The hardness of pencils is a crucial aspect in the world of drawing and writing, helping both artists and writers capture their creative visions and ideas on paper. Pencils come in various hardness levels, ranging from extremely hard to extremely soft.

Each variant has its own unique characteristics and imparts a different effect on paper. Lines, shadows, and expression are conveyed with different hardness levels on paper.

To learn which hardness to use for what purpose and how to make the most of all pencils in your next creation, Vaessen Creative provides you with clear explanations as much as possible.

What is the hardness of a pencil?

The hardness of a pencil refers to the degree to which graphite is mixed with clay, making the pencil harder or softer and thus capable of producing different line thicknesses and shading effects when drawing or writing. Pencils are often categorized based on a scale known as the "pencil hardness scale" or "degree of hardness."

Hardness scales for pencils

The most commonly used hardness scale for pencils is the HB scale, which ranges from very soft to very hard. Here are some terms used to indicate pencil hardness:

H pencils (Hard)

These pencils contain more clay and less graphite. They leave lighter lines and are often used for technical drawing and sketching where fine lines and precision are important. H pencils range from H9 (the hardest) to H, with H2 and H3 being common hardness levels.

B pencils (Soft)

These pencils have more graphite and less clay, making them softer and darker. They are often used for sketching, artistic drawings, and shading. B pencils range from B9 (the softest) to B, with B2 and B3 being common softness levels.

F pencils (Fine Point)

These pencils fall between H and B pencils in hardness and are often used for general writing and drawing. They produce sharp lines and are suitable for technical drawing. If you're confident in your creation, you can also opt for fineliners.

HB pencils

These pencils are the most common for general writing. They fall in the middle of the hardness scale and offer a good balance between darkness and precision.

Choosing the right pencil hardness depends on the purpose of your drawing or writing. Softer pencils (B) are suitable for shading and artistic work, while harder pencils (H) are useful for technical drawing and precision. HB pencils are suitable for everyday writing and general use. The choice of hardness depends on personal preference and the intended result.

Which pencil should you use for sketching?

When sketching, it's best to use softer pencils from the B series, such as B, B2, or B3. These pencils are softer and will produce darker lines, making them ideal for sketches where you want to add quick lines and shadows. The softness of these pencils also makes it easier to create light lines by applying less pressure on the paper.
⁠Also, consider the type of paper you are using. Cardstock, for instance, is much thicker, so using markers might be smarter. Sketch paper is often the most suitable for pencils.

Which pencil should you use for shading?

For creating shadows and dark areas in your drawing, you can use even softer pencils from the B series, such as 4B, 6B, or even 8B. These pencils contain more graphite and produce very dark lines and shadows when used with some pressure.

Which pencil is easy to erase?

If you want pencils that are easy to erase, consider pencils from the H series, such as H, H2, or H3. These pencils contain more clay and less graphite, making them harder. Harder pencils leave lighter lines and can be erased more easily without leaving much residue. This is useful if you want to refine or correct your sketch without damaging the paper fibers.

What is the hardest and softest pencil?

Pencil hardness is measured on a scale with the hardest pencils on one end and the softest pencils on the other. The hardness scale typically ranges from 9H (the hardest) to 9B (the softest), and there are even harder and softer pencils available, but they are less common.

• The hardest pencils are found on the H side of the scale and have a higher clay content and less graphite. A 9H pencil is extremely hard and will produce very light lines. Other harder pencils include H, H2, H3, and so on.
• The softest pencils are found on the B side of the scale and have a higher graphite content and less clay. A 9B pencil is extremely soft and will produce very dark lines and shadows. Other softer pencils include 8B, 6B, 4B, and so on.