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Hardness Conversion Charts

These charts are provided as a complimentary service to Granta users and visitors to our website. Find out more about our materials information management and reference data products...

Hardness tests are not strictly comparable - each type of test measures the resistance to deformation of the material in slightly different ways. However, it is still possible to make useful approximate comparisons between hardness scales, and some are presented here.

All values are plotted against HV - Vickers Hardness (also known as Diamond Pyramid Hardness) - Pyramidic Diamond Indentor, 10kgf Load.

The charts are approximately 1600 x 1200 pixels, but can be scaled and printed out using a suitable graphics package. If you require further information, please contact us.

Steels (Low Hardness, HV < 300) HRB - Rockwell Hardness B Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 100kgf Load HRE - Rockwell Hardness E Scale - 1/8" Ball Penetrator, 100kgf Load HRF - Rockwell Hardness F Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 60kgf Load HRG - Rockwell Hardness G Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 150kgf Load HRH - Rockwell Hardness H Scale - 1/8" Ball Penetrator, 60kgf Load HRK - Rockwell Hardness K Scale - 1/8" Ball Penetrator, 150kgf Load HR15T - Rockwell Superficial 15-T Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 15kgf Load HR30T - Rockwell Superficial 30-T Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 30kgf Load HR45T - Rockwell Superficial 45-T Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 45kgf Load
Steels (High Hardness, 200 < HV < 2000) HRA - Rockwell Hardness A Scale - Brale Penetrator, 60kgf Load HRC - Rockwell Hardness C Scale - Brale Penetrator, 150kgf Load HRD - Rockwell Hardness D Scale - Brale Penetrator, 100kgf Load HR15N - Rockwell Superficial 15-N Scale - N Brale Penetrator, 15kgf Load HR30N - Rockwell Superficial 30-N Scale - N Brale Penetrator, 30kgf Load HR45N - Rockwell Superficial 45-N Scale - N Brale Penetrator, 45kgf Load HSc - Shore Schleroscope Hardness Number
Steels (High Hardness, 200 < HV < 2000) HB10/500 - Brinell, Standard Type - 10mm Ball Penetrator, 500kgf Load HB10/3000, Standard - Brinell, Standard Type - 10mm Ball Penetrator, 3000kgf Load HB10/3000, Hultgren - Brinell, Standard Type - Hultgren 10mm Ball Penetrator, 3000kgf Load HB10/3000,WC - Brinell, Standard Type - Tungsten-Carbide 10mm Ball Penetrator, 3000kgf Load HK - Knoop Hardness - Pyramidal Diamond Indentor, 500gf Load
Minerals Mohs Scratch Hardness
Aluminium Alloys and Brasses HRB - Rockwell Hardness B Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 100kgf Load HRF - Rockwell Hardness F Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 60kgf Load HB10/500 - Brinell, Standard Type - 10mm Ball Penetrator, 500kgf Load HB10/1000 - Brinell, Standard Type - 10mm Ball Penetrator, 1000kgf Load HR15T - Rockwell Superficial 15-T Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 15kgf Load HR30T - Rockwell Superficial 30-T Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 30kgf Load HR45T - Rockwell Superficial 45-T Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 45kgf Load HR15T - Rockwell Superficial 15-T Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 15kgf Load HR30T - Rockwell Superficial 30-T Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 30kgf Load HR45T - Rockwell Superficial 45-T Scale - 1/16" Ball Penetrator, 45kgf Load