- Climbing scale conversion. Aug 11, 2025 · Climbing is international—but the rating of routes and bouldering is anything but uniform. A common issue that many face when converting between systems such as the V Scale, Font Scale, or New Zealand grading. Key Apr 27, 2025 · Grade conversion in climbing is a major pain point, even for people who have spent years on the climbing wall. About this Sports Climbing Grades table: This is a lead climbing grade conversion chart. Sometimes, they can get messy. 13d, you’re in the right place. Apr 27, 2025 · The French scale is commonly used for sport climbing worldwide, using grades like 6a or 9a to indicate route difficulty and is often seen in international competitions. 15b 5. Convert rock climbing grades between French, YDS, British, and UIAA systems. Apr 29, 2024 · Learn everything about climbing grades and quickly convert any climbing rating with our free climbing grade conversion chart. Bouldering grades conversion This page presents bouldering grades, the bouldering grades conversion relative to eachtother and the origine of most used scales. How to Use the Sports Climbing Grades Chart: To use this table, simply find the grade you wish to convert and click on it or follow the row to see equivalent grades in the other system. The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation certifies this scale as their official grading method. 13c, depending on whether you’re using the French or the UIAA system. ” Too often, the gradations of the difficulties are Feb 9, 2024 · He introduced this grading scale by releasing the bouldering guidebook Hueco Tanks Climbing and Bouldering Guide in 1991. Feb 14, 2024 · Bouldering grades stand as a universal metric, offering climbers a standardized means to assess the difficulty of boulder problems, whether encountered outdoors in natural landscapes or within the controlled environments of climbing gyms. The 8a to V Scale Conversion Explained Converting grades from one scale to the other takes an expert knowledge of all climbing systems, multiple climbing disciplines, and grade conversion methods. Overall, the YDS and the French Scale are fairly easy to convert between, but since they are used in different regions, you are Bouldering Grades Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. Nov 3, 2023 · They signify growth, the overcoming of challenges, and the pursuit of mastery. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using this calculator, its target audience, and address some frequently asked questions. f7c+), the American YDS system (e. At the same time, the V scale is the de facto standard for bouldering grades in the United States, making it necessary to know both systems if you’re climbing internationally. Key Takeaways In the United States, V scale is the most commonly Sep 19, 2025 · French Alpine System Like the North American Commitment Grade, the French Alpine System presents a grade which factors in the route’s overall “seriousness”; everything from the length and difficulty of the approach, the crux climbing, complexity of descent, objective hazard, altitude, and commitment level (i. Discover hidden site aspects with multiple Climbing, Caving and Abseil activities. Bouldering grades conversion chart 01 Fontainebleau bouldering grades The Font system is named after France’s most famous bouldering destination, the wonderful sandstone boulders in the Fontainebleau forest. Sometimes the conditions and the state of the routes can also influence the grades. climbing rock routes with no aid), the most popular grading systems are the French numerical or sport system (e. These grades not only stand as symbols of high-level climbing achievement but also as inspiring targets for those aspiring to reach the upper echelons of the sport. Find the rock climbing destination in the world by month. Get help comparing bouldering, sport, and trad climbing grades. The following chart compares most of the available grading scales. 12b in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). This will help you compare and convert across some of the most popular grading systems. Understanding the different grading systems and how they convert can help you to gauge the difficulty of routes across different regions. e. Including Grade Wike & Table. This article breaks down what 7c means, how it compares across different scales, and how to understand where it fits in your climbing progression. The rockfax grade tables offer a flexible and accurate comparison from the main world grading systems to the unique british trad grade and uk tech grade. This chart is designed to be used with the American Alpine Journal to help decipher the difficulty ratings given to climbs. Climbing Grade Conversion is a versatile tool that is designed to assist climbers in navigating the complex grading systems used in rock climbing and bouldering. 