V grade climbing. The grade comparisons indicated in these tables will not always be exact. Unfortunately, climbing grades are more like those brutal truth-tellers in life that let you know just how far you have to go. 15d). Other Font Scale to V Scale Conversions 6a to v scale 6a+ to v scale Nov 3, 2023 · Wrapping Up: Grades such as 7b+ in Font or V8/V9 in the V scale are not just about difficulty; they capture the essence of a climber's dedication, passion, and journey. 5. This is a bouldering climbing grade conversion chart. I remember purple being v3-4, Pink v3-5, red v4-5, white v5-v6, yellow v6+. General timelines indicate that from bouldering day one, getting to V4 can take a year, V5 two years, V6 three years, and five years to V7. If you look at a crag in France, you will most likely see sport and trad climbing grades Apr 27, 2025 · Bouldering grades are often convertible between the Font Scale and the V-Scale. 5-5. Online Conversion Tool for Climbing Grades & Bouldering Grades: Trad Grade, UIAA, French Sport Grade, Boulder Grades, American Scale & many more. 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. Familiarise yourself with the differences. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a newcomer to the sport, understanding the different climbing grades and difficulties is crucial for selecting routes that match your skill level and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. One has a grade of 5. Numbers are just Numbers While understanding the V-scale is valuable, remember that climbing's true essence extends beyond grades. e. For example, a gym might grade problems from 0 to 4, with 0 being the easiest problems designed for beginners and 4 being the most difficult designed for advanced climbers. But I just like to climb occasionally. B10 7c V9 7b+ B9 V8 E6 B11 7c+ 7a V10 E7 6c 8a V11 E8 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 chart is designed to be used with the American Alpine Journal to help decipher the difficulty ratings given to climbs. Grade VI: Ver­ti­cal ice and high­ly tech­ni­cal mixed routes. The Yosemite Decimal System (which is the one that's mostly used in the US, and the one you'll see around here most often - it's the 5. Both are considered to be performance high-water marks, requiring not just power but precision technique and a razor-like mental edge. Apr 21, 2024 · Overview of Rock Climbing gyms in Singapore, with a focus on bouldering. A climbing route's grade is provisional until enough climbers have repeated it to establish a "consensus". To truly grasp the essence of Apr 27, 2025 · By Admin April 27, 2025 If you’re wondering how an 8C+ boulder problem converts to the V scale or sport climbing grades, here’s your quick answer: 8C+ equals V16 on the Hueco V scale. 12a in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Summer Climbing Grade Comparisons A brief explanation of the main climbing grades used in the UK The UK climbing grading system is split into three categories: Bouldering Sport Climbing Traditional Climbing Bouldering The birthplace of bouldering as the sport that we see today, was Fontainbleau in France. What's the difference between bouldering grades? The Font Scale, V Scale, what else? We explain everything in our review. Jun 23, 2024 · Whether you are navigating the V-scale in the United States or tackling the iconic Fontainebleau grades in France, having a solid grasp of bouldering grades can enhance your climbing experience and help you set appropriate goals. Routes graded at this level are often characterized by more complex sequences, requiring a combination of physical strength, mental resilience, and well-honed technique. The system, created by John Sherman, helps climbers understand the challenge level of a route. International climbing grades explained Learn how to make sense of the different systems used for grading rock climbs and boulders Oct 12, 2020 · Wondering how climbs are graded by setters? Or maybe you want to learn what V means in bouldering. Jun 10, 2024 · Grade Converters Bouldering and Lead Climbing Grade converters and other tools for rock climbers. Jul 25, 2022 · Harness up! Rock Climbing Grades Systems FAQ Sure, you know the different climbing grade systems in the world, but what do they actually mean when it comes to your climbing goals and strategy? What does 5. 15b on the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), though that’s a sport climbing grade, not a bouldering one. 10 is considered intermediate, 5. Each grade conveys the difficulty of the route. Wrapping Up: Grasping the translation from 8c in the Font system to V15 on the V scale is crucial for climbers aiming to track their performance globally. Mar 25, 2024 · Explore the ins and outs of climbing grade conversion with tips, challenges, and resources. As a quick reference, here are the key points from that story. 13b, 8a+, WI3, and M9 when they appear in ExWeb articles. 