# Hardness Converter (HB / HV / HRC / HRB)

Convert between Brinell (HB), Vickers (HV), and Rockwell (HRC / HRB) hardness via ASTM E140 tabulated data with linear interpolation. Three material classes: carbon/alloy steel (HV 100–960), austenitic stainless (HV 100–600), and cartridge brass (HV 40–200). Any input scale produces all the others; a scale that does not apply in the current hardness band returns 'out of range'. Indicative only — not for acceptance testing per ASTM E140.

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/hardness-converter

- **Category:** Math & Numbers

- **Keywords:** hardness conversion, Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell, HB, HV, HRC, HRB, ASTM E140, hardness test, steel hardness, materials science

## Overview

Convert hardness values between Brinell (HB), Vickers (HV), Rockwell C (HRC), and Rockwell B (HRB) using ASTM E140 tabulated data with linear interpolation. Select the material, enter a value and scale, and receive the corresponding hardness values with applicable ranges clearly identified.

## Inputs

- **Material** (select): Material class — ASTM E140 provides separate conversion tables per material because hardness depends on work-hardening behaviour.
- **Input Scale** (select)
- **Value** (number): Hardness value in the selected Input Scale. Must lie within the tabulated ASTM E140 range for the chosen material.
- **Decimal Places** (number)

## When to use

- Convert a measured HV, HB, HRC, or HRB value into the other supported hardness scales.
- Compare hardness readings for carbon or alloy steel, austenitic stainless steel, or cartridge brass.
- Get an indicative ASTM E140 conversion when a direct hardness scale comparison is needed.

## How it works

- Select the material class: carbon/alloy steel, austenitic stainless, or cartridge brass.
- Choose the input scale and enter the measured hardness value.
- The tool uses ASTM E140 tabulated values and linear interpolation to calculate the other scales.
- Results are rounded to the selected decimal places; scales outside their valid hardness band are shown as out of range.

## Use cases

- Materials engineering teams comparing hardness test results recorded in different scales.
- Manufacturing and quality workflows checking indicative hardness equivalents for steel, stainless steel, or brass.
- Students and technicians studying relationships between Brinell, Vickers, and Rockwell measurements.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which hardness scales does the converter support?

It supports Vickers HV, Brinell HB, Rockwell C HRC, and Rockwell B HRB.

### Which materials are supported?

The tool supports carbon/alloy steel, austenitic stainless steel, and cartridge brass.

### What input value should I enter?

Enter a hardness value in the selected input scale, within the ASTM E140 range for the chosen material.

### Why does a result show out of range?

That hardness scale does not apply to the calculated hardness band for the selected material.

### Can these conversions be used for acceptance testing?

No. The results are indicative only and are not intended for acceptance testing under ASTM E140.

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