---
type: "Article"
title: "Charpy impact test VS izod impact test: which one should you choose?"
description: "Charpy VS Izod: understanding the differences in Impact Testing In industrial applications, evaluating how a material responds to sudden mechanical stress is a key aspect of performance assessment. This is particularly important for sectors such as automotive, aerospace and medical..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/charpy-vs-izod-impact-test/"
tags: ["Analytical Techniques", "Characterization of Materials", "EN"]
timestamp: "2026-02-27T08:21:28Z"
published: "2026-02-17T14:25:55Z"
language: "en"
author: "Filab"
---

# Charpy impact test VS izod impact test: which one should you choose?

## Charpy VS Izod: understanding the differences in Impact Testing

In industrial applications, evaluating how a material responds to sudden mechanical stress is a key aspect of performance assessment. This is particularly important for sectors such as [automotive](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-automobile/materials-analysis-in-the-automotive-sector-standard-iso-ts169492016.md), [aerospace](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-aeropace-testing-services.md) and [medical devices](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-medical-devices.md), where resistance to impact is a critical property. This property is known as **toughness**.

To measure this, two standardized methods dominate the laboratory landscape: the [**charpy impact test**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/charpy-impact-tests.md) and the [**izod impact test**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/izod-impact-tests-on-polymers.md). While they both measure the energy required to fracture a specimen, their methodologies and applications differ.

At **FILAB**, we believe that choosing the right test is the first step in “deciphering the DNA” of your materials.

 ![rupture de pièces](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/rupture-e1781086294560.jpg)
### What is the charpy impact test?

The Charpy test is a widely used method to determine the ductility or brittleness of a material.

- **Application**: it is highly versatile and commonly used for metals, [composites](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-expertise-composites/), and [plastics](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/plastics-processing-polymers.md). It effectively simulates conditions where a component is supported at multiple points and subjected to a central impact.

### What is the izod impact test?

The Izod test operates on a slightly different mechanical principle.

- **Application:** this method is traditionally favored in the [plastics](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/plastics-processing-polymers.md) and [polymer](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/plastics-processing-polymers.md) industry. It is particularly useful for testing materials that will face cantilever-style stress in their final application.

 

## Charpy VS Izod: the key differences

While both tests utilize a pendulum to measure absorbed energy, the distinction lies in the geometry of the test:

| **Feature** | **Charpy impact test** | **Izod impact test** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Specimen Position** | Horizontal (Simple Beam) | Vertical (Cantilever) |
| **Notch Orientation** | Faces away from the striker | Faces towards the striker |
| **Strike Point** | Center of the specimen | Upper tip of the specimen |
| **Common Standards** | ISO 179, ASTM E23 | ISO 180, ASTM D256 |

### Which test should you choose?

The choice often depends on your specific industry standards and the material’s intended use.

- **Choose Charpy** if you are testing metals or if your product specifications require **ISO 179** compliance (common in European plastics markets).
- **Choose Izod** if you are characterizing polymers for markets where **ASTM D256** or **ISO 180** is the norm (often preferred in North American plastics industries).

## Beyond the test: FILAB’s Expertise

At **FILAB**, we go beyond simple mechanical testing. We combine impact tests with advanced characterization to provide a complete diagnosis:

[Morphological Analysis (SEM)](https://filab.fr/en/laboratory-analysis-powder-morphology.md): we observe the fracture surface to identify brittle or ductile failure modes

[Thermal Analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-analysis-thermal-thermogravimetric/)[(DSC)](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-analysis-thermal-thermogravimetric/): we check if the crystallinity or curing process has impacted the mechanical properties

[Chemical Analysis:](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory.md) we verify if the polymer composition or additives have affected the material’s toughness

### Conclusion

Both Charpy and Izod tests are essential tools for ensuring the safety and reliability of your products. The “best” test is simply the one that aligns with your regulatory requirements and real-world application.

[Contact us](https://filab.fr/en/contact-form.md)

We are available to answer your questions

 [MEET THE TEAM](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/the-team.md)