On a pencil, the "B" indicates the lead's blackness.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Pencil leads are graded on a scale that typically includes "H" for hardness, "B" for blackness, and "HB" for a middle ground. The scale represents the amount of graphite and clay used in the lead:
-
B Scale: Pencils marked with "B" have softer leads and produce darker, bolder lines. The higher the number before the "B" (e.g., 2B, 4B, 6B), the softer and darker the lead. These are often favored by artists for shading and sketching.
-
H Scale: Pencils marked with "H" have harder leads and produce lighter, finer lines. The higher the number before the "H" (e.g., 2H, 4H, 6H), the harder and lighter the lead. These are suitable for technical drawings and detailed work.
-
HB: An HB pencil is a good all-around pencil for writing and general use, offering a balance between hardness and blackness.
In essence, the "B" on a pencil is a measure of how dark the pencil will write or draw, with higher numbers indicating a softer lead and a darker mark.
