Hardness Conversion HRC / HV / HB
Use this chart when a hardness test and a drawing specify different scales. Find the nearest value in the known HRC, HV or HB column and read across to the required scale; the relationship is approximate and limited to carbon and low-alloy steel.
HRC = Rockwell C (hardened steel) · HV = Vickers · HB = Brinell. HB cannot measure the very hard range (shown “–”).
Carbon / low-alloy steel — approximate| HRC (Rockwell C) | HV (Vickers) | HB (Brinell) |
|---|
| 66 | 865 | – |
| 64 | 800 | – |
| 62 | 746 | – |
| 60 | 697 | – |
| 58 | 653 | 615 |
| 56 | 613 | 577 |
| 54 | 577 | 543 |
| 52 | 544 | 512 |
| 50 | 513 | 481 |
| 48 | 484 | 455 |
| 46 | 458 | 432 |
| 44 | 434 | 409 |
| 42 | 412 | 390 |
| 40 | 392 | 371 |
| 38 | 372 | 353 |
| 36 | 354 | 336 |
| 34 | 336 | 319 |
| 32 | 318 | 301 |
| 30 | 302 | 285 |
| 28 | 285 | 269 |
| 26 | 271 | 255 |
| 24 | 257 | 241 |
| 22 | 246 | 229 |
| 20 | 236 | 223 |
APPROXIMATE conversion for carbon / low-alloy steel (per ASTM E140 / JIS). Typical scatter ±1–2 HRC between sources. HRC is reliable only above ~20; use HRB for soft/annealed steel (e.g. HB 200 ≈ HRB 93, HB 150 ≈ HRB 80). Not valid for austenitic stainless, cast iron or non-ferrous metals — different correlation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between HRC, HV and HB?
They are different hardness test methods and scales: Rockwell C, Vickers and Brinell. Select the measured value in the chart and read across for the approximate equivalents.
Can this hardness chart be used for every material?
No. This chart is for carbon and low-alloy steel, not austenitic stainless steel, cast iron or non-ferrous metals. Use a conversion table for the actual material group.
Does a converted value replace a direct hardness test?
No. It is an approximate comparison value. Acceptance should use the specified scale and applicable test procedure; use the matching chart row only for preliminary review.
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