12b/c in the YDS. Feb 19, 2021 · Climbing grade conversion between the French scale and the YDS is simple and straightforward. In the Alpine region, the UIAA and French scales are the most common ones. ), the world of bouldering (at least in North America) has its own distinctive grading scale: the V-scale. Comparison Table: Fontainebleau Grade (Font) Approximate V Scale 8b+ V14 8c V15 8c+ V16 (Note: Remember that climbing grades are sub How to get upgoats on r/climbing: google image search "climbing grade conversion" post 1st result profit??? Mar 7, 2025 · Key Takeaways Like other standard climbing grade systems, these standardized systems serve to inform climbers of route difficulty and allow climbers to choose climbs that align with their skill level. COM 6B 6B+ 7B 8B CRUX RAN Depending on the country and region, climbing routes are rated according to different difficulty scales. Western Europe uses various scales, Japan uses a 5 scale, etc. Other Font Scale to V Scale Conversions 6a+ to v scale 6b to v scale 6b+ to v scale Oct 12, 2020 · The French Scale is to the YDS what the metric system is to the American measurement system. Rocky scrambling or Climbing Grades are usually simple. See full list on guidedolomiti. The de facto Mar 25, 2024 · Learn how to convert climbing grades, common challenges, and resources for accurate conversions. Safety is […] Apr 27, 2025 · Between climbing systems, grade conversion is the product of both an objective framework and community practice. S. Convert North American climbing grades to UK and European scales, and compare bouldering V-grades to roped climbs. Differences may exist depending on route, local grading practices, and other Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to understand how a 7C+ boulder grade converts to the V scale or sport climbing grades like 5. Grade 1 and 2 from the system refers to scrambling with a little steep climb, making it appropriate for beginners. See the links below for alternatives. Bouldering is a bit different than some other forms of rock climbing and it has its own grades, the V-scale, for defining the difficulty of the climb. com Online Conversion Tool for Climbing Grades & Bouldering Grades: Trad Grade, UIAA, French Sport Grade, Boulder Grades, American Scale & many more. You will have the opportunity to try different climbing techniques on natural; Smearing slabs, lay-back flake, arete and face climbs, off-width crack through to proper chimney cracks. Nov 3, 2023 · 8a+ Boulder to V Scale: For those keen on pinpointing the exact "8a+ to V scale" conversion, 8a+ in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system corresponds closely to V12 in the V scale. The 6a+ in the Font system and V3 in the V scale both represent a middle ground. Grades can be subjective and may vary slightly between locations or setters. Wrapping Up: Grades like 8a in Font and V11 in the V scale are pivotal milestones for climbers, representing a level of skill and conditioning that few attain. Learn about the Yosemite and French grading systems and how the two compare. 12d 5. The above appears courtesy of the American Alpine Journal. Read now! Convert a climbing grade with easeTo convert grades, enter the grade into the input, select the grade system (french, yosemite, v-scale) and hit "convert" May 31, 2020 · Everything you need to know about climbing grades in one place. org. So I was wondering if anyone has or knows about any conversion charts so I can get a better understanding of where I am at and difficulties of climbs on a more universal grading system. They are for grading sport climbs and traditional climbing, but we will also cover the bouldering grades V-scale and French (Font). Climbers can use these systems to track their progress as they work toward building new skill sets. If you’re curious how the difficulty of our routes compares, this chart translates our Spot grades into the popular V-Grade scale, developed Climbing & Bouldering Scale Converter for Trad Grade, UIAA, French Sport Grade, American Scale More info on the grades of sport climbing, bouldering, ice climbing & technical climbing! Our climbing grades convertors (both classic routes and boulders) have been made by great climbers, traveling and climbing all around the world for more than 15 years. Comparatively, Most finals WC problems for men are about 2D or 3D. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. Understanding this is key to properly rating difficulty. What's the difference between bouldering grades? The Font Scale, V Scale, what else? We explain everything in our review. A route beyond your skill level can be more Aug 30, 2021 · Simply put, rock climbing grades describe the difficulty of a route. 