11” Grade: A Climber’s Cipher to Challenge When it comes to rock climbing, the language of grades is a code climbers use to understand and navigate the vast spectrum of climbing routes. Climbers often use it to describe reach relative to height. Here's how climbing grades work. 12b, the other a grade of 5. The current range is 4-9. Our Ultimate Guide to Climbing Grades provides it all! Apr 27, 2025 · Key Takeaways Like IQ scores, climbing grades help climbers gauge the challenge of a route. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. To help make everything easier, I’ve broken the entire Sep 13, 2023 · What are bouldering grades and how do they work? This informational post explains the meaning of bouldering grades and their determination process. These grades provide a shared language for climbers, making it easier to compare Mar 17, 2023 · Confusingly, both bouldering and french climbing grades use the same numerical system to grade climbing routes and boulder problems. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, this rating can help choose climbs that match your skill level and goals. Aug 23, 2024 · Two systems are the V-grade system used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) used for grading routes. org Decoding the “5. Feb 9, 2024 · Bouldering grades can either be the bane of your existence or can push you to climb harder. Apr 27, 2025 · By Admin April 27, 2025 If you’re looking to understand how the 6b+ climbing grade converts to the V scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s your quick answer: 6b+ is roughly equal to V4 on the Hueco scale and 5. 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! With V-Grades, we’ve introduced a familiar scale that rates boulder problems from V0-V12 Climbing Insight: V-grades can help offer a deeper insight into the complexity of each boulder problem. This can give us an idea of the average North American grade distribution for sport climbing, and based on percentile of climbers we can group climbers in to approximate buckets: 5. 12). The higher the grade, the longer it takes to get to the next one. Oct 23, 2023 · Discover the intricacies of climbing grades with our comprehensive guide. 11d in YDS This guide breaks it all down so you understand why there’s a range and how these grading systems compare. 0 to 5. This is my take on comparing grades across gyms. A grade like 6b in Font or V4 in the V scale might be viewed as a midpoint for many climbers, but the experiences, challenges, and triumphs associated with these grades bring richness to the sport's narrative. Key Takeaways 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 Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Grade V: Sus­tained ice to 80º or mixed climbs with linked hard moves. Wrapping Up: Sep 20, 2024 · Discover the world of 5. Apr 27, 2025 · Climbing grades help folks track progress and set goals, but 9a routes and V scale boulders are two very different beasts. These grades help other climbers judge whether it is Mar 7, 2025 · Grade: Climbers use a grading system to measure difficulty: V-grades for bouldering (e. Here's your guide for comparing indoor to outdoor bouldering grades. Nov 3, 2023 · The 7a bouldering grade in the Font system signifies a move into upper intermediate to advanced climbing levels. This guide breaks down how these grades compare, why they don’t match perfectly, and what each one means for your climbing. Understanding both grading systems is essential for climbers who transition between bouldering and sport climbing, especially when traveling or climbing at new gyms. This will help you sort out the differences between the likes of 5. These climbs take more than two days to complete, all while hanging out on some big ole rock! Nov 3, 2023 · The 6c bouldering grade in the Font system represents a climbing challenge that is advanced yet accessible to many dedicated climbers. 11 climbing grade is the first real step into difficult climbing, and requires both training on both physical strength and good technique. 11” grade, a cipher that beckons climbers to explore its intricacies. 13a in difficulty. Nov 8, 2023 · Discover the definitive guide to bouldering grades. Climbers conquering these problems display a comprehensive understanding of climbing dynamics, combined with impressive physical prowess. 14b. Few recreational climbers will reach V8. Climbing grades are a number or number-letter combination designed to correspond to the physical difficulty of a climb. V is only bouldering, V5 is font 6c+ V6 is font 7a font is the bouldering grading system that's used in Europe a lot, French is for sport climbing. 10: Intermediate but more technical grade that may have overhangs. Apr 27, 2025 · Admin April 27, 2025 If you’re trying to figure out how a 6b bouldering grade converts to the V scale or sport climbing grades, here’s a quick answer: A 6b in the Fontainebleau bouldering system is about a V4 in the Hueco (V) scale and roughly a 5. What seems hard in one grading system may seem easy—or more difficult—in the other. Climbing grading systems are an integral component of our sport. 