Hardness Conversion
Convert between Rockwell (HRC, HRB), Vickers (HV), Brinell (HB), Shore and approximate tensile strength
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Enter one hardness value in Rockwell (HRC, HRB, HRA, superficial), Vickers (HV), Brinell (HBW) or Shore scleroscope (HS) and see the other scales and an approximate tensile strength. Use it when a drawing and a hardness tester use different scales.
How to use
- Under "Reference table", choose "ASTM E140" or "ISO 18265".
- Pick the scale of your value in "Input scale" and type the number in "Value"; the other scales appear at once.
- In "Full conversion table", the highlighted rows show where the current value sits.
- Press "Copy result" if you need the converted values elsewhere.
How it works
- Values between table rows are linearly interpolated. A value outside the table is shown as "Out of range" and is not extrapolated.
- The tables are for non-austenitic steels such as carbon and low-alloy steel (ASTM E140 Tables 1 and 2, ISO 18265 Table A.1). They must not be used for stainless steel, aluminium, copper alloys or cast iron.
- Tensile strength comes from the SAE J417 table on the ASTM basis and from Table A.1 on the ISO basis. It is approximate and shown in MPa, kgf/mm² and ksi.
- When a value falls inside two tables, two results appear. The tables were built separately, so the results differ slightly.
Questions and answers
- What is HRC 60 in HV?
- HV 697 according to ASTM E140 Table 1. In that table, Brinell values above HRC 59 are outside the normal range, so none is shown.
- What is the difference between HRC and HRB?
- HRC uses a diamond cone indenter and is used for hard steel. HRB uses a small steel ball and is used for softer steel. The ASTM tables here cover HRC 20 to 68 and HRB 30 to 100.
- Can I get tensile strength from hardness?
- Only approximately. For example, HRC 20 gives about 760 MPa. The real value depends on the material and heat treatment, so acceptance decisions need a direct test.
- Can Shore A or Shore D be converted?
- No. Shore A and Shore D are durometer scales for rubber and plastics and cannot be converted to metal hardness. HS in this tool is the rebound hardness used for metals.