5 5. Understanding the different grading systems & the factors that affect grades will help you make informed decisions & tackle routes that match your skill level & ambitions. International Climbing Grade Conversion Chart The following is a very rough conversion I've pieced together by averaging other sources. Confused by climbing grades and rating systems? Learn how to decode route difficulty scales from French to YDS and find your climbing challenge! Rock Climbing Scale Conversion. This bouldering grades comparison table is designed to help climbers convert from Hueco to French and back to French to V-Scale. Rock Climbing adventures, tips and tricks. Apr 27, 2025 · Key Takeaways Climbing grade systems, including the V scale and French grading scale, help categorize the difficulty of bouldering and sport climbing routes nationwide. This guide delves deep into the world of rock climbing grades, offering insights into their origins, variations, and how they compare internationally Nov 3, 2023 · Grades such as 6c+ and V5/V6 are integral markers in a boulderer's progression. The goal is to reach the top of a boulder problem or route. The difficulties are listed in increasing order of Apr 27, 2025 · Grading conversions are always nebulous with the caveat that rock type, climbing style, and personal experience can change everything. Whether UIAA, French, YDS, Fontainebleau (Fb), V-Grade, British Trad, or Scandinavian: Each grading system has its origins, logic, and scope. 13b on the YDS. The Climbing Shoe Size Calculator is here to simplify the process and ensure your climbing experience is comfortable and enjoyable. 9, 5. Bouldering grades are the assigned difficulty ratings to boulder problems. He initially didn’t include grades for the climbs until his publisher, George Meyers, pressured him to release the book with a grading system attached, so Verm created the V-Scale. americanalpineclub. Many countries of the world, though, use the American YDS (Yosemite Decimal System). Meaning that for example if you look at a crag in Australia you will most likely see sport and trad climbing grades displayed in Ewbanks and bouldering grades in V-scale. 10, etc. 13a), and latterly the UIAA scale (e. Please download the hi-res PDF versions of these tables if you wish to get these printed into posters to use at your climbing wall. Learn how bouldering V-scales compare to YDS for route climbing, understand the journey from indoor to outdoor climbing, and explore international grading systems. Dry tooling mixes ice climbing and rock climbing technique, along with a few moves that are completely unique to the sport Aug 24, 2025 · Understanding climbing grades is essential for safe & successful rock, ice & alpine climbs. The full document ‘ UIAA Scales of Difficulty in Climbing ’ analyses the main systems used to classify the difficulty of climbing on different terrains such as rock, ice, and mixed terrain, trying to offer a starting point to create a minimum of historical and critical knowledge of those that are commonly known as “Scale of Difficulty. 12b 5. The best way to approach the conversion is to travel, go climbing and get used to the different grades! Have fun! P. Rock Climbing Grade Conversion Chart French 6b 9b Yosemite 5. F: Facile /easy. Watching videos of other people climbing its hard to tell the actual difficulty. Most climbs in the AAJ are described with an alphabet soup of difficulty ratings. how easy is it to rappel the route?). We've examined the different systems Nov 3, 2023 · 7b Boulder to V Scale: For those specifically searching for the "7b to V scale" conversion, here it is: 7b in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is approximately equivalent to V8 in the V scale. Nov 3, 2023 · The 8b grade in the Fontainebleau system aligns with a V13 in the V scale, marking a milestone in the journey of expert climbers. An 8b Font boulder problem usually translates to something around a V13 on the V scale. Nov 3, 2023 · 8c Boulder to V Scale: Inquiring about the "8c to V scale" conversion? Here it is succinctly: an 8c in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system typically corresponds to V15 in the V scale. If you're a guidebook author explaining grades, this is for you. Here's a bouldering-to-climbing conversion chart. The Old SA grading was used in many of the older traditional climbing areas but is seldom used today. They serve as our tool to gauge and celebrate our climbing milestones, and they form the dialect when expressing our personal verdicts on how challenging a particular ascent or boulder conundrum feels. Side-by-side comparison of physical and technical demands between the V scale and the French scale reveal significant discrepancies. 1/5. 