The 'h' and 'b' rating combined with a number refer to the hardness of the graphite in a pencil. h-hard and b-soft. So the higher the number the more hard or soft it is. Hard graphite imparts much lighter marks to paper, while softer graphite makes a much darker mark. So a 6b pencil is very soft and draws quite dark while a 6h pencil is very hard and draws very light marks.
Each graphite pencil, the 6H, 6B, 2H and 2B, will create a sharp line and fine detail. The difference is that the softer leads (2B, for example) will need to be sharpened more often to keep drawing this detailed. That is because, while having a sharp point when freshly sharpened, the softer the lead, the more quickly it will wear/crumble down.
That would depend if the pencil were an H or a B. Artist pencils are identified with a number and a letter. H is for hard. A 6H pencil would be harder than a 4H pencil. B is for soft. A 6B pencil would be softer than a 4B pencil.
Pencils are sorted into how hard and how soft the graphite is. The scale ranges from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest). Number 6B would mean its graphite is 4th softest.
If you want. Pencils with higher numbers such as 6Bs give a darker stroke and are softer. So, if you don't mind using a harder, slightly lighter pencil, then go ahead.
here is a web site with a page on pencils www.easydrawinglessons.com
Each graphite pencil, the 6H, 6B, 2H and 2B, will create a sharp line and fine detail. The difference is that the softer leads (2B, for example) will need to be sharpened more often to keep drawing this detailed. That is because, while having a sharp point when freshly sharpened, the softer the lead, the more quickly it will wear/crumble down.
Drawing pencils are labeled by hardness and softness. For example - 6H is the hardest (makes the lightest mark), then 4H is a little less hard (makes a slightly darker mark), 2H,etc. HB is in the middle The it goes 2B, 4B, 6B, etc. - the higher number in the B's, the softer it is and the darker the mark it will make.
That would depend if the pencil were an H or a B. Artist pencils are identified with a number and a letter. H is for hard. A 6H pencil would be harder than a 4H pencil. B is for soft. A 6B pencil would be softer than a 4B pencil.
A 6B pencil lead will generally mark darker than a 2B pencil lead. The higher the 'B' number, the softer and darker the lead.
The term "6B" typically refers to a grade of pencil lead that is very soft and produces a dark, rich line. In the context of pencil grading, 6B is one of the darkest available, with higher numbers indicating softer and darker leads. However, other mediums like charcoal or certain inks can produce darker marks than a 6B pencil. Therefore, while 6B is dark among pencils, it isn't the absolute darkest medium available.
The shades of graphite pencil from lightest to darkest are typically categorized as 9H (lightest), 8H, 7H, 6H, 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B (darkest). The 'H' pencils are harder and lighter, while the 'B' pencils are softer and darker.
A 6B pencil is ideal for drawing and sketching due to its soft lead, which produces rich, dark lines and allows for smooth shading. It's particularly useful for artists who want to create expressive, bold strokes or deep shadows in their work. Additionally, the 6B pencil can be employed for detailed work where darker values are needed, making it a favorite among illustrators and designers.
In order, the leads are (from softest to hardest): 9B/8B/7B/6B/5B/4B/3B/2B/B/HB/F/H/2H/3H/4H/5H/6H/7H/8H/9H HB is the most commonly used lead for general purposes. The softer leads are used for art drawing, the harder for fine ledger work.
H stands for hardness and B stands for blackness this is how a pencil scale goes: 9H 8H 7H 6H 5H 4H 3H 2H 1H H HB B 1B 2B 3B 4B 5B 6B 7B 8B 9B9H is very fine hard and light but 9B is thick black and very soft (more like charcoal)
Pencils are sorted into how hard and how soft the graphite is. The scale ranges from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest). Number 6B would mean its graphite is 4th softest.
2B or not 2B, that is the question.
If you want. Pencils with higher numbers such as 6Bs give a darker stroke and are softer. So, if you don't mind using a harder, slightly lighter pencil, then go ahead.