HV to HRC Converter

Convert Vickers Hardness to Rockwell C Hardness for Steel Materials

Vickers Hardness (HV)

Material Type

Rockwell C Hardness (HRC)

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Quick Conversion Reference

200 HV

≈ 10 HRC

300 HV

≈ 30 HRC

400 HV

≈ 41 HRC

500 HV

≈ 49 HRC

600 HV

≈ 55 HRC

700 HV

≈ 60 HRC

800 HV

≈ 64 HRC

900 HV

≈ 67 HRC

Comprehensive HV to HRC Conversion Table

This table provides accurate hardness conversions for non-austenitic steels based on ASTM E140 standard. Values are approximate due to material variations.

Vickers (HV)	Rockwell C (HRC)	Brinell (HB)	Tensile Strength (MPa)

Conversion Method

Converting Vickers hardness (HV) to Rockwell C hardness (HRC) follows standardized correlation tables established by ASTM E140. The conversion process:

Step-by-Step Conversion:

Measure or obtain the Vickers hardness value (HV) using a diamond pyramid indenter with specific load
Identify the material type (non-austenitic steel, hardened steel, or stainless steel)
Reference the appropriate conversion table based on ASTM E140 standards
Locate the HV value in the table and find the corresponding HRC value
For values between table entries, linear interpolation provides accurate results

Example Conversion:

For a steel component with HV = 450:

From the reference table: HV 450 corresponds to approximately HRC 45
This indicates a hardened steel suitable for medium-stress applications
The approximate tensile strength would be around 1,470 MPa

Hardness Scale Comparison

Vickers (HV)

Load: Variable

Indenter: Diamond Pyramid

Range: 10-3000 HV

Application: Universal scale for all materials

Rockwell C (HRC)

Load: 150 kg

Indenter: Diamond Cone

Range: 20-70 HRC

Application: Hardened steels and hard alloys

Brinell (HB)

Load: 3000 kg

Indenter: 10mm Ball

Range: 50-750 HB

Application: Soft to medium hard materials

Rockwell B (HRB)

Load: 100 kg

Indenter: 1/16″ Ball

Range: 25-100 HRB

Application: Soft steels and non-ferrous metals

Common Conversion Scenarios

Automotive Industry

Crankshafts and camshafts typically require HV 600-750 (HRC 55-62) for wear resistance and durability under high stress conditions.

Cutting Applications

Cutting blades and machine knives need HV 800-900 (HRC 64-67) to maintain sharp edges and resist deformation during operation.

Structural Components

Structural steel parts usually fall in HV 300-450 (HRC 30-45) range, providing adequate strength while maintaining machinability.

Spring Manufacturing

Spring steel requires HV 500-650 (HRC 49-57) to achieve optimal elastic properties and fatigue resistance for repeated loading cycles.

Additional Hardness Conversions

Beyond HV to HRC conversion, you can also convert Vickers hardness to:

Brinell Hardness (HB): Commonly used for softer materials and large test areas
Rockwell B (HRB): Suitable for annealed steels and non-ferrous alloys
Shore Hardness: Used for polymers and elastomeric materials
Knoop Hardness (HK): Ideal for brittle materials and thin coatings
Tensile Strength (MPa): Approximate correlation for design calculations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HV and HRC?

HV (Vickers) uses a diamond pyramid indenter with variable loads and measures indentation size, while HRC (Rockwell C) uses a diamond cone with 150 kg load and measures indentation depth. Vickers provides more versatility across material types, whereas Rockwell C is specifically optimized for hardened steels.

Is the conversion between HV and HRC exact?

No, conversions are approximate. Different hardness scales measure different material properties, and the relationship varies based on material composition, heat treatment, and microstructure. ASTM E140 provides standardized conversion tables with typical variations of ±2-3 units.

When should I use Vickers instead of Rockwell C?

Use Vickers hardness for thin materials, small parts, case-hardened surfaces, precise measurements, or when testing materials outside the Rockwell C range. Rockwell C is faster and more practical for production testing of bulk hardened steel components.

What HRC value corresponds to HV 500?

HV 500 converts to approximately HRC 49-50 for non-austenitic steels. This hardness level is typical for medium-hardened steel components requiring good wear resistance while maintaining some ductility.

Can I convert HV to HRC for stainless steel?

Yes, but with caution. Conversion accuracy varies depending on the stainless steel grade. Austenitic stainless steels may not follow standard conversion tables due to work hardening effects. Martensitic and precipitation-hardening stainless steels generally follow standard conversions more closely.

What is the maximum HRC value that can be measured?

The practical Rockwell C scale ranges from approximately 20 to 70 HRC. Values above HRC 68 become increasingly difficult to measure accurately and may damage the diamond indenter. For extremely hard materials above this range, Vickers hardness testing is recommended.

Why do conversion tables differ between sources?

Variations exist because conversions depend on material composition, testing conditions, and the specific standards used (ASTM, ISO, DIN). ASTM E140 is the most widely accepted standard for steel conversions in North America, while ISO 18265 is common internationally.

References

ASTM International. (2012). ASTM E140-12b: Standard Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship Among Brinell Hardness, Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Scleroscope Hardness, and Leeb Hardness. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.
ISO 18265:2013. Metallic materials – Conversion of hardness values. Geneva: International Organization for Standardization.
Tabor, D. (2000). The Hardness of Metals. Oxford Classic Texts in the Physical Sciences. Oxford University Press.
ASM International. (1991). ASM Handbook Volume 8: Mechanical Testing and Evaluation. Materials Park, OH: ASM International.