13a or 5. Nov 13, 2023 · This article provides an in-depth look at the Yosemite Decimal System, a widely-used grading system for rock climbing and hiking routes. But grades aren’t always straightforward. Our secret (or maybe not so secret anymore) tip for Climbing Grade Conversions Climbing grades can be confusing due to the various systems used around the world. By familiarizing themselves with grade conversions, climbers gain a broader perspective and can set clear objectives in their climbing progression. In Japan, gyms are graded harder or equal to real boulders in the surrounding areas. When we opened our first gym in 2002, we separated outdoor climbing grades and indoor climbing grades, allowing climbers to focus on the nuances of each style. If you have an account on theCrag, you can set your preferred grade system for major gear styles on your profile page, allowing you to look at any climbing area worldwide in the grade system you are most used to. Here’s a rundown of the main climbing grade systems and how they compare: Data Files Climbing Grades Rock climbing grades International Climbing Grade Comparison Chart A slight outlier from theCrag This conversion page from the theCrag has a chart similar to the images above, and an Interacive Grade Converter that resembles the software above. Other Font Scale to V Scale Conversions 6a to v scale 6a+ to v scale 6b to v scale Jun 11, 2009 · The new grade conversion table Gregory Hart has helped us out to update our grade converter. Depending on the region and discipline, there are different scales that often define difficulty levels in very unique ways. The French Scale is much more convertible between its top-rope and bouldering equivalents, while the YDS and American bouldering scale, the V scale, are not as convertible. . We plan to replace the old 8a converter with this new one. The main use of assigning route difficulty is to help other climbers judge whether it is suitable for their level. But as the popularity of rock climbing burgeons globally, understanding the intricacies of climbing grades has become more confusing. Mar 21, 2022 · Most gyms don’t grade their problems to replicate outdoor climbs. 13a 5 13b 5. Mar 7, 2025 · There are several rock climbing grade systems, each with their own history and regional use, but the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and the French scale are the two grading systems used most. Nov 3, 2023 · Climbing an 8a in the Font scale or a V11 in the V scale is a testament to the climber's dedication and skill, marking their place in the ongoing story of bouldering's evolution. Mar 17, 2012 · Indoor rock climbing gyms have two types of rock climbing available, bouldering and sport climbing. I was reading and watching a lot about the V5/V6 plateau that most intermediate… When your first start going to bouldering / climbing gyms you'll see letters, tags and numbers next to holds, but what do they all mean? In this guide I'll show you the different grades and grading systems (there are quite a few!) and how you should start each route. Here, we’ll take a look at how the conversion works and why it’s important. Jan 28, 2022 · YDS, French, V-Scale, Font What are climbing grades and how to use them to climb safely and progress more rapidly? One thing to know is Climbing Grade Conversions Climbing grades can be confusing due to the various systems used around the world. Mar 7, 2025 · The 6a+ to V-Scale Conversion Explained In the climbing community, grades are the highway signs that tell you what to expect before you even start. Other Font Scale to V Scale Conversions 6a to v scale Jan 19, 2024 · Climbing shoes are essential gear for any climbing enthusiast, but finding the right size can be a challenge. Anyways, since I had a hard time I just made one. Hey all, the gym I go to uses a C grading system (C1 - C8) I'm rather new to bouldering/climbing (currently at C3) and I can't find anyone else using a C grading system. 10c 5 5. Comparison Table: 🚀 Looking to Conquer Higher Grades in Climbing? Ready to level up? The Hangboard is your ultimate tool for success. A mistake often made is to combine the Australian & South African grades as the same, in fact they are about a grade apart and even more at the upper grades. What seems hard in one grading system may seem easy—or more difficult—in the other. For climbers, 6a+ is intermediate, but still a significant step up from the very basics. Australian 23 28 31 33 35 37 39 UIAA IX+/X- Xll+ 6b Hueco/V Font/Bleau Bouldering Grades vo- vo VI 4 CRUX RANGE. Nov 3, 2023 · 7c Boulder to V Scale: For those specifically searching for the "7c to V scale" conversion, here it is: 7c in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is approximately equivalent to V9 in the V scale. So don't worry about So, what are the mountaineering grading systems? The main mountaineering grading systems including the French Mountaineering Grades (going from F “easy” to ED “Extremely