FAQs
Generally, 'B' grades are best for shading and smooth coverage of large areas. The 'H' range makes a more subtle grey mark, the higher the number, the less graphite is included, these are best used for delicate, intricate drawings.
What does HB or 2B mean on a pencil? ›
The H stands for hard and the B stands for blackness. H pencils are harder and produce lighter lines because they contain more filler and less graphite. Pencils that fall into the B grade, on the other hand, make a darker mark because they're softer and don't contain as much filler.
Is 0.5 or 0.7 lead better? ›
With modern leads, 0.5mm is quite strong enough for most people, but more heavy-handed people do sometimes find they snap such thin leads, and 0.7mm or even 0.9mm leads are better for them. Some have cushioned lead, where an internal spring cushions the lead against rough treatment.
Is HB or 2B better for writing? ›
Which Pencils Do I Use for Actual Writing? F through 4B. For the best balance of smoothness and legibility, I prefer pencils that fall on the darker side of the “HB” designation, typically a 2B pencil.
What is a 6B pencil used for? ›
6B is a softer charcoal pencil than say the 2B or the HB. The HB is hard and used last for shading or shading lightly. The 6B is used to shading dark large areas and used first, then a 2B can be added as well. The HB is reserved for the lighter areas.
Why is Ticonderoga the best pencil? ›
All three of these pencil styles include special features that make Ticonderoga The World's Best Pencil®. They're constructed of premium wood from responsibly managed forests and engineered to sharpen easily with minimal breakage.
How to check pencil quality? ›
Check the hardness
If the pencil leaves a mark, it's too soft and won't write well. If the pencil does not leave a mark, it's too hard and will break easily. The perfect pencil will leave a light mark on your skin. Next, test the lead.
What pencil should a beginner use? ›
Beginner sketch artists can start with a variety of pencils, including HB, 2B, and 4B, to experiment with different shades and lines. As you progress, consider adding softer pencils like 6B or charcoal pencils for darker tones and expressive strokes.
Is .7 or .9 lead better? ›
Both 0,5 and 0,7 mm are perfect for technical drawing. 0.9 MM: If you usually apply much preassure to your mechanical pencil, use a 0,9 mm lead as they are darker and leave less grooves on the paper.
Is .7 lead a #2 pencil? ›
A: Yes, it's equivalent to a #2 pencil.
2/HB core that makes smooth, dark marks. Even though darkness and hardness varies among brands, No. 2 and/or HB pencils are widely considered to be the ideal lead grade for writing (and they're required for many standardized tests), which makes this Golden Bear pencil a perfect choice for elementary school and beyond.
Which pencil is best for beginners? ›
Sketch Pencils for Beginners:
A good set of sketching pencils ranges from H to B. The H pencils are perfect for lines and detailing, while the B pencils provide a softer lead for shading and creating darker tones for your sketches.
Which pencil is darker B or 2B? ›
2B pencils are darker than HB pencils. The grading system for pencils ranges from H (hard) to B (soft), with the number indicating the degree of hardness or softness. A higher B number indicates softer lead and darker marks.
What does 2B and 4B mean on a pencil? ›
Softer lead gets a B grading, with a number to say how soft the lead is. B on its own is just a little softer than HB. 2B, 3B and 4B are increasingly soft. Further up the range, 9B is the very softest lead available, but so soft and crumbly that it's rarely used.
