Steel Hardness Converter

Steel hardness conversion table containing conversion factors for Rockwell, Vickers & Brinell. As a guide we show the theoretical conversion comparison of tonnes tensile in Newtons/mm² and MPa to steel hardness.

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Understanding Steel Hardnesss

Steel hardness is a measure of a material’s resistance to indentation and localised deformation. It is an important property when selecting steel for applications where resistance to wear, surface damage and deformation is required.

The hardness of steel can vary considerably depending on its chemical composition, condition and heat treatment. Processes such as hardening and tempering can be used to achieve the properties needed for a particular application.

Hardness can be measured using several different testing methods. The most commonly encountered scales for steel include Brinell, Rockwell and Vickers.

The Brinell test presses a hardened ball into the surface of the material under a specified load. The size of the resulting indentation is measured to determine the hardness value. It is commonly used for softer steels and larger components.

The Rockwell test measures the depth of penetration made by an indenter under a specified load. Rockwell C (HRc) is commonly used for hardened steels, while Rockwell B (HRb) is generally used for softer metals and steels.

The Vickers test uses a diamond-shaped pyramid indenter to measure hardness. It can be used across a wide range of hardness levels and is suitable for both softer and hardened steels.

Hardness conversion tables provide an approximate comparison between different scales. They are useful when reviewing material specifications, comparing test results or working with data expressed in different units.

However, converted values are not exact equivalents. The relationship between hardness scales can be affected by the steel grade, material condition, heat treatment and testing method. Where a specific hardness is required by a drawing or material specification, the specified test method and acceptance limits should always take precedence over a converted value.

Use our steel hardness converter above to compare Rockwell, Brinell and Vickers values, along with indicative tensile strength figures.

For further information, explore our Steel Heat Treatment Guide or Hardness Conversion Chart. If you need help identifying a suitable steel grade for your application, contact the West Yorkshire Steel team.

Our steel specifications supplied are available with a BS EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate, a cast and analysis certificate or certificate of conformity. Please request what certification requirements are needed when placing any orders.

Our steel grades are supplied in accordance with our ISO9001:2008 registration. Our policy is to satisfy the quality and delivery needs of our customers and we measure our performance by meeting customers’ requirements. We work to continually improve the service that we provide. In order to achieve this it is our policy to maintain an efficient and effective Quality Management System based upon the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2008. Our staff are appropriately trained in order to effectively implement the Quality Management System. The achievement of quality and continuous improvement is fundamental to all the steel products and services provided by us and are practiced by all employees as an integral part of their work.

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