Many ANSI/BHMA standards set forth different product grades for a particular hardware item. These product grades (grade 1, 2, or 3 -- with grade 1 being the highest) are defined by progressive levels of performance benchmarks in each applicable ANSI/BHMA standard. The grade of any particular architectural hardware item also can be ascertained by looking at its BHMA product number. This standardized BHMA numbering system also delineates other important classification information, such as the predominant material used, product category, and function of a specific hardware item.