Rock climbing grade chart. 13c 5 13d 5.

Rock climbing grade chart. The chart below shows a conversion between the Fontainebleau bouldering scale and the french climbing scale. 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. Please remember that grading a route is very subjective to the location and the person giving the grade. Here’s a rundown of the main climbing grade systems and how they compare: While the general information about climbing grades and grade conversion is described in the article Grades and Grade Conversions. May 31, 2020 · What Are Climbing Grades? Two climbing routes at an American climbing gym. When Mixed Grades were first introduced, it was all but a given that a “mixed” pitch would involve ice climbing—usually a hanging dagger—at some point. Consider the Climbing Style: sport climbing, traditional climbing, and bouldering can have different grading nuances. It’s a scale where the lower numbers represent easier climbs, and they gradually increase to the most difficult climbs currently established. Learn more about it! 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. . Learn about climbing and bouldering ratings, including how route difficulty is measured and the difference between a rating and a grade. 13a 5 13b 5. This will help you compare and convert across some of the most popular grading systems. Mar 21, 2022 · Most gyms don’t grade their problems to replicate outdoor climbs. WI6) and the identical AI ("alpine ice") system (e. About this Sports Climbing Grades table: This is a lead climbing grade conversion chart. 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. ), the world of bouldering (at least in North America) has its own distinctive grading scale: the V-scale. Together with the rock climbing community theCrag has developed and continues to develop a comprehensive and intuitive coverage of grades in the system. As rock climbing areas proliferated and the sport gained momentum, a national climbing classification system sprouted in various regions, each tailored to the unique terrains and challenges they presented. Amongst many other things, this article describes how theCrag is using and displaying grades, how theCrag assigns grades to routes and ascents, what protection ratings are and how they are applied on theCrag, what grade contexts are, and which grade systems are Sep 25, 2023 · The inception of climbing grades was fueled by the need to communicate the technical difficulty of a climb. 10 means? Check out our guide to climbing grades so that you can understand the system to climbing difficulty. Want to know more about bouldering climbing grades? Check out our comprehensive guide on the V-Scale and French Scale here. Climbing is an exhilarating and challenging sport that attracts adventurers from all walks of life. Get help comparing bouldering, sport, and trad climbing grades. May not include an ascent to the summit of a mountain. 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. While rope climbers use the Yosemite Decimal System (5. Grade I is low commitment, typically just a few hours of climbing. But the role of climbing grades stretches beyond mere progress tracking. 12d 5. A route beyond your skill level can be more Grade Converters Bouldering and Lead Climbing Grade converters and other tools for rock climbers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of UIAA Grades of Difficulty in Rock Climbing Background (continued) Another important step the UIAA did after a few years was introducing the abbreviation EX to the top step of global evaluations, certifying in this way the raise of the level of performance even in alpine-style routes. What this rainforest site lacks in sheer height makes up for in variety of routes. 3/5. Indeed, as there are many climbing styles, many grading systems have emerged throughout climbing history to cover the different types of movement and technologies climbers use to ascend varied terrains like rock, ice, and snow. This is a bouldering climbing grade conversion chart. Before we start… Types of Climbing Climbing is a very broad term that includes many types of activities. 1/5. Understanding the different grading systems and how they convert can help you to gauge the difficulty of routes across different regions. 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. Due to the unique strength and stamina that it highlights, bouldering has its own rating system. 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. It starts 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). Jun 23, 2024 · Comparison to Sport Climbing Grades While the YDS is commonly used for traditional climbing, sport climbing often utilizes a different grading system known as the French grading system. Rock climbing: this means using your hands and feet to climb up a vertical rock surface. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a five-part grading system used for rating the difficulty of rock climbing routes in the United States and Canada. Rock climbing grades are a means of estimating the difficulty of a climb. Climbing, like many sports, has its own metrics for measuring difficulty. The most commonly used 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. Bouldering If you want to focus on technique and skill, then bouldering is perfect. 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. Be able to rock climb up to 5. Feb 19, 2021 · Rock climbing grades are used to describe the difficulty of climbing routes. Outdoors is rock/projects. The people I know who progress pretty quickly at lower grades on rope split time between bouldering and roped climbing-- progressively shifting towards more bouldering as a percentage of training as their roped climbing grades have gone up. What's the difference between bouldering grades? The Font Scale, V Scale, what else? We explain everything in our review. 15b 5. 