Difficult), the Yosemite Decimal System (going from Class 1 to Class 5 terrain), and the National Climbing Classification System (going from Grade I to Grade VII). Free, instant climbing grade converter to help you understand foreign grading systems. Bouldering grades are graded using different systems across different regions. These systems grade technical difficulty being the main focus of the lower-risk activity of sport climbing. This guide breaks down why that is, how the grading systems compare, and what it means for your climbing. The app is suitable for both novice and experienced climbers and offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. These grades stand as more than just notations; they represent a scale of achievement and ambition in the climbing community. Here’s a rundown of the main climbing grade systems and how they compare: Quickly convert climbing grades between different systems: French, YDS, UIAA, and more. International rock climbing classification systems are shown in the chart at the right, and below is a comparison of Alpine, Ice, Snow, Aid, and Commitment grading systems. Free, fast, and easy-to-use climbing grade converter. This is a bouldering climbing grade conversion chart. Apr 27, 2025 · It’s important for climbers to change their mindset as they develop. National Climbing Classification System (USA): NCCS grades, often called “commitment grades,” indicate the time investment in a route for an “average” climbing team. In outdoor settings, two prominent grading scales, the V Scale and Font Scale, take center stage. 4 5 10b 5. Bouldering grades and bouldering grades conversion charts for the popular V-Scale and Font-Scale bouldering grades. Here's your guide for comparing indoor to outdoor bouldering grades. 5 14b 5. I and II: Half a day or less for the technical (5th class) portion of… Read More »Climbing Grade In free climbing (i. Learn about climbing and bouldering ratings, including how route difficulty is measured and the difference between a rating and a grade. I had a hard time finding a chart online that converts the Sherman V-grade system for bouldering into the Yosemite Decimal System for climbing. 5. 13c 5 13d 5. Please comment if you find something that should be updated. For women its about 1D to 2D. Other Font Scale to V Scale Conversions 6a to v scale 6a+ to v scale Apr 10, 2025 · Our expert guide to climbing rating systems will help you compare trad to sport, America to Europe, bouldering, scrambling, dry tooling and everything in between Climbing, like many sports, has its own metrics for measuring difficulty. Please visit them on the web at www. However, always Convert climbing grades among YDS, French, and UIAA scales to understand route difficulty worldwide. Jun 5, 2023 · Rock climbing grading systems are the heart and soul of our beloved pursuit. Universal grade conversion Back to contents In general, theCrag displays grades as they are entered and in the area specific context. In bouldering, 7c usually means V9. Convert from French to Yosemite Decimal System and more. To help make everything easier, I’ve broken the entire Jun 27, 2024 · By Admin April 27, 2025 If you’re trying to convert a 7b+ boulder problem from the Fontainebleau scale to the V scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s the quick answer: 7b+ roughly equals V8/V9 on the V scale and 5. Bouldering conversion charts show you how the systems compare to one another. Convert font (fontainebleau) to british. IX+). 15d 5. But what goes into climbing grades, and why do they so often involve so many letters and numbers? Climbing is rife with technical jargon, and trying to decode the abbreviations can seem daunting. Bouldering and Lead Climbing Grade converters and other tools for rock climbers. 14b. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned climber, our climbing grade conversion cha Mar 17, 2023 · Bouldering Grades Conversion Since most boulderers wind up using either the font scale or the V-scale when they start climbing, they may need to use a bouldering conversion table when they go bouldering abroad. Sep 16, 2021 · Everything you ever wanted to know about bouldering grades in one place, including a bouldering grade conversion chart from the V Scale to Font Scale. Understanding Spot Grades At The Spot, we use our own grading scale, called The Spot Scale. 3/5. Mixed Climbing To understand the grading system, it’s important to first understand what mixed climbing is. Here's the link if you're interested. Precise conversions may vary based on local context. If you're a software developer supporting grade conversion, this is for you. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, understanding this system can help you track progress and select problems that match your Beginner Experienced Advanced Expert Elite Colour bands indicate equivalent overall difficulty across different climbing types taking account of protection and environment. UIAA is one of the most famous European Climbing Grades, most popularly used by mountaineers from Germany and Italy. The two most common boulder grading systems are the V-Scale and the Fontainebleau Scale. Familiarity with these conversions offers climbers a holistic perspective on their capabilities, fostering continued growth and a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of bouldering. If you look at a crag in France, you will most likely see sport and trad climbing grades Feb 4, 2015 · I don’t recommend that you blindly trust this table – there can be differences from country to country or even between climbing areas. So my country uses the french scale for indoor sports climbing. So technically, this is more of an outlier in spirit than practice. Apr 27, 2025 · The climbing grade 7c can be confusing if you’re used to a different grading system. Most roped routes in Europe and beyond are graded using the French system. Learn your grades and apply them to your climbing and problem setting. Nov 3, 2023 · 6b Boulder to V Scale: For those specifically searching for the "6b to V scale" conversion, here it is: 6b in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is approximately equivalent to V4 in the V scale. Mixed climbing is a discipline where you use both dry rock and ice to climb a route, relying on your crampons and ice tools to gain purchase on either surface. Aug 18, 2017 · In this article we go over the nuances of rock climbing grades, indoor and outdoor, what they mean, and how to understand them. Convert from Font to Hueco and more. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to figure out how 6c+ in the Fontainebleau system converts to the V Scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), the answer is pretty simple: 6c+ roughly equals V5/V6 in the Hueco V Scale and 5. By getting a sense for both grading systems American climbers will be better prepared to make sense of international grades and select challenges appropriate to their ability. Oct 15, 2021 · From sport climbing to bouldering, different types of rock climbing each have their own system, known as bouldering grades, to assess a route’s overall difficulty. Below you will find a table that compares the different climbing grades across the five most popular systems. We have left out E-grades above E8 as we do not find any logic to try to convert them any further. Changing 8b+ Font grades to the V scale—for instance, translating 8b+ to V14—serves United States climbers. Font 7b in the French system is very similar to V8 on the American V-scale. Sep 25, 2023 · Climbing is a universal sport, spanning from remote walls in Alaska to the sunny sport climbing routes of Spain. Apr 27, 2025 · How Grade Conversion Impacts Your Climbing Grade conversion is central to how climbers gauge their abilities and challenge themselves. But the role of climbing grades stretches beyond mere progress tracking. Bouldering Grade Systems Bouldering grade systems are a Apr 27, 2025 · Key Takeaways The Font scale is only used in France. While rope climbers use the Yosemite Decimal System (5. If you can climb a 3Q in a Japanese gym you should be able to climb around V4 or V5 somewhere else in the world. Oct 23, 2023 · Discover the intricacies of climbing grades with our comprehensive guide. Our Ultimate Guide to Climbing Grades provides it all! Mar 30, 2023 · Rock climbing grades Behind the grades: Grades are often debated in climbing because they aim to measure difficulty in objective terms, but the many variables in what makes a climb hard, and who is doing the climbing, make objectivity impossible. . 2 5. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re wondering how 8A+ converts to the V Scale or the Yosemite Decimal System, the short answer is: 8A+ equals V12 and roughly 5. What this rainforest site lacks in sheer height makes up for in variety of routes. In sport climbing, it often means 5. Apr 27, 2025 · Admin If you’re trying to understand how a 6c bouldering grade converts to the V Scale or sport climbing grades, here’s the quick answer: 6c roughly equals V5 in the Hueco (V) Scale and 5. Nov 3, 2023 · Understanding the conversion between a 9a Font grade and V17 provides climbers with a significant point of reference for assessing their climbing prowess. Jun 5, 2023 · As you read this article, remember that all grades are subjective! Climbing Grades Comparison Chart To help you navigate through the convoluted world of climbing grades, we have put together a climbing grade conversion chart. Climbers often experience this disconnect when moving between the French 7a and the V-scale. g. vsf6gupq 1ccgt wnqw 3u5ox x9v rnh37 xicjj zelgd gvj m7cxh