10 or V3 mean on a route? Climbing grades determine the difficulty of outdoor routes at the hardest part of the climb. Feb 26, 2021 · A guide to the eccentric world of climbing grading, looking at grade comparison, what the different systems mean and why it's all just so unusual! Mar 4, 2025 · Most climbers are familiar with two grading systems in the US. Bouldering Grade Systems Bouldering grade systems are a Feb 19, 2021 · Rock climbing grades are used to describe the difficulty of climbing routes. This results in two climbs of the same grade being vastly different. Jul 25, 2025 · Understanding the Yosemite Decimal System: A Guide to Rock Climbing Grades in North America. Nov 3, 2023 · Climbing an 8c route in Fontainebleau or conquering a V15 boulder in the V system both reflect remarkable achievements in the climbing world. The other system you'll see around here a lot is the V-grade system used in bouldering. 4: Easy climbing with large handholds and footholds, suitable for beginners. C3+). I suspect a big reason there is a lot of data “missing” in the below 7A range for +’s is that the grade conversion in the US doesn’t generally use them. Universal grade conversion Back to contents In general, theCrag displays grades as they are entered and in the area specific context. Climbers tackling boulders of this grade will frequently face sequences that ask for a blend of power, precision, adaptability, and mental stamina. 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). Dec 22, 2021 · An average of the distribution for the 5 crags. Read now! Jan 28, 2022 · The Australian climbing grade scale for technical scrambling and rock routes, another open-ended rating system, runs from 1 (~YDS 3) to 39 (5. The two most common boulder grading systems are the V-Scale and the Fontainebleau Scale. By familiarizing themselves with grade conversions, climbers gain a broader perspective and can set clear objectives in their climbing progression. 15 is reserved for a very elite few. Historical Overview: 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. While the grading systems vary by region—like the Fontainebleau system in Europe or the V-scale in the U. Grades can be of greatest value when considered as a general guide rather than a rigid standard. Indoor climbing grades exist to rate the difficulty of routes and boulder problems, guiding you on what might be reasonable to attempt. It ranges from V0 for beginners to V17 and above for elite climbers. Those who conquer problems of this grade often showcase a blend of physical prowess, refined technique, and adaptability. 7 is considered easy, 5. The higher the grade, the harder the route is. The V scale is a grading system used in bouldering to assign a difficulty rating to a problem. The harder the route, the higher the grade. As a beginner rock climber or foreign climber trying to climb in America, you'll want to become familiar with the Yosemite Decimal System, or YDS. Grade IV: Steep ice with short ver­ti­cal steps or long pitch­es up to 70º, or mixed routes requir­ing advanced tech­niques. At the heart of this lexicon lies the enigmatic “5. Learn about the different climbing grades used in bouldering, from V0 to V16, and understand how to interpret the grading system to choose routes that suit your skill level. Grades are used in rock climbing gyms and outdoors. Nov 3, 2023 · When this grade is translated into the North American context, it corresponds to a V7. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned climber, our climbing grade conversion cha Apr 29, 2024 · Learn everything about climbing grades and quickly convert any climbing rating with our free climbing grade conversion chart. The most rewarding aspects often come from personal improvement, community connection, and the joy of movement. Climbing grades do not take into account the danger factor; they only describe the physical difficulty of the route. If in doubt when visiting a new area, err on the side of… 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. For women its about 1D to 2D. While a grade like 6a+ in Font or V4 in the V scale might be seen as an intermediate challenge, the stories and experiences behind these ascents add depth and texture to the fabric of the sport. , 5. Different types of climbing and different regions often use their own methods to rate difficulty. So don't worry about Nov 3, 2023 · The V scale, on the other hand, encapsulates the story of bouldering's evolution in North America. This guide explains the different grading systems used in rock climbing and offers tips to level up your skills. Apr 27, 2025 · 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. It's the system used to grade the technical difficulty of rock climbs. Both indoor and outdoor bouldering is graded, but you’ll find that outdoor climbing will use either the V-Scale or the Font-Scale, which are the two most common bouldering scales Bouldering grades are a way to measure the difficulty of climbing problems, helping climbers gauge challenges and track progress. Including Grade Wike & Table. Each grade increment indicates a noticeable increase in Just wondering for anyone who climbs at a boulder lab gym in Australia, I know it can be difficult/inaccurate to make grading comparisons, especially because it varies from gym to gym, but what would be the rough comparison from boulder lab's 1-9 rankings compared to the V rankings in America? 