Artists use a variety of pencils to get different marks.
2H pencil is hard, 4H pencil is harder, etc.
2B pencil is soft, 4B is softer, etc.
So why aren’t they called H and S pencils?
The from the website Workshops in France:
« H is from HAUT. It means HIGH.
There is a high quantity of binder creating a harder lead with less graphite deposit. The larger the H number, the lighter the stroke. So, if you need the lightest of touch, use the H pencils. They also stay sharper longer.
B comes from the French word BAS. It means LOW.
The letter ‘B’ signifies a LOW quantity of binder creating a higher pigment/graphite deposit and darker stroke. Use the Bs when going for a more dynamic or expressive stroke or simply when you need a darker area. »
HB is in between. It is the same as a No.2 pencil.
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