Hardness Comparison Table
Need to compare material hardness scales? Check out our handy Hardness Conversion Table comparing Shore 00, A and D with Rockwell R.
Hardness testing is based on the penetration of a specific type of indenter when forced into the material under specified conditions. The hardness is inversely related to the penetration and is dependent on the elastic modulus and viscoelastic characteristics of the material.
The geometry of the indenter and the applied force influence the measurements and therefore no simple relationships exist between the various hardness measurements. Because of this it should be noted that this hardness comparison table is for general comparison only as results can, and do, vary between different types of elastomers and thermoplastics.
Shore A hardness is commonly used on rubbers, elastomers & soft thermoplastics.
Shore D hardness is commonly used on harder rubbers, elastomers & thermoplastics.
Shore OO is commonly used on very soft, almost gel-like elastomers & foams.
Rockwell R is commonly used on harder thermoplastics & thermoset polymers.
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