H pencils are hard and leave less graphite on the paper. Thus, they are light. However, in the H variety also, you will get many shades. The more H’s means the pencil is harder. For example, a 4H is harder and lighter than a 2H. B, on the other hand, leave more graphite on the paper. A 5B pencil is softer and darker than a 2B. If you are in search of the best light pencils, you are in the right place.