How do I convert HRC to HV (Vickers)?

To convert Rockwell C (HRC) to Vickers (HV), use the ASTM E140 conversion table. As a rough guide: HRC 60 ≈ HV 746, HRC 50 ≈ HV 513, HRC 40 ≈ HV 392, HRC 30 ≈ HV 302. Exact values depend on the steel alloy and heat treatment condition.

What is the relationship between Brinell (HB) and Rockwell C (HRC)?

Brinell and Rockwell C scales overlap between approximately HRC 20 and HRC 65. Common conversions: HRC 60 ≈ HB 627, HRC 50 ≈ HB 481, HRC 40 ≈ HB 371. For hardnesses above HRC 65, Brinell is not used due to ball indenter limitations.

Can I convert hardness to tensile strength?

Yes — for carbon and alloy steels, tensile strength (UTS) can be estimated from hardness. A common approximation is: UTS (MPa) ≈ HV × 3.3. For example, HV 300 ≈ 990 MPa UTS. This estimate is less accurate for stainless steels, aluminium alloys, and case-hardened surfaces.

Which hardness scale is best for heat treatment quality control?

Vickers (HV) is the most versatile scale for heat treatment — it works from very soft to very hard materials, has a small indentation suitable for thin case depths, and is specified by AMS 2759 and many aerospace standards. Rockwell C (HRC) is preferred for routine production testing of hardened steel parts due to its speed.

Hardness Conversion Calculator — HRC, HV, HB, HRB, Shore D

Hardness Conversion Table — Steel (ASTM E140)

HRC	HV (Vickers)	HB (Brinell)	HRB	UTS (MPa)
68	940	—	—	—
65	832	746	—	2260
60	746	627	—	2170
55	595	534	—	1930
50	513	481	—	1740
45	446	425	—	1480
40	392	371	—	1280
35	345	336	—	1110
30	302	293	—	985
20	248	219	98.0	765
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Scales Supported

Rockwell C (HRC) — hardened steel and alloys
Rockwell B (HRB) — softer steels, copper, aluminium
Vickers (HV) — universal scale, small parts, case depths
Brinell (HB) — castings, forgings, large parts
Shore D — rubber and soft plastics
Tensile strength (MPa/ksi) from hardness

Material Families

Material	Standard	Max HRC
Carbon/alloy steel	ASTM E140	68
Stainless steel	ASTM E140	58
Cast iron	ASTM E140	—
Aluminium alloys	ASTM E140	—
Copper alloys	ASTM E140	—
Nickel alloys	ASTM E140	50

Hardness Conversion in Heat Treatment Practice

Hardness testing is the primary quality control measurement in heat treatment. Engineering drawings often specify hardness in one scale (e.g. 58–62 HRC for a hardened tool steel) while your tester measures in another (HV). Accurate conversion between scales is essential for process qualification and acceptance testing.

The conversions in our calculator follow ASTM E140 (Standard Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals), the accepted standard for hardness correlation in heat treatment. Note that conversions are approximate — the relationship between scales is empirical and varies by alloy composition, heat treatment condition, and microstructure.

Free Hardness Conversion Tool

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Hardness Conversion Calculator

Scales Supported

Material Families

Hardness Conversion in Heat Treatment Practice

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