Comparison between HB and F Pencil:
| HB Pencil | F Pencil | |
| Definition | The term ‘HB’ stands for “hard black”. | The term ‘F’ stands for “Fine point”. |
| Composition | It has limited amount of clay and more g ... | It has limited amount of graphite and mo ... |
| Shade | As compared in the chart, it is darker i ... | As compared in the chart, it is lighter ... |
| Lead | It has a soft lead. | It has a hard lead. |
Is F pencil harder than HB?
The F pencil is simply a slightly harder version of the HB pencil. It is able to be sharpened to be very fine at the tip.
Is an F pencil lighter than an H?
The "F" pencil is similar in mark to an "HB" pencil, only slightly lighter. Like an "HB" pencil, it is capable of producing darker and lighter marks, but without any extremes. The graphite material found in an "F" pencil is slightly harder than an "HB" pencil meaning that it can stay sharp for a longer period of use.
Which is harder HB or F?
The degree of hardness of a pencil is printed on the pencil. These pencils are soft. H stands for "hard". HB stands for "hard black", which means "medium hard". F stands for "firm".
What is an F pencil good for?
The letter “F” is also used to indicate that the pencil sharpens to a fine point. Historically, pencil makers also use combinations of letters to tell us about the graphite — a pencil marked “HB” is hard and black, a pencil marked “HH” is very hard, and a pencil marked “BBB” is really, really black!
What are f pencils?
F. The letter 'F' indicates a pencil that sharpens to a fine point. HB. A combination of letters, for example, 'HB' means the pencil is hard and black. 'HB' pencils are considered the middle point of pencil lead grades.
Is the F pencil good for sketching?
These are generally considered the best pencils for drawing and sketching. F pencils have extremely hard lead and are only occasionally found in pencil sets. HB pencils sit midway and are a nice average pencil to use.
Which is darker F or HB?
The HB Scale 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). The letter “F” is used to indicate that the pencil lead is a special formulation that will maintain a fine point.
Which pencil is best for sketching?
The Best Drawing Pencils, According to ArtistsAlvin Draft-Matic Mechanical Pencil. ... Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Mechanical Drafting Pencil. ... General Pencil Charcoal Pencils. ... Faber-Castel 110060 Polychromos Colored Pencil Set In Metal Tin. ... Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils. ... Cretacolor 72 Aqua Monolith Metal Tin Set.More items...•
Which pencil is best for shading?
While the softer B pencils are generally considered the best for shading, there's no reason to discount the harder H pencils. The HB and H are good choices for fine, light, even shading. However, they too have drawbacks. Pencil grades from HB through H, 2H to 5H get progressively harder and are easier to keep sharp.
What hardness is an F pencil?
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. Graphite pencils H, F, HB, B, and 2B are ideal for drawing and writing with our B (soft black) pencil being equivalent to the traditional No. 2 pencil.
Which pencil is easiest to erase?
This is, in practice true because the middle range of pencils, erring the softer side, had lead that is light enough that it doesn't dig into the paper and isn't so soft that is smudges without ever being fully removed. The pencils that, generally speaking, erase the best are in the 2B, 3B and 4B grades.
What is the lightest pencil to draw with?
The Range of Drawing Pencils and What They Look Like 6H is the lightest and hardest grade pencil; 8B is the darkest and softest grade. This is based on Faber-Castell's line of pencils. There are other manufactures that may make lighter and darker pencils, but they are not typical of what you will find on the market.
What does HB mean on pencils?
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. For example, a 4B would be softer than a 2B and a 3H harder than an H.
What does the letter F mean on a pencil?
The letter “F” is also used to indicate that the pencil sharpens to a fine point. Historically, pencil makers also use combinations of letters to tell us about the graphite — a pencil marked “HB” is hard and black, a pencil marked “HH” is very hard, and a pencil marked “BBB” is really, really black! Today, however, most pencils using the HB system ...
Why does pencil leave a darker mark?
As the pencil core becomes softer (through the use of lower proportions of clay) it leaves a darker mark as it deposits more graphite material on the paper.
What is the second 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. Likewise, a pencil maker might use the letter “B” to designate the blackness of the pencil’s mark, indicating a softer lead.
What scale is used to measure the hardness of a pencil?
There are two graphite grading scales used to measure the hardness of a pencil’s graphite core.
What is HB grade?
Generally, an HB grade about the middle of the scale is considered to be equivalent to a #2 pencil using the U.S. numbering system. In reality however, there is no specific industry standard for the darkness of the mark to be left within the HB or any other hardness grade scale.
Is HB the same as #2?
Thus, a #2 or HB pencil from one brand will not necessarily leave the same mark as a #2 or HB pencil from another brand. Most pencil manufacturers set their own internal standards for graphite hardness grades and overall quality of the core, some differences are regional.
What is the difference between HB and B pencils?
Comparison between different types of Pencils: Here, the ‘B’ stands for the black nature of the lead . The term ‘HB’ stands for the hard and black nature of the lead. Also, the term ‘F’ stands for fine point.
What does the F stand for in pencils?
