How does S-Class heroes' power compare to threat levels?

Question

In One Punch Man, there are classes for heroes, and threat levels for monsters/villains. How does S-Class heroes' power compare to threat levels?

Answer 1

This can be answered from the information in the bonus chapter, Threat Level, in Volume 15.

The threat level and hero rank comparison shown in the chapter are:

• Wolf Level - needs 3 Class-C heroes or 1 Class-B hero
• Tiger Level - needs 5 Class-B heroes or 1 Class-A hero
• Demon Level - needs 10 Class-A heroes or 1 Class-S hero

Disaster or threat levels above demon (dragon and god) were never compared but based on the events in the manga, this might require multiple Class-S heroes, depending on the ability or capability of both the monster and the hero facing it.

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There are different threat levels decided upon by the Hero Association. The decision on the threat level depends on

factors such as strength, aggressiveness, and the estimated difficulty in defeating [the monster].

It was also noted in the same chapter that

hero ranks are an imperfect representation of combat ability due to inconsistent factors like battleground conditions and monster compatibility.

Answer 2

This class of heroes was originally created to include characters who can defeat Demon level threats on their own. That said, some of the high ranked S class heroes such as Tatsumaki are capable of fighting Dragon level Threats by themselves or with the assistance of other S class heroes. Another good example is Elder Centipede who is a Dragon Level threat and was defeated by Blast, the first ranked S class hero.