The Best Lead Grade For Every Application

The Best Lead Grades for Every Application

For thousands of years, people have used graphite to exercise creativity and bring ideas to life. Graphite is the key component of modern day pencil lead—in fact, lead is a misnomer, as it's actually made up of a mixture of graphite and clay. The formulation of this mixture determines its lead grade. A higher proportion of graphite compared to clay will create a softer, darker lead; increasing the clay proportion creates lead that’s harder and leaves a lighter mark.

Lead grade is an important consideration for both the artist and writer. The hardness of a lead affects its strength, smoothness, smudge resistance, and pigmentation. Writers can fine tune the darkness of their lines by moving a step up or down in lead hardness, while an artist can employ the full range of lead grades to achieve different effects. Watch the video below or keep reading to learn more about lead grades.

Lead Grades Explained

Table of Contents

Lead Grading Scale

There are two systems for grading lead hardness: European and American. The European system uses a combination of letters and numbers. B denotes soft leads, or leads with greater graphite content. The higher the corresponding number, the softer the lead and the darker the marks produced by the lead. At the other end of the spectrum, H designates leads with higher clay content. H leads become lighter as you work up the scale.

The American system uses numbers, with #2 ½ in the middle of the scale. The American #2 pencil usually lines up with the European HB grade, as seen in the graphic above. There is no industry standard for the hardness of a lead grade and results vary from brand to brand. Japanese leads tend to be darker than their European equivalents, though they use the same system. We reference the European grading system for the remainder of the article as it is more comprehensive than the American system.

H Grades

H designates harder leads.

H leads are extremely smudge-resistant and give cleaner lines, making them useful for things such as outlines, technical drawings, light sketches, and even watercolors. Left-handed pencil users can also take advantage of smudge-resistant H leads. On the downside, hard leads tend to be scratchy, especially as you move up the scale.

F and HB

F and HB are great for everyday use.

The lead grades in the middle of the spectrum are F and HB. HB (American #2) is the standard lead grade used for writing because it's dark enough to be read clearly while having minimal smudging.

B Grades

B grades create bold, dark lines, perfect for art.

B leads are smooth to write and draw with. They smudge easily, but are readily erased. They're perfect for pencil drawings as artists can take advantage of the brush-like expressions, especially in the higher B grades. Animators in particular enjoy using 10B over animator paper because it writes like butter, creating nice, quick, heavy lines with no friction.

Pairing any lead grade—H leads especially—with toothy paper will give you a better writing or drawing experience, as the graphite can adhere more effectively to the textured surface and be seen more clearly. The tooth of a paper refers to its surface finish, or how rough or smooth it is. The toothier a paper, the rougher the surface and the better a medium will grip onto the paper. Some of our favorite toothy papers are found in these sketchbooks: Stillman & Birn Premium Sketchbook - Delta, Maruman New Soho Series Sketchbooks, and Maruman Zuan Series Sketch Books.

Choosing a Writing Instrument

Pencil leads are housed in a variety of ways. The wooden pencil offers the most extensive range of lead grades, and its thicker lead allows you to fully appreciate the expressions of each lead grade. On the other hand, the mechanical pencil is a clean, convenient, no-fuss tool that is great for writing. However, because most mechanical pencils have such a small tip size, they're unable to produce the dynamic expressions of a wooden pencil. Lead holders are the solution to this problem, as they marry the expression of a wooden pencil with the convenience of a mechanical pencil. However, lead grade offerings in lead holders are also limited compared with wooden pencils. Which you choose boils down to personal need and preference, and we have recommendations for all three categories below.

Wooden Pencil Lead Grades

Lead Grades for Writing

Leads in the middle of the spectrum (HB, F) are ideal for writing.

As stated earlier, leads in the middle of the spectrum (HB, F) are ideal for writing—they have a good level of pigmentation and smoothness with a relatively low level of smudging. Surrounding lead grades (H, B) are also suitable for writing depending on your preference for darkness. If you prefer something even darker, 2B may be used, but we wouldn't go higher than that because of the notable amount of smudging. For a more comprehensive look at wooden pencils, see our Guide to Wooden Pencils.