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. Back in the day the London one did give colours grades so I always still think of them like that. Not sure why you'd want to either. Feb 28, 2023 · Climb better by learning climbing grades. 12: An elite in the Mar 21, 2022 · Most gyms don’t grade their problems to replicate outdoor climbs. Learn your grades and apply them to your climbing and problem setting. South African rock climbing grades are very similar to Australian, with the exception that the upper end of the scale is currently at 41. 41 votes, 26 comments. IMPORTANT – Below is a very rough table and it is impossible to provide an accurate conversion between technical difficulty of the hardest climbing – a sport grade/UIAA/USA grade – and overall difficulty of the full route experience from approach through climbing, conditions and descent – Alpine Grade. Apr 11, 2025 · V-GRADES V-grades or the V-scale (also sometimes called the 'Hueco' scale) was established in 1991 by American bouldering pioneer John 'Verm' Sherman - that's where the V comes from! Sherman used the scale to grade problems in his book Hueco Tanks Climbing and Bouldering Guide. Wrapping Up: Jul 8, 2024 · Rock climbing grades appear to be a seemingly impenetrable code, but they do mean something. Nov 3, 2023 · They signify growth, the overcoming of challenges, and the pursuit of mastery. Comparatively, Most finals WC problems for men are about 2D or 3D. Got feedback? File an issue. 11b to 5. They assist in creating personal objectives and monitoring achievements, proving themselves as integral instruments in indoor gymnasiums and outdoor climbing areas in all 50 states. Mar 7, 2025 · Simply converting a 6c+ grade to the V scale would put it around V5, but real-world difficulty may differ depending on the design and characteristics of any given climb. Aid climbing grades take time to stabilize as successive repeats of aid climbing routes can materially reduce the grade. 9: New to the sport 5. Climbing Difficulty Rankings! Decode YDS, French, and V-grade systems, track skill progression, and choose routes matched to your level. 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. Can lead climb comfortably outdoors on most 17s, some 18s, have done a 20 and 22 (New Zealand/Australia grading system, I don't know how to convert these grades) I would consider climbing my 'second' sport, I work as a mountainbike guide and ride bikes the majority of the time outside of work too. This bouldering grades comparison table is designed to help climbers convert from Hueco to French and back to French to V-Scale. 8 to 5. Even in 2023, the elusive 9c climbing grade is still a highly coveted prize, with very few people even possessing the ability to send the hardest climbing grade ever established. Want to know more about bouldering climbing grades? Check out our comprehensive guide on the V-Scale and French Scale here. In this article, we will break down the various grading systems used in indoor climbing, including V-scale for bouldering and Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) for roped The V-Grade is a scale used to rate the difficulty of boulder problems. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), and the V-Scale or “Hueco Scale”. It is a big gap from the perspective of the V10 climber, but is it really a big gap for the V16 climber? Apr 27, 2025 · How Grade Conversion Impacts Your Climbing Grade conversion is central to how climbers gauge their abilities and challenge themselves. I go bouldering at a gym in Norway and this is their grading system. These benchmarks are not just about physical capability but are also a testament to the climber's journey, the nuances of the sport, and the collective achievements of the climbing Based off my experience climbing 5 or 6 V grades below my max, I imagine for someone like Daniel Wood the difference between V10 and V11 isn't any much more than the difference between V6 and V7. In this beginners guide, we go over everything that goes into bouldering grades and what you need to know. While climbing at lower grades can be done by beginners in good shape, this is the hinge point that separates intermediate from advanced climbers. V-Grades focus on physical difficulty, including strength, technique, and problem-solving skills. Local anomalies exist within countries using the same system so attempts to correlate between different systems, which frequently originated around different styles of climbing, stand little chance of tying together. If you can thug through 1-5-7 but can't climb past v4 does that make you a v8 climber? Perhaps you split the difference and the combination makes you a v6 climber? If you do it on big juggy rungs instead of 10mm rungs does that lower the grade? It's just stupid. For example, a 7c Font Scale grade usually translates to V9 on the V-Scale. For a basic overview of how the grades work, check out this article with Climbing Magazine. 