What is the difference?

Question:

What is the difference?

I picked up some drawing pencils for a friend today. There are 4 different types and I am curious as to what the difference is? One is 2H, the 2nd is HB, the 3rd is B and the 4th is 2B.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I am an art major in college right now, so I can help you with this. HB is like the middle pencil. It's not too hard and not to soft. It's a very general pencil. the H's like 2H have a harder lead and make a lighter and skinnier mark. B's have a soft lead. The make a darker, blacker mark. Also the marks are thicker with the B pencil's. They help make different tones for drawing. They are especially good if one pencil doesn't make a dark enough or light enough mark for ur drawing.