Hardness Conversion Calculator
Convert between Brinell, Rockwell, and Vickers hardness scales
Hardness Scale Converter
Enter the hardness value you want to convert
Select the scale of your input value
Conversion Results
Common Material Examples
Tool Steel (Heat Treated)
Carbon Steel (Quenched)
Mild Steel
Aluminum Alloy
Hardness Scales
Hardness Categories
Testing Methods
Understanding Hardness Scales
What is Material Hardness?
Hardness is a material's resistance to permanent deformation, particularly plastic deformation, indentation, or scratching. It's measured by pressing an indenter into the material under a specific load and measuring the resulting impression.
Why Different Scales?
- •Different Materials: Some scales work better for specific material types
- •Different Ranges: Each scale covers different hardness ranges effectively
- •Industry Standards: Different industries prefer different scales
Scale Characteristics
Brinell Hardness (HB)
Uses a hardened steel or carbide ball. Good for softer materials and provides good correlation with tensile strength.
Rockwell C (HRC)
Diamond cone indenter for hard materials like tool steels. Quick testing method with direct readout.
Rockwell B (HRB)
Steel ball indenter for softer materials. Alternative to Brinell for thinner specimens.
Vickers (HV)
Diamond pyramid indenter. Universal scale suitable for all materials from very soft to very hard.
Important Note on Conversions
Hardness conversions are approximate because different scales measure different material properties. The conversions in this calculator are based on empirical data for steel materials and may not be accurate for other alloys or materials. Always use the appropriate scale for your specific application when precision is critical.