9. 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 5: Difficult, with sustained climbing, high commitment, and few bivouac sites. 11: Advanced in the sport, likely in the top 10%-20% of climbers 5. Bouldering grades are graded using different systems across different regions. 1-5. These systems help climbers communicate how hard a route is and what kind of challenges to expect. I’m not sure if this is a bouldering system or a sport climbing system as the gym has both and I’ve not checked if the high wall has a separate system. Climbers can use these systems to track their progress as they work toward building new skill sets. Other Font Scale to V Scale Conversions 6a to v scale Feb 17, 2014 · A Statistical Analysis of Climbing February 17, 2014 Recently, 28 of us on the Stanford Climbing Team completed a short survey on our climbing abilities. Grade VI is a multi-day adventure. 8: Intermediate climbing that requires some skill on small handholds and footholds. In outdoor settings, two prominent grading scales, the V Scale and Font Scale, take center stage. Although the survey was intended to assess our interest in different clinics, the answers to the survey question also shed light on some interesting climbing questions, like how bouldering grades compare to top-rope grades, how much harder But they don’t. Mar 7, 2021 · Know what's up! Understand the standard scale systems of climbing grades and bouldering ratings with Pelican's ultimate guide. This is some serious climbing, requiring two days to compete. Learn more about it! Dec 29, 2020 · Indoors, climbing and bouldering gyms use the V Scale, Font Scale, or make up their own rating system. Sport climbs rated 9a are not the kinds of routes you find in crags like Rifle or Red River Gorge. Jun 23, 2024 · Indoor Climbing Grades Explained Are you new to indoor climbing and feeling overwhelmed by all the different grading systems? Understanding climbing grades is essential for tracking your progress and choosing appropriate routes. A 5. Be sure to look them up before planning an expedition to see if the route is the right fit for your abilities and ambitions. Grade systems initially developed in confined geographical areas, making the comparison of climbs somewhat easier, developed over time and were and are constantly extended as Mar 30, 2023 · Here's a brief introduction to how rock climbing grades are applied and how they differ from outdoors to indoors Jul 16, 2025 · The complete climbers guide to bouldering grades is here! Everything you need to know from history to training tips to send your project! Jun 5, 2023 · What Are Bouldering Grades? Similar to any type of climbing, bouldering is graded with a series of numbers and letters. Essential reading for rock climbers and boulderers. You may be visiting different gyms in your area or have tried outdoor climbs and noticed that the grades aren’t as black and white as they seem on paper. Grades progress in discrete steps, each intended to be a notch harder than the last. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of Jun 6, 2023 · The Breakdown If there’s one topic that’s guaranteed to get the climbing community hot and bothered, it’s the number 9 followed by the letter C. 13 to 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. It also compares to around 5. 11 climbing and learn about its benefits, challenges, and safety considerations. ” Too often, the gradations of the difficulties are Climbing is an exhilarating and challenging sport that attracts adventurers from all walks of life. Grades like 6b+ in the Font system or V4 / V5 in the V scale might represent mid-tier difficulties for many, but the stories and challenges linked with them deepen the richness and passion for bouldering. Understand bouldering, sport, and trad climbing grades for accurate conversions. aid climbing equipment is used but only where the equipment is temporary and not permanently hammered into the rock), the most common system is the C-system (e. If you’re curious how the difficulty of our routes compares, this chart translates our Spot grades into the popular V-Grade scale, developed by John “the Vermin” Sherman. International Grade Comparison Chart 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. Changing 8b+ Font grades to the V scale—for instance, translating 8b+ to V14—serves United States climbers. Grade systems are almost as