Need to translate Rockwell hardness values into Vickers units? While these two testing methods use different principles and scales, understanding how they relate is essential for comparing material properties. This page explains the key differences and provides helpful context for interpreting values when working across both systems.
Both Rockwell and Vickers hardness tests measure a material’s resistance to indentation, but they use different principles. Rockwell measures the depth of an indentation under specific loads, using either a steel ball or a diamond cone (brale), depending on the scale. Vickers measures the diagonals of the indentation left by a pyramid-shaped diamond.
Because these methods use different indenters and measurement techniques, there is no direct mathematical formula to convert Rockwell to Vickers. Instead, standardized conversion tables are used, such as those provided in ASTM E140 or ISO 18265. These tables are based on empirical data collected for specific materials and treatments.
It’s important to remember that these conversions are estimates and may vary depending on the material type, heat treatment, and testing conditions. For critical applications, the best practice is to perform both Rockwell and Vickers tests on the same material batch to ensure accurate comparison.
Rockwell hardness testing is widely used in production environments because it provides quick results without the need for optical measurements. It is ideal for metals, plastics, and composites, using different scales like HRC (Rockwell C for harder materials) or HRB (Rockwell B for softer metals).
Vickers hardness testing, on the other hand, is known for its precision and flexibility. It uses a square-based diamond pyramid indenter and is suitable for a wide range of materials, from soft metals to hard alloys. Vickers testing can be applied at both micro and macro levels, making it a good choice for detailed analysis of small parts, coatings, or thin materials.
When converting Rockwell to Vickers, it is crucial to match the correct Rockwell scale with the material type. For example, a value of 60 HRC may approximately correspond to 700 HV in certain steels, but this relationship is not universal. Factors like alloy composition, microstructure, and heat treatment influence the actual hardness value.
The flexibility of the Vickers method often makes it the preferred option for detailed hardness evaluation. However, in production environments where Rockwell testing is more common, comparing these values can still be helpful.
Whether you are converting from Rockwell to Vickers or the other way around, keep the following points in mind:
The best approach is to use conversions as guidelines, not absolute values. Direct testing remains the most accurate solution when hardness data is critical for performance, certification, or compliance.
UPI Laboratories Europe BV does not provide direct conversion services between Rockwell and Vickers hardness values, but we do offer the certified tools you need to perform these tests with confidence.
We supply and calibrate:
All our indenters and blocks are calibrated under our ISO/IEC 17025 RvA accreditation, ensuring measurement traceability and international recognition. Our products meet the requirements of both ISO and ASTM standards, and NADCAP-compliant options are available for sectors like aerospace and defense.
Whether you need tools for production quality control or advanced material research, UPI Laboratories provides the equipment and calibration services to support accurate and reliable hardness testing.
Need reliable tools for Rockwell or Vickers hardness testing? UPI Laboratories Europe BV supplies and calibrates certified indenters and reference blocks for both methods. Download our brochure to explore our product range or contact our team for expert advice.
With ISO/IEC 17025 RvA accredited calibration services and NADCAP-compliant products, we help you achieve precision, traceability and consistency in every hardness measurement.
