What type of pencil has the hardest lead?

The 10H pencil features the hardest lead type available among standard drawing and writing pencils. In the grading system for pencils, the "H" designation indicates a hard lead, with higher numbers representing an even greater degree of hardness. A 10H pencil is used for fine, precise lines and has a very light mark on the paper, making it suitable for detailed technical drawing or fine artistry where precision is critical.

In contrast, the other options are softer pencils. The 2B pencil, for instance, has a medium-soft lead and is often used for shading and creating darker marks. An HB pencil is considered a standard pencil with a balance between hardness and softness, making it versatile for general writing. The 6B pencil has a soft lead that produces dark, rich marks, ideally suited for more expressive, bold artwork or shading. These characteristics illustrate why the 10H pencil, with its extreme hardness, stands out in this context.