Abstract: A method for determining an elastic ratio of indentation work of an indentation of a material surface to a sampling depth is described. The method may include: placing an indenter probe on the material surface; indenting the material surface to a maximum depth greater than the sampling depth by increasing a vertical force on the probe, while recording the force as a first function of depth; retracting the probe from the material surface by decreasing the force, while recording the force as a second function of depth; and calculating the elastic ratio of indentation work for the sampling depth from the recorded functions.