Hardness Converter: Rockwell, Brinell & Vickers
ASTM E140 Hardness Standard Comparison
Example: HRC 60 (hardened tool steel) is equivalent to approximately 654 Brinell (HB) or 697 Vickers (HV). Rockwell B (HRB) is only used for softer materials (HRC ≤ 35).
Popular Conversions:
Convert steel hardness numbers between HRC, HRB, Brinell (HB), and Vickers (HV) scales using linear interpolation curves based on standard ASTM E140 tables.
Hardness Input
HRC
Estimated Equivalents
Rockwell C (HRC) 50.0
Rockwell B (HRB) -
Vickers (HV) 513
Brinell (HB) 481
Hardness Comparison Reference Matrix
| Rockwell C (HRC) | Rockwell B (HRB) | Brinell (HB) | Vickers (HV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | - | 739 | 840 |
| 60 | - | 654 | 697 |
| 55 | - | 560 | 595 |
| 50 | - | 481 | 513 |
| 45 | - | 421 | 446 |
| 40 | - | 371 | 392 |
| 35 | 109.5 | 327 | 345 |
| 30 | 105.4 | 286 | 302 |
| 25 | 100.8 | 253 | 266 |
| 20 | 97 | 226 | 238 |
Direct Hardness Scale Conversions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rockwell hardness scale?
The Rockwell hardness scale measures the indentation hardness of materials. The Rockwell C (HRC) scale is commonly used for hard steels, while Rockwell B (HRB) is used for softer alloys.
How do you convert Rockwell C (HRC) to Vickers (HV)?
HRC to Vickers conversion does not follow a simple mathematical formula. Instead, ASTM E140 standard tables are used to interpolate values, where HRC 60 is roughly equivalent to 697 HV.
What is the difference between Brinell and Vickers hardness tests?
The Brinell test uses a spherical indenter (typically a steel or tungsten carbide ball), whereas the Vickers test uses a square-based diamond pyramid indenter.