Abstract Low‐rate and high‐strain rate Knoop hardness (HK) was determined on Si 3 N 4 , Al 2 O 3 , B 4 C, and TiB 2 ceramics. Quasi‐static hardness was determined between 0.98 to 98 N using a microhardness test unit, while the high‐strain rate hardness was evaluated between approximately 5 and 45 N using a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar unit. The hardness data were analyzed and compared using a plot of HK as a function of load, a load‐independent HK (LIHK), and a “true” HK using a proportional specimen resistance (PSR HK). The Si 3 N 4 hardness/load curves showed the hardness increased with increasing strain rate, while the other three ceramics showed very little change. On the other hand, the LIHK hardness of all but the TiB 2 increased by about 10% while the PSR HK indicated that three of the four ceramics exhibited a hardness decrease. There was no appreciable difference in the damage/cracking around indents at comparable loads but different strain rates. These results will be discussed and compared to previous dynamic hardness data. There generally appears to be a minimal, if any, effect of strain rate on hardness. Attempting to make a comparison between these two indentation methods is a challenge due to the significant differences in dwell time, indenter velocity, and the loading process.