Staff Pick: Tombow 2558

The Tombow 2558 writes with a grippy feel.

This may look like the number 2 pencil of your elementary school days, but don't write it off just yet. With three lead grades (B, HB, H) available, you can choose the level of darkness preferred. This pencil is great for the careful writer and note-taker—the pencil grips the paper firmly, giving nice control while writing. We love the gentle sound of it scratching away as we write, but if you want something less distracting, consider the Uni 9850 below.

Also Consider: Uni Mitsubishi 9850

The Uni Mitsubishi 9850 is a delightful pencil for everyday use.

Not too grippy and not too smooth, the Uni 9850 is, as Goldilocks would say, just right. This pencil is pleasant to write with and with just one lead grade to choose from, you don't have to spend a long time deciding between lead grades. The eraser on this pencil is surprisingly good, and the lead itself erases cleanly and easily.

Lead Grades for Art

Artists use both soft and hard leads in their work.

Artists use both soft and hard leads to achieve different effects and styles, and many have every single lead grade available already in their arsenal. Those who are just starting out can choose a pencil line they enjoy and pick alternating lead grades to achieve similar effects without having to invest in a complete set. Wooden pencils are perfect to use for techniques such as shading because they can be used on their side without breaking.

Staff Pick: Staedtler Mars Lumograph

The Staedtler Mars Lumograph writes smoothly, perfect for sketches and detailed drawings alike.

Beloved by beginner and expert artists alike, the Lumograph has a wonderful range of lead grades that are great for anything from quick, light sketching to dynamic pencil drawings. They're smooth with a slight grip for artists to draw and sketch comfortably.

Also Consider: Uni Mitsubishi Hi-Uni

Uni Mitsubishi Hi-Uni Pencils boast an incredible range of lead grades.

With an impressive number of 22 lead grades to choose from, the Hi-Uni pencil line has everything that an artist needs, whether you're an animator, comic artist, or watercolor painter. In the soft B grades, the pencils are buttery smooth, almost paintbrush-like in the expressive way they lay down graphite. The harder H leads are fantastic for watercolors and light sketching, but do get scratchier in the upper range.

Mechanical Pencil Lead Grades

Mechanical pencil leads are more limited because it's difficult to make soft leads in thin tip sizes.

Lead grades in mechanical pencil leads are more limited as it's quite difficult to make soft leads in thin tip sizes that don't crumble. While not a problem for writers, artists may have a difficult time finding the lead grade they need. However, artists can take advantage of these fine-tipped mechanical pencils to draw details and outlines without the hassle of sharpening a wooden pencil. While mechanical pencil lead grades may be more limited than in wooden pencils, we've managed to curate several lines of mechanical pencil leads that have impressive lead grade offerings below. For a deeper dive into this topic, peruse our post on the Best Mechanical Pencil Leads.

Staff Pick: Pentel Ain Stein

Pentel Ain Stein leads are designed to minimize breakage.

The Pentel Ain Stein has an astonishing selection of tip size and lead grade combinations. It's available in a tiny 0.2 mm tip size, great for those who have miniscule writing. The leads feature a silica core that minimize breakage, even in the 0.2 mm tip size. Artists can also enjoy the sizable amount of lead grades (4H to 4B) in the 0.5 mm size.

Also Consider: Pilot Neox

Pilot Neox leads are butter-smooth on the page.

The Pilot Neox is the smoothest among the three lines mentioned and uses lubricating graphite crystals to create a pleasant writing experience. This lead glides effortlessly across the page and is great for artists doing quick sketches or dreamers whose pencil can't keep up with their thoughts and ideas.

For a grippier pick, Uni's Smudge-Proof Lead is infused with the nano-diamond particles that sticks to the paper better than conventional leads. However, it's not available in as many lead grades as the Neox or Ain Stein. We recommend it in the HB or B grades for the most effective smudge prevention. The 2B grade doesn’t quite overcome the natural limitations of soft lead and remains a little smudgeable.

Click below to see all tip size and lead grade options for the three mechanical pencil lead lines mentioned above.

