In the context of pencil grading, "f" stands for "firm". According to the provided reference, the hardness or softness of a pencil is indicated by letters printed on it.
Pencil Grading System
The system used to denote a pencil’s hardness involves the use of letters such as H, B, and F. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- H stands for "hard" pencils. The higher the number preceding the "H" (e.g., 2H, 4H), the harder the lead and the lighter the mark it produces.
- HB stands for "hard black", which represents a medium-hard pencil. It's a good balance between hardness and darkness.
- F stands for "firm". This lead is between the hardness of H and HB.
- B stands for "black" Pencils in the B range are softer. The higher the number in the B range (e.g., 2B, 4B, 6B), the softer and darker the lead is.
Table of Pencil Grades
| Grade | Meaning | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 9H-H | Hard | Light marks, good for technical drawing |
| HB | Medium-Hard | General-purpose use, balanced |
| F | Firm | Between H and HB hardness |
| B-9B | Soft-Very Soft | Dark marks, good for sketching and shading |
Practical Use
- F pencils are a good middle-ground for writing and drawing, providing a darker mark than H pencils while still being relatively durable.
The letter "F" on a pencil indicates that the lead is firm, meaning it is of moderate hardness and sits between "hard" and "medium hard" pencils.