2 5. It offers an approximate translation of difficulty levels between YDS, French (Sport), and UIAA rock climbing grades. Maybe with filters only including more than 10 in either discipline in the last 2 years or so. The current range is 4-9. Mixed Grades (M-Grade) These routes are climbed using crampons and ice tools on rock features as well as on ice. Each has their own rock climbing grades that will hopefully make more sense after this article. Jan 8, 2024 · There are usually two types of climbing available at an indoor gym: (1) bouldering and (2) free climbing. 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. Safety is […] 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. Grades progress in discrete steps, each intended to be a notch harder than the last. Bouldering Grade Systems Bouldering grade systems are a Jun 23, 2024 · Comparison to Sport Climbing Grades While the YDS is commonly used for traditional climbing, sport climbing often utilizes a different grading system known as the French grading system. Jun 5, 2023 · Rock climbing grading systems are the heart and soul of our beloved pursuit. 12b 5. Routes may feel substantially harder than their grade indicates depending on the weather, the length of the route, the type of rock, the whims of the first ascensionist, any number of factors. Climbing Grade calculator for determining finger strength needed for different climbing grades based on research using the Grippul. Rock Climbing Grade Conversion Chart French 6b 9b Yosemite 5. Aid climbing grades take time to stabilize as successive repeats of aid climbing routes can materially reduce the grade. 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. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples! May 5, 2024 · Grades Finally, let’s talk about Grades. Explore the complete guide to bouldering grades and find the conversion chart from V Scale to Font Scale. Coming from our frustrations of always trying to figure out what grading systems are used in which country and what do they mean in your own system, we have created this simple but hopefully helpfull comparison table. Even those who don't care at all about performance on boulders. Everything you need to know about bouldering grades in one place. Josh addresses this in the video here. Jan 28, 2022 · Climbing grades describe the objective difficulty of a climb and are organized into grading systems based on the climbing style and the region. Here's your guide for comparing indoor to outdoor bouldering grades. In ice climbing, the most widely used grading system is the WI ("water ice") system (e. Jan 18, 2022 · Tired of bickering over climbing grades? Then check out this new, streamlined rating system. 4 5 10b 5. We often conversationally refer to climbing ratings and grades synonymously, but there is a more specific definition for a grade in climbing. Rock is usually a good stanndard and moonboard benchmarks are always one V grade harder than the standard. g. Use this chart as a rough guide to compare climbing and bouldering grades in other parts of the world. In this guide, we will explain what factors determine a boulder grade and what you can expect as you climb through the grading scale. 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. Mar 4, 2025 · What does the grade mean? The grade of a climb should reflect the overall difficulty of the climb. Climbing grades are a number or number-letter combination designed to correspond to the physical difficulty of a climb. 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. 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. Feb 14, 2024 · Understanding Bouldering Grades 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 13c 5 13d 5. The “middle of the bell curve” climber at each grade trends upward from 125-175%bw hangs from V3-V13. Read: What Is Non Technical Climbing? Some of the rating systems in this article are used for a specific form of climbing. Bouldering Grades Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. This Ultimate Guide to Climbing Grades provides information on: 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. A direct comparison between the New Zealand (Mt Cook system), French Alpine Grade, UIAA Grade and the Russian Grade. Each discipline or style has nuances that make it unique, including climbing grades. Climb better by learning climbing grades. Climbing grades range from easy to hard and vary based on geographic location, climbing discipline, and whether you are Mar 25, 2024 · Learn how to convert climbing grades, common challenges, and resources for accurate conversions. The higher the climbing grade, the more difficult the route will be. The goal is to reach the top of a boulder problem or route. 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. Mar 7, 2025 · Rock climbing grades are numbers (and sometimes number-letter combinations) assigned to routes in order to give a guideline on the overall difficulty. Aug 24, 2025 · Understanding the Yosemite Decimal System: A Guide to Rock Climbing Grades in North America. Sep 19, 2025 · A5: Extreme aid. COM 6B 6B+ 7B 8B CRUX RAN Check out this handy grade conversion chart for rock climbing, which helps you understand the types and difficulty levels of different climbing routes. Standards vary among climbing areas. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. 9. This guide explains the different grading systems used in rock climbing and offers tips to level up your skills. Mar 17, 2023 · Confusingly, both bouldering and french climbing grades use the same numerical system to grade climbing routes and boulder problems. Many areas in the world have developed different systems. Grade is the term and system we use to indicate the commitment it takes to do a particular route. 