See Mechanical Pencil Lead Grade Table

Lead Holder Lead Grades

Lead holders allow for softer leads to be utilized, great for artists who want the convenience of mechanical pencils.

For artists who want the convenience of mechanical pencils, lead holders are an ideal compromise. Lead holders typically house leads 2 mm and up, allowing for softer leads to be utilized. With lead holders, more of the lead can be exposed during use, making them similar to wooden pencils in terms of techniques that an artist is able to employ. For more information on lead holders, see our Guide to Lead Holders.

Staff Pick: Uni Mitsubishi

Uni Mitsubishi Lead Holders offer the widest variety of lead grades.

The Uni Mitsubishi lead holders are great for beginners looking to expand their lead holder collection! This line of lead holders features a nice variety of lead grades, from 4B to 4H. With color coordinating caps, finding the right lead grade is fast and easy. The 2 mm tip size is good for fine detail work when sharpened and also flexible enough to be used on its side for coloring and shading.

Also Consider: Staedtler Silver Lead Holder and Carbon Lead

A Staedtler Silver Lead Holder and Carbon Lead create a grippy, reliable writing experience.

For something a little more sophisticated, this all-metal lead holder has a nice weight and silver finish that gives it a luxurious feel. Staedtler Mars recommends filling the lead holder with their Carbon Lead refills, but it is refillable with most 2 mm leads. There are fewer lead grades offered in the Carbon line than mentioned above, but the Carbon lead has more grip, giving the writer more control when writing.

Also Consider: Kaweco Sketch Up

The dark lead of the Kaweco Sketch Up Clutch Lead Holder makes for dynamic drawings.

If you prefer a thicker lead, Kaweco Sketch Up Clutch Lead Holders write with a bold 5.6 mm lead diameter. This doesn’t impede more delicate drawings, as the built-in lead pointer can create a fine tip. For large areas of shading, the side of the lead works wonderfully. The soft 5B lead included with the Sketch Up builds in layers for dark, emphatic shading.

At this size of lead, the grade range is limited. Available in addition to the included 5B lead are HB leads and a number of bright colors. If you plan to sketch in time-sensitive settings like life drawing warm-ups, we find the sturdy weight of the Sketch Up’s metal construction doesn’t impede quick, energetic lines.

Click below to see all tip size and lead grade options for the three lead holder lines mentioned above.

See Lead Holder Lead Grade Table

Other Resources

How We Approach Research and Testing

Our writers draw on their personal expertise, consult our in-house subject matter experts, and do extensive research to make our guides as accurate and comprehensive as possible. We then test every finding that makes it through the research stage. Only the techniques and tools whose performance we personally confirm make it into our guides as recommendations.

Conclusion

We hope you've enjoy this excursion into the wonderful world of pencil lead and lead grades. Be it wooden pencils, mechanical pencils, or lead holders, lead grade is an important consideration for both writers and artists. What is your preferred writing instrument and lead grade combination? Let us know in the comments below!

Product	Pencil Type	Lead Grades	Best For
Tombow 2558	Wooden	H, HB, B	Writing
Uni Mitsubishi 9850	Wooden	HB	Writing
Staedtler Mars Lumograph	Wooden	10H, 9H, 8H, 7H, 6H, 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B, 12B	Art
Uni Mitsubishi Hi-Uni	Wooden	10H, 9H, 8H, 7H, 6H, 5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, H, F, HB, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B	Art
Pentel Ain Stein	Mechanical Pencil Lead	See table above	Writing, Art details
Uni Smudge-Proof	Mechanical Pencil Lead	See table above	Writing, Art details
Pilot Neox	Mechanical Pencil Lead	See table above	Writing, Art details
Uni Mitsubishi	Lead Holder	See table above	Art
Staedtler Silver	Lead Holder	See table above	Art
Kaweco Sketch Up	Lead Holder	See table above	Art

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JetPens Pencil Starter Kit

Still not sure what to try? Check out our Wooden Pencil Samplers for some of our most popular wooden pencils. From starter sets to sets based on lead grade, these kits will help you rediscover the joys of using a wooden pencil!

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