Hardness Conversion Charts Canada | HRC to HB, HV, Leeb
Instantly convert between Rockwell C (HRC), Brinell (HB), Vickers (HV), and Leeb (HLD) using these ASTM E140-aligned reference tables. Trusted by machinists, QA inspectors, and metallurgists across Canada, these charts speed up decision-making and eliminate guesswork.
Includes corrections for Leeb Type D impact devices, curved surfaces, and minimum thickness guidelines — plus a free downloadable reference PDF.
Looking for a certified hardness tester?
Browse Testers
Or use our free online conversion calculator.
Rockwell C (HRC) to Brinell (HB), Vickers (HV), Leeb (HLD)
| HRC | Brinell (HB) | Vickers (HV) | Leeb (HLD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 238 | 226 | 360 |
| 30 | 302 | 286 | 511 |
| 40 | 377 | 419 | 612 |
| 50 | 477 | 513 | 730 |
| 60 | 566 | 639 | 833 |
| 65 | 737 | 760 | 891 |
Leeb D Impact Device to Rockwell C (HRC), Vickers (HV), Brinell (HB)
| Leeb (HLD) | Rockwell C (HRC) | Vickers (HV) | Brinell (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 510 | 20 | 234 | 229 |
| 600 | 30 | 299 | 291 |
| 700 | 40 | 460 | 442 |
| 800 | 50 | 688 | 654 |
| 828 | 62 | 762 | 727 |
Minimum Thickness Requirements by Hardness Scale (ASTM-Based)
To avoid distortion and ensure reliable results, each hardness test method requires a minimum material thickness. The table below follows ASTM standards for Rockwell and Superficial scales.
| Min Thickness (in) | Rockwell C | Rockwell A | Rockwell B | 15N | 30N | 45N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.012 | – | – | – | 88 | 82 | 77 |
| 0.016 | – | 86 | – | 74 | 72 | 71 |
| 0.020 | – | 82 | – | 68 | 64 | 62 |
| 0.028 | 71 | 62 | 67 | 51 | 45 | 43 |
| 0.040 | 20 | – | – | – | – | – |
Hardness Correction Factors for Round and Curved Surfaces
When testing cylindrical or curved parts, hardness values are affected by geometry. Apply the following correction factors to Rockwell readings to improve accuracy on round surfaces.
Note: These values are added to raw test readings (HRC, HRA, or HRD).
| Hardness | ½” Ø | ⅜” Ø | ¼” Ø | ⅛” Ø |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 6.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| 40 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
| 60 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 |
| 80 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0 |
Hardness Scale Indenters & Load Reference Chart
Each hardness scale uses a specific combination of indenter type and total force (kgf) applied to the material. This chart summarizes common test configurations and use cases in portable and bench-top testing environments.
| Scale | Indenter Type | Total Load (kgf) | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwell C (HRC) | Diamond Cone | 150 | Hardened steel, alloys, tool steels |
| Rockwell B (HRB) | 1/16” Carbide Ball | 100 | Mild steel, aluminum, brass |
| Rockwell A (HRA) | Diamond Cone | 60 | Thin steel, carbide coatings |
| Superficial 30N | Diamond Cone | 30 | Thin or coated materials |