Estimate Rockwell hardness from Vickers measurements fast. Switch between C or B scales for reports. Download tables as CSV or PDF for sharing instantly.
For non-austenitic steels, this tool uses polynomial conversion equations.
Examples below are approximate and mainly for steel comparisons.
| Vickers (HV) | Approx. HRB | Approx. HRC |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | 80 | -2 |
| 200 | 93 | 12 |
| 240 | 100 | 21 |
| 542 | 108 | 52 |
| 800 | 86 | 64 |
Vickers hardness (HV) uses a diamond pyramid indenter and reports a number tied to the indentation area. Rockwell hardness reports depth under specific loads and indenters. Because the two tests use different methods, conversion is an estimate used for comparison, not a replacement for direct testing.
Many drawings, specifications, and quality plans are written in Rockwell B (HRB) or Rockwell C (HRC). Labs often measure HV because it works well on thin sections, small parts, and case-hardened layers. Converting helps you communicate results to customers, suppliers, and shop-floor teams.
This calculator flags values outside the ranges typically used to develop the conversion curves. For HRB, a practical HV window is about 107–240 HV. For HRC, a common HV window is about 254–940 HV. Outside these ranges, results may be less reliable and should be interpreted carefully.
HRB is generally used for softer steels, copper alloys, and aluminum alloys, where indentation depths remain measurable and repeatable. HRC is used for harder steels, tool steels, and heat-treated parts. If your part is very hard, HRB may not apply, and HRC is usually the better scale.
Auto mode selects the scale that matches the HV range and still displays warnings when a value is outside the recommended window. If your HV sits near a boundary, consider checking both scales for context. When a warning appears, treat the conversion as a rough indicator and confirm by testing on the target scale.
Use Single value for quick checks during inspection or quoting. Use Paste a list for batch conversions, such as incoming material certificates or production lots. You can paste values separated by commas, spaces, or new lines. The output table preserves each entry, making it easier to review trends and outliers.
Rockwell numbers are commonly reported as whole values, especially on shop documents. If you need more precision for internal analysis, choose one or two decimals. For consistency, keep the same rounding method across a report, and avoid comparing rounded values from different rounding settings.
After converting, download the table as CSV for spreadsheets or database import. Use the PDF export to attach a clean conversion table to inspection packets, supplier communications, or audit evidence. Printing is also available for quick sign-off. Always note that conversions are approximate and material-dependent.
No. They are approximate relationships developed from reference data. Alloy composition, heat treatment, surface condition, and testing practice can shift results. Use conversion for comparison, and test directly on the required scale when possible.
Choose HRB for softer materials and lower hardness ranges, and choose HRC for harder steels and heat-treated parts. If you are unsure, Auto mode selects by HV range and flags values that fall outside recommended windows.
The calculator checks if your HV value is within the practical range used for the conversion curve. When you are outside the range, the estimated Rockwell value may be less reliable. Consider retesting on the target scale.
The equations are most commonly used for non-austenitic steels. Other materials can behave differently under indenters, so the estimate may be off. For critical work, use a conversion table or method specified for your material family.
Auto prefers HRB when HV falls in the typical HRB window and prefers HRC when HV falls in the typical HRC window. If your HV is outside both, it computes both values and flags them for caution.
Paste numbers separated by commas, spaces, semicolons, or new lines. Non-numeric items are ignored. This is useful for converting certificate data or multiple test points from a single part.
Whole-number rounding is common for reports and drawings. Use one or two decimals for internal analysis or trend tracking. Keep rounding consistent within a document to avoid confusion when comparing multiple batches.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.