12b, the other a grade of 5. International Grade Comparison chart. RP grades between sport climbing and bouldering of athletes who do both also would be interesting. This data is helpful to prevent injuries, and better prepare your finger strength for various climbing grades from medium (v5-v10), to difficult (v10-v14), to elite (v1 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 Tips for Using Climbing Grade Conversions Understand the Context: grades are subjective and can vary based on region, climbing style, and even the conditions on the day you climb. 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. Please keep in mind that this table is only to be used as a guideline Online Conversion Tool for Climbing Grades & Bouldering Grades: Trad Grade, UIAA, French Sport Grade, Boulder Grades, American Scale & many more. Trying to figure out what the heck V4 or 5. It's the system used to grade the technical difficulty of rock climbs. Below you'll find a comprehensive explanation of the different climbing rating systems. Get to grips with bouldering grades and learn how to use them to navigate the sport, from beginner-friendly V0 routes to the most challenging V16 ascents. 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" Bouldering Grades Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. As such we welcome feedback on grades and new developments in that area. Oct 23, 2023 · Rock climbing is a diverse sport with many different disciplines. 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. Ratings used internationally today include no less than seven… Aug 24, 2025 · Understanding climbing grades is essential for safe and successful rock, ice and alpine climbing. Climbing Grade Conversions Climbing grades can be confusing due to the various systems used around the world. To help make everything easier, I’ve broken the entire 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! Generally try to assess the grading in a gym by comparing it to the rock or moonboard. 5 5. 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. 9, 5. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, understanding this system can help you track progress and select problems that match your 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. The two most common boulder grading systems are the V-Scale and the Fontainebleau Scale. Ice climbing: this Oct 8, 2025 · Bouldering grades are a common language that represents the difficulty of a boulder problem. Convert rock climbing grades between French, YDS, British, and UIAA systems. Bouldering Grade Systems Bouldering grade systems are a Jan 8, 2024 · There are usually two types of climbing available at an indoor gym: (1) bouldering and (2) free climbing. The following chart compares most of the available grading scales. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned climber, this chart is a valuable reference for your next climbing adventure. Grades can be subjective and may vary slightly between locations or setters. 10c 5 5. Climbing grades are numbers, letters, and symbols that are designed to represent the proposed difficulty of a certain climb. 5 14b 5. Bouldering grades are the assigned difficulty ratings to boulder problems. Including Grade Wike & Table. So technically, this is more of an outlier in spirit than practice. Grades are used in rock climbing gyms and outdoors. 15d 5. 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. A full pitch of bodyweight-only placements. This chart is designed to be used with the American Alpine Journal to help decipher the difficulty ratings given to climbs. Read now! 4 days ago · The All-Important Grade Conversion Chart A grade conversion chart, often a comparative grades table, is an indispensable tool for climbers navigating different regions or guidebooks that utilize varied systems. [1] It was first devised by members of the Sierra Club in Southern California in the 1950s as a refinement of earlier systems from the 1930s, [2] and quickly spread throughout North America. This bouldering grades comparison table is designed to help climbers convert from Hueco to French and back to French to V-Scale. 10, etc. We have the grades broken into 5 categories to give a sense of the likelihood of success (climbing without a fall or take) based on a climber's level of activity, fitness and climbing experience. As to Emil’s video and the supposed incongruencies, well he had responses giving a perceived idea on what grade they would give these strength benchmarks. Australian Rock Climbing Grades Chart Australian climbers like to keep it simple, and thanks to a former Brit, we have one of the most straight-forward climbing grade systems in the world, invented in the 60's by John Ewbank,. Understanding the different grading systems and the factors that affect grades will help you make informed decisions and tackle routes that match your skill level and ambitions. One has a grade of 5. The Old SA grading was used in many of the older traditional climbing areas but is seldom used today. 4 in mountain boots and be comfortable climbing rock, snow and ice in crampons, and fit to go climb for 4-6 hours AD (assez difficile): Fairly hard. 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. 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. The YDS tends to focus more on the overall difficulty and danger of a route, taking into account factors such as route finding, protection, and overall commitment. Bouldering grades are graded using different systems across different regions. Apr 2, 2021 · We compiled data from 600+ rock climbers to find sport-specific strength and endurance standards that can help you know where to focus your training efforts. A description of the various grading systems used in rock climbing, based on difficulty, length, and quality. AI6). Free, instant climbing grade converter to help you understand foreign grading systems. Discover hidden site aspects with multiple Climbing, Caving and Abseil activities. . sjzp 7ff3v5 dhfcehk dohw un 5iwgn kpvo yux xcx5r5u tn4o