Have you ever wondered what the numbers and letters at the ends of pencils are?
Why exactly do you have to use a number 2 pencil on tests?
These numbers are called lead grades
and they indicate how hard and dark a pencil is.
In this video, we’ll explain what the different lead grades mean
and what they are best used for.
The term “lead” is a bit of a misnomer
since modern pencil cores are made up of a mixture of graphite and clay.
There are two different systems for grading lead:
the European system which uses a combination of letters and numbers,
and the American system which only uses numbers.
Here are all of the available lead grades in the European system.
Unfortunately, there is no industry standard so results may vary from brand to brand.
Japanese leads tend to be darker than their European equivalents
even though they use the same system.
Here are American lead grades.
American students are often asked to use a #2 pencil on Scantrons and other tests.
The #2 pencil typically lines up with the European HB grade.
So, #2 mechanical pencils do exist!
You just have to make sure it has HB lead,
which is what mechanical pencils usually come with anyway.
For the rest of the video, we’ll reference the more comprehensive European system.
H Grades
H stands for “hard.”
These leads have a higher ratio of clay to graphite,
so they’re harder, lighter, and extremely smudge resistant.
You can use them to draw outlines, light sketches, and other technical drawings.
However, they can get quite scratchy,
especially as you move up the scale towards 10H.
B Grades
B stands for “black.”
B leads have a higher graphite content to clay ratio,
so they’re smooth, dark, and smudgy.
Artists love them because they’re extremely versatile.
You can use them to shade and even create brush-like strokes.
Some people prefer using the lower B grades to write,
since they require less pressure to create a dark line.
F and HB
F and HB are in the middle of the spectrum.
Depending on the brand, F can stand for “firm” or “fine”
and it’s a little lighter than HB.
HB is the standard lead grade for writing because it’s dark enough to be read clearly
while having minimal smudging.
Picking the Right Pencil
You can choose between a wooden pencil, mechanical pencil, or lead holder.
Wooden Pencil
The wooden pencil offers the most extensive range of lead grades,
and a thick pencil core allows you to fully appreciate the expressions of each lead grade.
We recommend the handsome Tombow Mono 100 wooden pencil for general writing.
It writes smoothly with the slightest hint of feedback and offers a variety of lead grades.
It’s a cult classic in Japan and a bestseller on JetPens.com.
If you’re an artist, check out the Staedtler Mars Lumograph line.
It has an incredible range of lead grades
that are great for anything from quick, light sketching
to dynamic pencil drawings.
They have a slight grip to them that makes them easy to control.
Mechanical Pencil
Lead grades in mechanical pencils are more limited,
because it’s difficult to make soft leads in thin tip sizes.
This isn’t a problem for writers or students,
but artists may struggle to find a mechanical pencil
that offers the same type of versatility as the wooden pencil.
You can take advantage of different lead grades in any mechanical pencil--
just find a line that offers a large range, like the Pentel Ain Stein.
It also comes in different tip sizes,
so you can definitely find a combination that works with your favorite mechanical pencil.
These leads feature a silica core that helps minimize breakage.
Our student mechanical pencil pick is the budget-friendly Pilot Opt,
but if you want to see more recommendations,
check out our best mechanical pencils video in the card above.
Lead Holder
Artists who want the convenience of a mechanical pencil should look into lead holders.
They hold leads 2 mm and up, which lets them use softer leads.
You can also expose more lead with these tools, making them more similar to wooden pencils.
The Uni Mitsubishi Lead Holders are available in lead grades from 4B to 4H,
giving artists plenty of options.
They have color-coordinated caps, making it easy to pick out the right grade.
Read our Lead Grades blog for more recommendations.
Are there any burning pen and pencil questions you’d like us to answer?
Leave them in the comments below.
You can shop all of the items mentioned at JetPens.com.