Comparing Sketching Pencils: Which Grades for Which Effect?

Not every pencil is the same when it comes to drawing. Any artist is aware that the quality of your pencil can utterly affect the success of your drawing project with either crisp and sharp edges or rich and dramatic shadows. The secret of realizing your full potential as an artist is to understand the variations in grades of pencils.

We are going to compare sketching pencil grades in this guide and also show you which grade is best used to get various effects. We will also suggest Drawlish Sketching Pencils, which are of high quality sets and which can provide you the flexibility and control you require on any project.

Understanding Pencil Grades

Pencils are graded based on their hardness and blackness:

• H (Hard): Produces lighter, fine, and precise lines. Great for technical drawing and initial outlines.
  

• B (Black): Softer graphite that creates darker, richer, and smoother strokes. Perfect for shading and expressive work.
  

• HB: The middle ground balanced for both writing and sketching.

The higher the number before H or B, the harder or softer the pencil is. For example, 4H is harder and lighter than 2H, while 8B is softer and darker than 2B.

Which Grades Work Best for Which Effects?

Hard Grades (H–6H)

• Best for: Technical sketches, architectural drawings, and light outlines.
  

• Effect: Clean, precise lines that erase easily and don’t smudge much.
  

• Example: Use 2H–4H when planning proportions or doing fine detailing.
  

Medium Grades (HB–2B)

• Best for: Everyday sketching, balanced line work, and early shading.
  

• Effect: A mix of sharpness and smooth shading.
  

• Example: HB is perfect for starting your sketch, while 2B begins adding depth.
  

Soft Grades (3B–6B)

• Best for: Shading, blending, and adding texture.
  

• Effect: Dark, smooth lines that are easy to blend but may smudge.
  

• Example: 4B–6B bring life to portraits and landscapes with bold tones.
  

Very Soft Grades (8B–12B)

• Best for: Deep shadows, dramatic contrast, and expressive strokes.
  

• Effect: Rich, velvety blackness ideal for artistic impact.
  

• Example: 10B–12B create stunning dark areas in figure drawing or high-contrast sketches.

Recommended Sketching Pencils

At Drawlish.com, we offer professional-quality pencil sets to cover every grade you need:

Drawlish Sketching Pencils Set of 8 (B, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B, HB, 2H, 4H) 

A versatile collection for beginners and professionals who want a full range of light to dark tones. Perfect for sketching, shading, and detailed line work.

Drawlish Sketching Pencils Set of 8 (2B, 12B, 10B, 5B, 3B, HB, H, 6H)

A unique set that combines extreme soft and hard grades for maximum creative freedom. From razor-sharp detailing to deep dramatic shading, this set gives you it all.

Both sets are designed to deliver smooth graphite flow, easy blending, and consistent results for artists of all levels.