Short answer
H means hard (lighter), B means soft and black (darker), HB is the middle. For landscapes, use 2H or HB for layout and distant tone, 2B for the middle ground and 4B to 6B for foreground darks and shadows. Three or four grades are enough.
The grade scale
The scale usually runs from 9H, the hardest and lightest, to 9B, the softest and darkest, with HB in the middle and F between HB and H (Eckersley’s). Derwent’s Graphic range, for example, covers 20 degrees from 9H to 9B, and Derwent uses a thicker lead in its softer grades (Derwent Graphic listing). Grades are not identical across brands: one maker’s 2B can be darker than another’s.
Which grade for which part
Pencil grades for landscape drawing
| Grade | Use in a landscape |
|---|---|
| 2H, H | Construction lines, horizon, perspective guides; erase cleanly |
| HB | Layout, distant mountains, smooth sky tone |
| 2B | Middle ground, tree masses, most hatching |
| 4B | Shadow sides, near trees, dark water |
| 6B, 8B | Darkest darks, cast shadows, foreground accents |
Pencil types
-
01Most useful
Graphite pencil set, 6 to 12 grades
Best for: trying grades and covering the full range
- Range
- about 2H to 8B
- Form
- wood cased
- Find which grades you actually use
- Buy single replacements later
-
02Landscape focus
Soft grade set, HB to 8B
Best for: shading heavy work
- Range
- HB to 8B
- Count
- about 6
- Skips hard grades you rarely need
- Rich darks for foliage and rock
-
03Detail
Mechanical pencil, 0.5 mm
Best for: branches, grass, fine texture
- Lead
- 0.5 mm, HB or 2B
- Always sharp
- Slow for large areas
-
04Big tone
Woodless graphite
Best for: covering skies and fields fast
- Form
- solid graphite, lacquer coated
- Use the side for broad tone
- Breaks if dropped
Sharpening
- Long point for shading: a craft knife exposes more lead, so you can shade with the side.
- Fine point for detail: a hand sharpener, then a few strokes on sandpaper.
- Soft grades break easily. Sharpen gently, with a sharp blade.
How to turn grades into tone: value and shading techniques.
Questions people ask
What do the letters on drawing pencils mean?
H stands for hardness and B for blackness. Higher H numbers are harder and lighter, higher B numbers are softer and darker. HB sits in the middle, and F sits between HB and H.
What pencil grade is best for shading?
Soft grades, 2B to 6B, for most shading because they lay down tone easily. Use harder grades for light, smooth areas like distant hills, where a soft pencil would go too dark.
Are expensive drawing pencils worth it?
Artist grade pencils are generally more consistent from one pencil to the next and from one grade to the next. That consistency matters more than brand. Start with a few single grades or a small set and add what you miss.
Can I use a mechanical pencil for landscapes?
Yes, for fine lines and detail. A 0.5 mm lead in HB or 2B is useful for branches and textures, but a wood pencil covers large areas faster.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Product lines and listings change; check the details before you buy.