When most people think pencils, the No. 2 pencil is the first thing that comes to mind. But what does the “2” on a No. 2 pencil actually mean? And what do all of the “B’s,” “H’s” and “HB’s” being thrown around mean, for that matter? Well, it all has to do with the HB graphite grading scale used to classify the pencil’s graphite core. How does it work, you ask? Let’s take a look.
A pencil’s location on the HB graphite grading scale depends on the hardness of its graphite core. The hardness of the graphite core is often marked on the pencil — look for a number (such as “2” “2-1/2” or “3”) — and the higher the number, the harder the writing core and the lighter the mark left on the paper. 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. Softer pencils will dull faster than harder leads and require more frequent sharpening.
You might see other markings on pencils. Most pencil manufacturers outside of the U.S. use 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. The letter “F” is also used to indicate that the pencil sharpens to a fine point.
Historically, pencil makers also use combinations of letters — a pencil marked “HB” is hard and black; a pencil marked “HH” is very hard, and a pencil marked “HHBBB” is very hard and really, really black! Although today 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.
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. 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. In Japan, consumers tend to prefer softer darker leads, so an HB lead produced in Japan is generally softer and darker than an HB from European producers.
Finding what works best for your own artistic and writing needs is generally a matter of personal preference and experimentation with different brands of pencils.
FAQs
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.
What counts as a No 2 pencil? ›
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.
What is the number 2 pencil in scantron? ›
You are told to use a #2 pencil because the lead is soft enough that the marks are dark enough (high enough contrast against the background paper) for the scanner to see, but not so soft that the lead just smears all over the place when you handle it or try to erase an answer.
Is 0.5 a number 2 pencil? ›
A #2 pencil is essentially the same hardness as an HB pencil. HB lead is available in every diameter, from . 5 to 1.18, of which I am familiar. I hope this is helpful.
What is a No 2 pencil in SAT? ›
Generally, a #2 pencil is about the equivalent of an HB pencil.
What is a #3 pencil? ›
3 pencils?” Because #3 pencils (commonly rated as H or 2H) have harder leads that leave a lighter mark on paper and can tear through lightweight paper. #1 pencils are on the other end of the spectrum. Literally. Commonly rated as B or 2B, the lead is softer (so it wears out faster), and leaves a darker mark on paper.
What is pencil No 1 vs No 2? ›
1 pencil is a little too soft, and smudges easily; as you get higher in number, the lead becomes too dense and brittle to write and erase easily. The No. 2 pencil, on the other hand, is like the Goldilocks of pencils. It's just right.
Why do you need a number 2 pencil for tests? ›
According to Dictionary.com, early machines that scanned and recorded test scores couldn't properly detect marks made by hard pencils. While No. 1 -- the softest -- pencils were prone to smudging, the No. 2 pencil was the perfect balance of softness and hardness.
Is hb2 a number 2 pencil? ›
A #2 pencil is the same as an HB, with lower numbers for softer pencils and higher numbers for harder. This numbered system only covers a range from B to 2H - enough to cover most office use, but not enough range for drawing and sketching.
What is in the middle of a number 2 pencil? ›
2 pencil is an HB. H refers to hardness, B to blackness. So whereas an H pencil would be hard (and light), a B would be soft (and dark); HB is in the middle.
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.
What does f mean on a pencil? ›
The F pencil grade means Fine. This pencil is hard which means that it maintains a fine point. What makes a pencil grade harder or softer? The core of a graphite pencil is a mix of graphite and clay filler.
Which is thinner 0.5 or 0.7 pencil? ›
0.5mm is thinner than the 0.7mm and is often preferred due to the sheer precision and fine trail it produces. Two additional lead thicknesses are the 0.9mm, and 1.4mm. Though durable, these dull easily and also cost more than thinner leads.
What is a no. 2 pencil? ›
2 Pencils: Understanding the Key Differences. No. 1 Pencil (B Grade): Higher in graphite, softer, prone to smudging, and ideal for artistic or bold writing. No. 2 Pencil (HB Grade): A balanced mix of graphite and clay, offering versatility for writing and drawing, making it a popular choice for schools and offices.
Do you need a number 2 pencil for PSAT? ›
See Section 1 of the Digital PSAT/NMSQT Testing Rules for full requirements for taking the PSAT/NMSQT. The following items are required for taking the PSAT/NMSQT: A pen or pencil for scratch work (it doesn't have to be a No. 2 pencil).
What is a #4 pencil? ›
Using the HB scale, B is soft and the higher the number the softer the pencil. The same goes for H, the higher the number the harder the pencil. Using Ticonderoga pencils again as an example, #1 is equivalent to B, #2 is equivalent to HB, #3 is equivalent to H, and #4 is equivalent to 2H.
Is a normal pencil a 2B? ›
The key difference between 2B and HB pencil is that writing from 2B pencil is darker than that from HB pencil. Moreover, 2B pencils produce very dark lines while HB pencils produce medium line density. Typically, 2B pencils are used by artists, while HB pencils are used by school children.
Why do schools require #2 pencils? ›
What Makes #2 Pencils So Special? Due to the hardness of #3 and #4 pencils, early test score scanners and recorders could not reliably identify marks on tests. The #2 pencil was the ideal combination of softness and hardness, while the #1 pencil, the softest pencil, was prone to smearing.
