When sourcing pencils for retail, promotional use, or educational markets, understanding pencil core grades is essential. The difference between HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B pencil cores affects writing feel, darkness, durability, and end-user experience.
In this article, we’ll explain how pencil core grades work, compare common types, and help you choose the right option for your custom pencil project.
What Do HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B Mean?
Pencil cores are typically graded using the HB scale, which is based on the ratio of graphite to clay in the core.
- H (Hard): More clay, lighter marks
- B (Black/Soft): More graphite, darker marks
- HB: Balanced hardness and darkness
The higher the number before “B,” the softer and darker the pencil core.
HB Pencil Core: Balanced & Versatile
HB is the most commonly used pencil core worldwide.
Key features:
- Medium hardness
- Smooth writing with moderate darkness
- Good durability and break resistance
Best for:
- School pencils
- Office writing
- General-purpose stationery
- Mass-market retail pencils
HB cores are widely preferred for daily writing and standardized testing, making them ideal for bulk production and private label pencil projects.
2B Pencil Core: Smooth & Darker Writing
2B pencils contain more graphite than HB, producing darker and smoother lines.
Key features:
- Softer than HB
- Darker lines with less pressure
- Easy erasing
Best for:
- Exams requiring strong readability
- Sketching and light drawing
- Students who prefer softer writing feel
2B pencil cores are also commonly used in optical mark recognition (OMR) tests due to their consistent graphite transfer.
4B Pencil Core: Soft & Expressive
4B pencil cores are significantly softer and richer in graphite.
Key features:
- Very dark lines
- Smooth, expressive strokes
- Lower resistance on paper
Best for:
- Artistic sketching
- Shading and illustration
- Creative drawing sets
Because of their softness, 4B pencils wear down faster and are less suitable for heavy writing but are popular in art-focused pencil sets.
6B Pencil Core: Ultra-Soft & Deep Black
6B is one of the softest commonly used pencil cores.
Key features:
- Extremely dark and bold lines
- High graphite content
- Minimal pressure needed
Best for:
- Professional artists
- Deep shading and contrast work
- Premium drawing pencil sets
Due to their softness, 6B pencil cores are mainly used in artist-grade or specialty pencil kits rather than daily writing tools.
Comparison Table: HB vs. 2B vs. 4B vs. 6B
| Pencil Core | Hardness | Line Darkness | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB | Medium | Medium | Writing, school, office |
| 2B | Soft | Dark | Exams, sketching |
| 4B | Softer | Very Dark | Drawing, shading |
| 6B | Softest | Extra Dark | Professional art |
How to Choose the Right Pencil Core for Your Brand
When selecting pencil cores for custom or OEM pencil production, consider the following:
- Target market – Students, offices, or artists
- Writing vs. drawing use – Writing requires stronger cores; drawing favors softness
- Packaging concept – Mixed-grade pencil sets add value
- Cost & durability – Softer cores wear faster and may impact user experience
Many brands choose to offer multi-grade pencil sets to meet diverse customer needs.
Custom Pencil Core Options from a Manufacturer
As a professional stationery manufacturer, we support:
- Custom pencil core grades (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
- Stable graphite formulation and hardness control
- OEM & ODM wooden pencil production
- Private label and custom packaging solutions
Whether you’re developing school pencils, promotional items, or artistic pencil sets, we can help you select the right pencil core combination for your market.
Contact Us for Custom Pencil Production
If you’re looking for a reliable factory partner for custom pencils or complete stationery sets, feel free to contact us.