The term ‘F’ stands for fine point. Also, any number in front of HB, or B, or H simply indicates the shade of the lead. Based on the chart, the ‘F’ and ‘HB’ pencils are mediocre in shade with a medium lead. On the other hand, the ‘H’ and ‘B’ pencils are dark and light in shade, with hard and soft leads, respectively.
What is a pencil used for?
A pencil is a popular tool used for writing as well as drawing purposes. Pencils were discovered in England, in 1565, where rods of graphite were used to mark sheep while counting, and by 1970, the rods with a wooden covering i.e. pencils were developed. Pencils are made of wood with a graphite core inside, which is actually the combination ...
What does HB stand for in lead?
The term ‘HB’ stands for the hard and black nature of the lead. Also, the term ‘F’ stands for fine point. The term ‘H’ stands for the ‘hard’ nature of the lead. It has a soft lead. It has a medium lead. It has a hard lead. It creates a dark to very dark line density.
Is HB the same as F?
Generally, the ‘F’ and ‘HB’ pencils are classified in the same category, as they have parallel properties and are used for the same purposes. Similarly, the ‘H’ category pencils, ranging from ‘2H’ to ‘9H’ have the same properties and uses.
What does HB mean in pencils?
HB. A combination of letters, for example, ‘HB’ means the pencil is hard and black. ‘HB’ pencils are considered the middle point of pencil lead grades.
What is a mechanical pencil?
Mechanical pencil. Mechanical pencils can be used for both drawing and writing. Mechanical pencils come in two main types, the ‘clutch’ pencil, and the ‘propelling’ pencil. A ‘clutch’ pencil has a gripping mechanism, which is released by pushing the end button. This allows the lead to slide out of the pencil.
What is the importance of pencils in writing?
Choosing the correct pencil for your writing or drawing is just as important as selecting a lead grade. Pencils are extremely powerful instruments and can have a transformative effect on your work, so ensure to be comfortable with what you’re using.
What does the HB scale mean?
However, they are often accompanied by a number to indicate the level of hardness, blackness, or fineness.
What is the numerical scale of a pencil?
In the USA, pencil manufacturers often use a numerical scale. The scale is based on numbers, which represent the level of lead hardness in a pencil. The higher the number, the harder the lead and the lighter mark that will be produced.
What is the difference between a H and a B pencil?
H pencils are hard and they leave less graphite on the paper. This means that they are lighter. B pencils are softer and leave more graphite on the paper, meaning they are darker. F means Fine Point. This is quite a hard pencil and is easy to keep sharp, but generally a bit too hard for general drawing. The more H's, the harder a pencil is.
What is HB pencil?
The HB is equivalent to the American Number 2 pencil you've used for years. A Number 1 pencil is the same as a B pencil. Many pencils also have a number associated with them. This indicates the degree of hardness or blackness the graphite produces. Pencils are graded from 9H to 2H, H, F, HB, B, and 2B to 9XXB.
How to make a pencil swatch sheet?
Making a pencil swatch sheet could not be easier. Simply grab a spare piece of your favorite drawing paper. Organize your pencils from hardest (H's) to softest (B's). One by one, draw a small swatch with each pencil. Do so in a grid and label each shade with the corresponding pencil grade as you go.
What does the abbreviation "B" mean on a pencil?
Graphite pencils for sketching and drawing are typically marked with an H, a B, or both. These abbreviations are used to indicate the hardness (H) and the blackness (B) of the pencil's graphite.
What are the rules for drawing with H pencils?
It's good to know about the materials you're using, but how do you apply this knowledge to your drawings? Each artist and pencil is going to be a little different, but there are some general rules that you can use as guidelines: H pencils are hard and they leave less graphite on the paper.
How to know what pencil to use?
The best way to understand exactly what a pencil has to offer is to do a swatch. This allows you to see how light, dark, soft, and hard each pen cil is in your set. If you keep your swatch with you while drawing, you can use it as a reference or cheat sheet when deciding which pencil to pick up.
Which is harder, HB or 9H?
The 9H is typically the hardest and lightest graphite pencil available. An HB pencil falls in the middle of the scale. For drawing, it's still reasonably hard. The more B's, the softer a pencil is. This means that a 5B pencil is softer than a 2B and the 5B will produce a darker mark. The 7B is the softest and darkest of ...
What is an HB Pencil?
The lead in a graphite pencil comprises graphite and clay as its primary components.
What is an HB Pencil Used for?
An HB pencil is used in many different ways in drawing because it writes clearly but does not leave much graphite on paper.
What is an H Pencil?
The letter “H” in an H pencil stands for hard. It represents the hardest range of the graphite pencil.
What is an H Pencil Used for?
An H pencil contains less graphite, is relatively light, and is formed with break-resistant leads.
What Does HB Mean on a Pencil?
Historically, pencil manufacturers used a combination of letters to distinguish the first pencil sets.
Which is Darker: 2B or HB?
A B pencil is a good graphite pencil that has more blackness and produces darker marks.
How Many B Pencils are There?
