Vickers Hardness Number Calculator
Calculate Vickers hardness (HV) from applied force and indentation diagonal length with step-by-step formulas.
Vickers Hardness Testing
The Vickers hardness test presses a diamond pyramid indenter into a material surface and measures the diagonal length of the resulting square indentation. Harder materials produce smaller indentations for the same applied force.
Formula
$$HV = \frac{1.854 \times F}{d^2}$$\(F\) is the applied force in newtons and \(d\) is the average diagonal length of the indentation in millimeters. The constant 1.854 accounts for the pyramid geometry and converts the test geometry into a hardness number.
Interpreting Results
Higher HV values indicate harder materials. Soft aluminum alloys may read around 30 to 80 HV, while hardened tool steels can exceed 700 HV. Compare results only when force and test conditions match the relevant standard.
Related tools: Hardness Conversion Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What force should I use for the test?
Common test loads are 1 kgf (9.807 N), 10 kgf (98.07 N), and 30 kgf (294.2 N). Choose a load appropriate for the material thickness and hardness scale.
How do I measure the diagonal?
Measure both diagonals of the square impression and average them. Use a calibrated microscope or automatic hardness tester for accurate readings.
Why is the constant 1.854?
It combines the surface area of the Vickers pyramid impression with unit conversions so that HV is dimensionless but numerically useful for comparing materials.
Can I convert HV to other hardness scales?
Approximate conversions exist between HV, HRC, HRB, and HB, but they are material-dependent. Use a dedicated conversion table for critical applications.
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