Make value scales
Make a five-step value scale by shading rectangles with pencils. Compare and label tones from lightest to darkest while practicing control and observation.
Step-by-step guide to make a five-step pencil value scale
Step 1
Place your paper flat on a table in a landscape position.
Step 2
Use the ruler to draw five equal rectangles side by side across the paper.
Step 3
Write the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 under each rectangle from left to right.
Step 4
Write the word Lightest under box 1 and Darkest under box 5.
Step 5
Shade box 1 with very light pencil strokes so it looks faint.
Step 6
Shade box 2 slightly darker than box 1 by adding a bit more pressure or another light layer.
Step 7
Shade box 3 slightly darker than box 2 by adding more layers or using a softer pencil.
Step 8
Shade box 4 slightly darker than box 3 to continue the gradual darkening.
Step 9
Shade box 5 as the darkest value using firm pressure or the softest pencil you have.
Step 10
Hold the paper at arm’s length and look to see if the five boxes change smoothly from light to dark.
Step 11
Make small shading adjustments to any boxes that need to be lighter or darker to improve the steps.
Step 12
Share your finished value scale on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
I don’t have a ruler or soft pencils — what can I use instead?
If you don’t have a ruler or soft pencils, fold the paper into five equal rectangles or use a book edge as a straightedge to draw the boxes and create darker values for box 5 by layering an ordinary pencil, using charcoal or crayon, or smudging with a tissue.
My values don’t look like smooth steps — how do I fix that?
If the five boxes don’t change smoothly when you hold the paper at arm’s length, make small shading adjustments by lightening box 1 with an eraser, darkening box 5 with firmer pressure or a softer mark-making tool, and add circular layers to the middle boxes to blend transitions.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages or skill levels?
For younger children, pre-draw the rectangles and reduce to three boxes using crayons for simple Lightest–Darkest practice, while older kids can expand to ten rectangles, label pencil grades (e.g., 2H–6B) under each box, and practice subtler pressure changes as in the original steps.
What are some ways to extend or personalize the value scale project?
To extend the activity, use your five-box scale as a reference to shade a sphere or egg drawing, add color scales with colored pencils, write pencil grades under each box, mount the paper on cardstock, photograph it, and then share your finished value scale on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to make a five-step pencil value scale
How to create a value and gradation scale using a pencil (5th grade)
4 Videos
How to create a value and gradation scale using a pencil (5th grade)
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Facts about pencil shading and tonal values
✏️ Graphite pencils use a hardness scale from H (hard) to B (soft); HB sits in the middle and is great for practice shading.
⚪ Even with only pencil and paper, strong value contrasts can make objects appear to pop off the page.
🖤 'Chiaroscuro' is an art term from Italian meaning 'light–dark' and artists use value to make flat drawings look 3D.
🎨 A standard five-step value scale is white, three midtones, and black — a simple way to train your eye for tone.
👀 Our eyes are very sensitive to value changes — tiny shifts in tone can completely change how we perceive form.
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