Hardness Conversion
Hardness Conversion Calculator (HB ↔ HRC ↔ HV)
Convert between Brinell (HB), Rockwell C (HRC), and Vickers (HV) for fast quotation checks, QA reviews, and cross-supplier comparisons. Results are engineering estimates—always verify against your material standard and test method when compliance is required.
Why Hardness Conversion Matters in Steel Sourcing
Hardness is one of the most common acceptance indicators in procurement and quality inspection. However, suppliers and labs may report hardness using different scales (HB, HRC, or HV). A practical converter helps you compare offers faster, validate mill test reports (MTR), and keep specifications aligned during production, packing, and shipment.
Hardness Scales Explained (HB, HRC, HV)
- Brinell (HB): widely used for steels and castings; typically based on a 10 mm ball with a high load in common reference charts.
- Rockwell C (HRC): fast and convenient for hardened steels; commonly used for wear-resistant plate, tooling, and heat-treated parts.
- Vickers (HV): accurate across a wide range and useful for thin sections, coatings, and microstructure-related evaluation.
How to Use the Calculator
- Select your input scale (HB / HRC / HV).
- Enter the measured value from your report.
- Read the converted values (primary + secondary). Use the result as a screening estimate unless your project requires certified conversion tables.
Reference chart (HRC ↔ HV ↔ HB) — indicative for steels
The table below is generated from the same estimation formulas used in this page’s converter. For compliance-critical work, refer to ASTM E140 / ISO 18265 tables.
| Rockwell C (HRC) | Vickers (HV) | Brinell (HB) |
|---|
Where LYH Steel Can Support Your Project
If you are sourcing stainless steel or carbon steel products and need hardness alignment across drawings, standards, and inspection documents, LYH Steel can support you with stable supply and export-ready processing.
- Stainless products: Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate, Stainless Steel Overview
- Processing services: Coil Slitting, Laser Cutting
- Market & trade updates: Steel Industry News
- Get a quotation or confirm requirements: Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are hardness conversions exact?
No. Conversions are approximate and can shift with alloy family, heat treatment, microstructure, and test method. Use official conversion tables when your contract or code requires certified values.
Q2: Which scale should I specify on purchase orders?
Follow your drawing/spec first. In many cases, hardened components use HRC, while general steels may use HB or HV depending on thickness and test feasibility. If you are unsure, align the hardness method with your inspection plan and acceptance criteria.
Q3: Why do two suppliers show different hardness for “the same” grade?
Grade alone does not define hardness. Cold work level, annealing, quenching/tempering parameters, and testing location can all change results. Always cross-check with the manufacturing route and your end-use requirements.
Q4: Can this tool be used for quality acceptance?
Use it for screening and communication. For acceptance, rely on the hardness value measured in the required scale and method, supported by test reports.
