Sets of Cr-based hard coatings were prepared via reactive closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering (CFUBMS). Substrate temperature was kept in range of 150 to 200 ⁰C during deposition. Nanohardness (H) and effective modulus of elasticity (E * ) of the coatings were examined, using depth-sensing indentation method. In order to present the mechanical properties and predict the tribological behaviour of the prepared coatings ratios H/E* (elasticity index), H 3 /E *2 (resistance to plastic deformation) and 1/(HE *2 ) (resistance to crack formation) were calculated and analysed. The results from the combined examination of the research ratios showed that they could be used for classification of the expected wear-resistant properties of Cr-based hard coatings deposited at temperature below 200 ℃.