old as climbing itself. Apr 27, 2025 · The 6A bouldering grade is about the same as a V3 on the Hueco scale or a 5. Climbers often experience this disconnect when moving between the French 7a and the V-scale. Understanding Climbing Grade Conversion Comparing Bouldering Grades When it comes to comparing bouldering grades, it’s essential to understand the differences between the various grading systems used in different regions Nov 3, 2023 · Conversely, the V scale, which began in the United States, has its own distinct history interwoven with the development of bouldering there. Among those who criticize the V-scale’s shortcomings, it’s notoriously inconsistent, sometimes leaving two full grades between climbs. Apr 27, 2025 · The Class 5 category of technical climbing is then further broken down into the climbing ratings for the YDS: 5. Assigning a difficulty to a climb seems to be at least as important as describing it with other characteristic parameters such as length, protection or rock type. “5” indicates technical rock climbing, and the numbers after show difficulty. Watching videos of other people climbing its hard to tell the actual difficulty. The chart below shows a conversion between the Fontainebleau bouldering scale and the french climbing scale. Grading Conversion Chart (Bouldering) Here’s a rough comparison between V-Grades and Font Grades for bouldering: Note: These aren’t perfect matches—grading can be subjective, and indoor gyms often feel easier than outdoor climbs of the same grade. 10: About average, somewhere between top 25%-50% 5. The V in the V scale stands for “Vermin” which was John Sherman’s nickname. These figures are meant to provide a general sense of the level of skill expected for a route. Wingspan: The distance from fingertip to fingertip with arms outstretched. Sep 5, 2021 · Earlier, we published a deep dive on how to interpret climbing grades. I had a hard time finding a chart online that converts the Sherman V-grade system for bouldering into the Yosemite Decimal… Jul 25, 2025 · Understanding climbing grades is essential for safe & successful rock, ice & alpine climbs. 12b in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. How these grades are used and understood differs wildly. Wrapping Up: Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to understand how the Font grade 7b compares to the V Scale, the quick answer is: 7b is about the same as V8 or 5. Bouldering grades and bouldering grades conversion charts for the popular V-Scale and Font-Scale bouldering grades. These grades stand as more than just notations; they represent a scale of achievement and ambition in the climbing community. Different grading systems for bouldering Bouldering grades conversion chart Fontainebleau bouldering grades V scale bouldering grades Hybrid bouldering grades What are bouldering grades? Bouldering grades, and climbing grades in general, are systems of numbers (or numbers with letters and symbols) that convey the degree of difficulty. 10d to 5. 8a maps the V grades below V6 to the non-plus grades, so every V3 is called a 6A, even if elsewhere some would be 6A or some 6A+. Someone in r/climbing put plateauing into perspective for me: “if your flash grade becomes close to or exactly your max grade, you need to project more and focus on strength training on off days. Apr 27, 2025 · Climbing grades, whether it’s the 8c scale or the V scale, can seem like a straightforward measure of ability. I don't think it's possible to translate campus moves into grades. May 4, 2020 · Typically, climbing grades do fall into a rudimentary scale of difficulty. Nov 3, 2023 · In contrast, the V scale, established in the United States, narrates a unique journey of bouldering in North America. Both 7a+ of the Font system and V7 of the V scale are recognized as advanced-level benchmarks. Nov 3, 2023 · In contrast, the V scale, pioneered in the United States, charts its own course through the annals of bouldering history. 12 is hard, and 5. —all aim to reflect a combination of physical and technical demands. Oct 23, 2023 · Image source: greatschools. ” Mixed ascents of mod­er­ate rock routes. From V0 to V15, unlock the secrets of difficulty ratings and elevate your climbing game. Apr 27, 2025 · Everything from moves and holds to the air quality can change your experience with a grade. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to figure out how the 6a+ grade converts to the V scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s a quick answer: 6a+ is roughly equal to V3-V4 on the V scale It’s also about the same as 5. 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. Indoors and out, V grades are suggestions of difficulty fortified by consensus. Nov 3, 2023 · 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. Bouldering Grades Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. This of course is from the Hueco bouldering grade to the Ewbank climbing grade. While sport climbing has dominated overall grade milestones since the mid-1980s (i. 12: Hard to difficult, technical Technical grade 5 is relatively straightforward, 6 is somewhat technical mixed climbing, and 7 and 8 are much more intricate, including harder snowed-up rock. Bouldering grades are the assigned difficulty ratings to boulder problems. 