There are 9 variations in the B-grade of pencils which range from B to 9B. B pencils are dark and soft and are used to create darker lines and darker shades.
What does the letter H stand for in pencils?
H and B relate to the hardness or softness of the pencil's graphite. "H" stands for "hard" and "B" stands for "black" with "F" right in the middle between HB and H... though, the source of the lettering seems to be debatable according to Wikipedia - H stands for " Hardtmuth " (the surname of the owner of an art supply company) and B stands for "Budweis", the town the pencil company was relocated to but "hard" and "black" are probably more useful to remember.
Why use 10B pencil?
Animators in particular enjoy using 10B over animator paper because it writes like butter, creating nice, quick, heavy lines with no friction.
What is a number 2 pencil?
A "number 2 pencil" as we (in the US) are often told to use for filling out multiple choice answers on Scantron sheets, is right in the middle, the equivalent of "HB"... though, according to this site, there's no "industry standard" so one company's HB may not be the same as another's.
What are H leads?
This site has some great guidance on what the benefits of each are: H leads are extremely smudge-resistant and give cleaner lines, making them useful for things such as outlines, technical drawings, light sketches, and even watercolors. Left-handed pencil users can also take advantage of smudge-resistant H leads.
What is the hardness scale of graphite?
It was at that time that the hardness grade scale was established. Today, the scale encompasses 17 grades of hardness: 8B–B, HB, F, H–7H.
What does H mean in pencils?
The mighty pencil, is it H or B or HB and what does it mean? H is from HAUT. It means HIGH. There is a high quantity of binder creating a harder lead with less graphite deposit. The larger the H number, the lighter the stroke. So, if you need the lightest of touch, use the H pencils. They also stay sharper longer.
Where does the word "pencil" come from?
• Pencil. The word comes from Old French pincel, from Latin penicillus a “little tail” originally referred to an artist’s fine brush of camel hair, also used for writing before modern lead or chalk pencils…”
What does the letter B mean?
B comes from the French word BAS. It means LOW. The letter ‘B’ signifies a LOW quantity of binder creating a higher pigment/graphite deposit and darker stroke. Use the Bs when going for a more dynamic or expressive stroke or simply when you need a darker area. My favorite is a 6B.
Is lead a silver pencil?
Sometimes lead was used instead of silver as it was softer. Albrecht Durer’s father taught him how to draw with a silverpoint pencil. • Lead-free. Contrary to popular belief, it is rare for a lead pencil to contain lead during the last 400 years. Lead pencils are actually made from graphite, a form of coal.
What does the letter F mean in pencils?
The letter “F” is also used to indicate that the pencil sharpens to a fine point. Historically, pencil makers also use combinations of letters to tell us about the graphite — a pencil marked “HB” is hard and black, a pencil marked “HH” is very hard, and a pencil marked “BBB” is really, re. Continue Reading.
What is the most common pencil on the scale?
The HB, or no. 2 pen cil is propably the most common, and is at the middle of the scale. On one end is the 9H pencil, which has maximum hardness. Note that as hardness goes up, blackness goes down. At the other end is the 9B, which is very soft, (and in turn difficult to erase), and the darkest pencil on the scale.
What is the second graphite grading scale?
Continue Reading. 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. Likewise, a pencil maker might use the letter “B” to designate the blackness of the pencil’s mark, indicating a softer lead.
What is a number 2 pencil?
A "number 2 pencil" as we (in the US) are often told to use for filling out multiple choice answers on Scantron sheets, is right in the middle, the equivalent of "HB"... though, according to this site, there's no "industry standard" so one company's HB may not be the same as another's.
What is HB graphite?
HB is a scale for two different measurements for graphite. The H is for the hardness, and the B is for the shade. HB is your standard #2 pencil, falling within the middle of the scale. From there, hardness is to the left and shade is to the right.
Which pencil has the highest hardness?
On one end is the 9H pencil, which has maximum hardness. Note that as hardness goes up, blackness goes down. At the other end is the 9B, which is very soft, (and in turn difficult to erase), and the darkest pencil on the scale. On both sides of the. Continue Reading.
Is B2 a decimal?
It is important to note that there is no universal industry standard; one company's B2 is another company's B, so you will see some pencils that use 2½ to represent their HB, and others will actually use decimals (#1.8 or #2.2... yes, these are real pencils).
What is the difference between HB and 2B pencils?
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.
What is the main component of 2B pencil lead?
The main component of 2B pencil lead is graphite, while the composition of HB pencil is in addition to half of the graphite, and some other colorless substances are added to make the pencil lead more advisable, but the color of pencil will fade to a certain extent.
Is 2B pencil hard?
The pencil lead of 2B pencil is relatively soft, while the pencil lead of HB pencil is very hard, which is not easy to break. In addition to these obvious differences, there are also great differences in the composition of the core between the two.
Is HB pencil good for drawing?
It is suitable for drawing and painting all kinds of cards. But HB pencil is not. It has high hardness and is not easy to break. It is suitable for writing, especially for children who have just learned to write. Besides, HB pencil is also suitable for marking on hard objects.
