Vickers to Rockwell Hardness Calculator
Convert Vickers hardness (HV) to Rockwell C, B, A, D, F, and Superficial Rockwell scales instantly with our free online hardness conversion calculator. Built on the ASTM E140-12b reference tables, this tool delivers accurate conversions across 12 hardness scales used in materials testing, quality control, and metallurgical analysis.
How to use this Vickers to Rockwell calculator
- Select your input scale from the dropdown (Vickers HV, Rockwell C/B/A/D/F, or Superficial)
- Enter the hardness value in the orange input field
- Instantly see equivalent values across all 12 hardness scales
- Expand the Full ASTM E140 reference chart to verify or browse adjacent values
- Use quick presets for common materials (mild steel, tool steel, HSS)
Learn more about this calculator
Hardness scales supported (12 scales)
- Vickers (HV) — Diamond pyramid indenter, 100–940 range
- Rockwell C (HRC) — 150 kgf, diamond cone, for hardened steels (20–68 HRC)
- Rockwell B (HRB) — 100 kgf, 1.588 mm ball, for soft-medium steels (55–100 HRB)
- Rockwell A (HRA) — 60 kgf, diamond cone, thin hard materials
- Rockwell D (HRD) — 100 kgf, diamond cone
- Rockwell F (HRF) — 60 kgf, ball indenter, soft non-ferrous
- Superficial Rockwell N (HR15N, HR30N, HR45N) — Diamond cone, low loads for thin sections
- Superficial Rockwell T (HR15T, HR30T, HR45T) — Ball indenter, low loads
About ASTM E140-12b standard
ASTM E140 is the internationally recognized standard for converting between hardness scales of metallic materials. The standard provides empirically-derived reference tables for non-austenitic steels — including carbon, alloy, tool, and hardened steels.
The latest revision ASTM E140-12b covers conversions between Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell (B, C, A, D, F, G, E, K), Knoop, and Scleroscope hardness on test specimens from steel.
When should I use hardness conversion?
Hardness conversion is essential when:
- Specifications cite a different scale than your equipment supports
- Comparing results from Vickers microhardness testers vs Rockwell bench testers
- Translating supplier datasheets to your standard reporting scale
- Cross-checking measurements during quality control audits
- Estimating hardness where your usual scale is impractical (e.g., thin coatings)
Limitations & accuracy
- Approximate values: Hardness conversions are inherently approximate empirical relationships. Treat results as engineering guidance, not substitute measurements.
- Material applicability: ASTM E140 tables apply primarily to non-austenitic steels. For stainless steel, nickel alloys, copper, brass, or aluminium, use material-specific tables.
- Out-of-range values: Values outside the table range cannot be reliably converted and will show as N/A.
- Direct measurement preferred: When precision matters, always measure on the required scale directly.
