Explanation of 2H-2B and Their Uses

As you begin working with drawing pencils, you may wonder what the different numbers and letters on them mean. A pencil with a B rating refers to the softness of the lead. The higher the number next to the B, the softer the lead. For example, a 6B is softer than a 4B, which is softer than a 2B. If the pencil has an H designation, the number next to it indicates the hardness of the graphite. A 9H pencil is harder than 8H, and 8H is harder than 7H, and so on. Between the H and B pencils, there are mid-range options like H, F, HB, and B. Savannah typically uses pencils ranging from 2H to 2B, including this middle range, based on her drawing practice. For darker values, she prefers using charcoal or ink.

Savannah recommends starting with an HB or B pencil for a drawing because they are soft yet not too soft, and they are easy to erase. Generally, softer pencils are easier to erase, while harder pencils are more difficult to remove. As Savannah moves on to rendering and shading lighter tones, she switches to harder pencils like H or 2H. It’s important to note that layering with an H or 2H pencil can create a waxy surface, making it challenging to apply softer pencils like HB, B, or 2B on top. Savannah uses HB and B pencils for blending shadows and developing shadow areas, while she reserves 2H and H for highlighting and creating lighter areas. Try these tips in your next drawing to better understand how the varying hardness and softness of pencils work together.