Which type of pencil would produce the lightest markings in a graphite drawing?

In a graphite drawing, the hardness of the pencil affects the darkness or lightness of the marks it produces. The H, B, and HB designations indicate a scale where 'H' pencils are harder and produce lighter marks, while 'B' pencils are softer and result in darker marks.

A 4H pencil is quite hard, meaning it will leave very light markings on paper. The hardness of the pencil means it has a finer point that does not deposit much graphite, which contributes to lighter lines. In contrast, a 2B or 6B pencil, being softer, would produce darker, bolder markings due to the increased graphite content. An HB pencil, which is midway between H and B, would provide a medium marking, also not as light as that produced by a 4H pencil.

Therefore, the choice of a 4H pencil is suitable when the goal is to achieve the lightest markings in a graphite drawing.