Generally, a #2 pencil is about the equivalent of an HB pencil. According to this system, pencils are graded on a continuum for “H” (hardness) and “B” (blackness), with a number to say how hard or how black it is. The more H’s you have, the harder the lead and the lighter the lines.

The number on the side of the pencil is not a popularity number. It relates to the “hardness” or “softness of the graphite material that marks the paper. The higher the number, the harder and lighter the marks left by the pencil. A number 2 pencil is softer and usually blacker than a number 3 or 4.

While the first Apple Pencil was round and prone to rolling off of flat surfaces, the new Apple Pencil has a flat side for connecting to the iPad, and that flat bit also prevents it from rolling as much. In addition to these design and function changes, the Apple Pencil 2 introduces support for gestures.

Higher numbers indicate a harder lead, which gives you a finer point and crisper lines. Lower numbers indicate a softer lead, which is good for shading. #2 is the Goldilocks of pencils: not too hard, not too soft, and good for pretty much all of your pencil needs.

In the term ‘HB’, H stands for ‘hard’ which is designated for hard leads, and B stands for ‘black’ which is designated for softer leads. It is a universal term printed on all pencils….

The hardness grades B, HB and F are the most relaxed. The soft B pencils are ideal for children who are just learning to write. Hard pencils are good for technical drawing. They are excellent with hardness grades H, 2H to 6H.