6B

6B is a designation within the graphite pencil hardness scale used to indicate the softness and darkness of pencil lead. In this system, the letter B stands for “blackness,” and higher numbers indicate increased softness and darker marks, while H marks denote hardness and lighter marks. A 6B pencil has a relatively soft core with a high proportion of graphite and binder, producing very dark marks with broad lines. The results are smooth and well suited to shading, but the lead wears down quickly and can smudge or smear more easily than harder grades.

In practice, 6B is commonly used for expressive drawing and shading rather than precise drafting. It excels at deep shadows and texture, allowing artists to render rich tonal variation with relatively little pressure. For technical drawing or fine line work, harder grades such as 2H or 4H may be preferred to maintain crisp lines and accuracy. The graphite in 6B smooths readily under a finger or blending tool, which can contribute to a seamless gradient but also increases the risk of smudging on light or delicate papers.

The scale of pencil grades is not universally standardized, and some brands extend the B range to 7B, 8B, or beyond, while others offer a more limited set of grades. While 6B is most closely associated with pencils, the designation can appear in other product codes in different contexts, depending on the domain.