Why number 2 pencil

What Is a Number 4 pencil? What is a number 3 pencil? Why are number 2 pencils required? Which is darker 2B or HB? Is 2B pencil is darker and softer? Which is darker H or 2H? What does HB mean on a number 2 pencil? Which HB pencil is the darkest? What does the H and B stand for on pencils?

What is the difference between B and H pencils? Wonder no more, my friends, for I shall educate you on the surprisingly interesting history of the humble, useful, and indispensable 2 pencil. No, seriously: I spent way more time down the rabbit hole of YouTube videos about pencils while researching this post than I ever expected.

Higher numbers indicate a harder lead, which gives you a finer point and crisper lines. Lower numbers indicate a softer lead, which is good for shading. Outside of the US, the labels are different but the idea is the same. What Do You Say? Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Skip to content Home Dissertation Why is the number 2 pencil not number 1?

Ben Davis February 6, Why is the number 2 pencil not number 1? What is the difference between a 1 and 2 pencil? Standard, run of the mill pencils used for general writing purposes are classified as HB.

Pencils classified consecutively as B, 2B, 3B, 45, 5B, and so on are softer, darker pencils. Working in the "opposite direction," pencils classified as F, H, 2H, 3H, 4H, and so on are lighter, harder pencils. A different method of classifying pencils involves numbers rather than letters. This system is also widely accepted, but it's not followed by all pencil manufacturers.

In the number system, basic HB pencils are classified as 2 or No. This is the system generally followed in the United States, where we are so fond of No. Despite these classification systems, there is no true pencil industry standard. Most manufacturers set their own internal standards for graphite hardness.

Pencils that have numbers higher than 2 have harder "leads. Pencils that have numbers lower than 2 are often used by artists because they can help create a variety of shades and tones. Colored pencils , which children often use to color in school, are wax-like and crafted from pigment and other fillers, rather than carbon and clay.

Grease pencils, which are usually encased in peel-off paper, can write on glass, plastic, metal, and a variety of other surfaces. Watercolor pencils, used by artists, can be used by themselves to create vibrant, bold lines.