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. 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. Climbing Grades at Tufas: Circuit Grading Taking advantage of the subjectivity of climbing, many gyms across the world have moved to grade climbs on a circuit. Grade 6: Sustained hard climbing over several thousand vertical feet requiring high commitment. 8, 5. S. . The 6a+ to V-Scale Conversion Explained In the climbing 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. 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. g. Learn how bouldering V-scales compare to YDS for route climbing, understand the journey from indoor to outdoor climbing, and explore international grading systems. Sep 28, 2021 · Mountaineering and climbing grading systems are a great way to determine the relative difficulty of any route or peak. , V2, V10) and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) for routes (e. Rock climbing grades are a means of estimating the difficulty of a climb. May 31, 2020 · What Are Climbing Grades? Two climbing routes at an American climbing gym. Apr 27, 2025 · Climbing grades, from 8a to V-scale, serve as a loose guideline and filter for climbing consumers. font I also from France and uses the same grades so it's a bit confusing but that's just the way it is 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" A 5. Convert North American climbing grades to UK and European scales, and compare bouldering V-grades to roped climbs. By understanding and comparing these grades, climbers can appreciate the global perspectives of bouldering, set clearer goals, and chart their progress more effectively. Find out how to convert the V scale and more here. 11-5. In Grade V and Grade VI, climbers set up a portaledge to sleep on the route overnight. Other Font Scale to V Scale Conversions 6a+ to v scale 6b to v scale 6b+ to v scale 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. This is to be interpreted as if you can boulder V5 then you can probably climb 26. 11a on the YDS. 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. 12a one) grades only the hardest move, but it's often supplemented with a PG/R/X to indicate the seriousness. These three grading systems measure different things, so the conversion isn’t exact—but it’s close enough to help you understand what to expect. Mar 17, 2012 · Indoor rock climbing gyms have two types of rock climbing available, bouldering and sport climbing. While these grading systems are widely used, they are subjective and have even evolved over time, so we often hear about the inconsistency climbers see between Nov 3, 2023 · The 7b grade in the Font system signifies a tier of climbing that challenges even experienced climbers, merging complexity with sheer strength demands. Grade table Almost every gym has its own system of grading. 11 to 5. Aug 30, 2021 · Rock climbing grades can seem cryptic; we break down the most popular rating systems and explain a tradition that's existed since the 1890s. The goal is to reach the top of a boulder problem or route. May 5, 2024 · Grade V is an overnight adventure. Many areas in the world have developed different systems. 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. While the 6c+ grade in Font and the V5/V6 grade in the V system symbolize formidable challenges, it's the stories, styles, and nuances behind each climb that give depth to the sport. Simply put, a climbing grade describes the difficulty of the terrain on the route. 13d, you’re in the right place. The Font 7b+ grade usually corresponds with a V8 on the V scale. What do these grades translate to in V-grade and British system? The Different Climbing Grading Systems Climbing grades can seem confusing at first because there isn’t just one universal system. It was developed by John “Vermin” Sherman in the 1990s and is the current system used in Australian outdoor bouldering. are now the highest grades), milestones for modern traditional-climbing, free-solo-climbing, onsighted & flashed-ascents, are also listed. Jun 5, 2023 · If you have done any climbing, either in the gym or outside, you will most likely have run into the concept of climbing grades. Learn about climbing and bouldering ratings, including how route difficulty is measured and the difference between a rating and a grade. 11c in route climbing. 9-5. For "clean aid climbing" (i. Grades can be subjective and may vary slightly between locations or setters. 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. In Japan, gyms are graded harder or equal to real boulders in the surrounding areas. zjfelor ehedh cshfeixe enklst nirv hskgm wlce uynjepsn qmxus zyzq