The darkness and point-retention figures above are a relative guide derived from a grade’s place on the scale, not a physical measurement — they’re there to help you choose between neighbours like 2H and 3H at a glance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do H, B, F, and HB mean?
On the graphite grading scale, H stands for hard and B for black. A harder lead (H, 2H, and up) makes a lighter, finer line that holds its point and smudges less. A softer lead (B, 2B, and up) makes a darker, broader line that lays down tone quickly but wears down and smears more easily. HB sits in the middle as the all-round grade, and F is a fine, firm point between HB and H.
What is a #2 pencil on the HB scale?
The US pencil numbers map to the HB scale for five grades: #1 is B, #2 is HB, #2½ is F, #3 is H, and #4 is 2H. So the classic #2 pencil is simply an HB — which is why HB is the safe choice for bubble-sheet tests.
Which grade should I use?
For everyday writing and notes, HB is hard to beat. For crisp technical or drafting lines, step up to H, 2H, or 3H. For sketching and shading, drop down to 2B, 4B, or softer for richer darks. The selector above suggests a grade for common tasks.
Educational tool. Grade numbering is broadly standard but darkness varies between brands; try a grade on your paper before committing to a full set.