9a climbing grade to v. I see very very few people climb 7b and 7c grades.
9a climbing grade to v 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 As an example, the North Face of the Eiger is thought to be around UIAA V in climbing difficulty, but it is certainly a route worth ED2 as an Alpine Grade. 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. For that reason please treat the conversions in the table below with due respect to the Alpine Grade. Climbing grades are a number or number-letter combination designed to correspond to the physical difficulty of a climb. These ranking systems, often referred to as grading systems, provide a standardized way to evaluate the challenge a route presents. I get that its good to have a reference so you know what you'll have a good shot at sending or whatever, but its never apples to apples. What this rainforest site lacks in sheer height makes up for in variety of routes. It’s a scale where the lower numbers represent easier climbs, and they gradually increase to the most difficult climbs currently established. The first part of the grade gives the climb’s overall difficulty, and the second part indicates how technical the climb is. International rock climbing classification systems are shown in the chart at the right, and below is a comparison of Alpine, Ice, Snow, Aid, an Jun 5, 2023 · V17 bouldering, the mightiest of grades that very few crushers can attain. 9. See full list on guidedolomiti. Fontainebleau is unique because it also has circuit grading organized by color. On this one, they've stuck 5a on the line between 5. 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. I go bouldering at a gym in Norway and this is their grading system. La Corniche de Céüse, located in the Haute-Alpes département of France, is home to this crown jewel of climbing, where legends such as Chris Sharma, Adam Ondra, and Alex Megos have gone through the test of fire, sweat, and torn skin to We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Bouldering grades are a way to measure the difficulty of climbing problems, helping climbers gauge challenges and track progress. The technically hardest onsight is at the grade of 9a (5. While the grading systems vary by region—like the Fontainebleau system in Europe or the V-scale in the U. This system originated in Fontainebleau, a famous French bouldering region. Conversion tables of climbing grades : SummitPost. Mar 17, 2023 · Confusingly, both bouldering and french climbing grades use the same numerical system to grade climbing routes and boulder problems. 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 Want to know more about bouldering climbing grades? Check out our comprehensive guide on the V-Scale and French Scale here. 9 and have pushed 6a to 10b. The Font Scale is also open-ended and will build in time. If you boulder in Europe, the grades change to the fountain scale, for example, 3, 4+, 5, 5+, 6a, 6a+, etc. Knowing how one method relates to another is sometimes difficult. Today, we will take a very similar approach and look at the highest climbing grade mastered by more than 30,000 rock climbers (both male and female). Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. But what goes into climbing grades, and why do they involve so many letters and numbers? Climbing is rife with technical jargon, and trying to decode the abbreviations can seem daunting. This bouldering grades comparison table is designed to help climbers convert from Hueco to French and back to French to V-Scale. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples! International Climbing Grade Conversion Chart The following is a very rough conversion I've pieced together by averaging other sources. Dec 12, 2018 · What is the share of climbers who can send 8a or 9a? In our previous post, we have looked at the distribution of grades across almost 3 million rock climbing ascents in the 8a. S. 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. For "clean aid climbing" (i. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples! Apr 27, 2025 · Rock climbing grades are numbers (and sometimes number-letter combinations) assigned to routes in order to give a guideline on the overall difficulty. Safety is […] I understand the level of progression at lower grades, but for example, what would decipher a v10 from a v11? Is there a point where technique improvements max out and it’s just a matter of holding more and more horrific holds? The lines are obviously blurred as it is across similar grades, but I’m very curious on people’s thoughts about this. americanalpineclub. Reply reply not_a_gumby • Burden of Dreams is a 4-metre (13 ft) red granite grade 9A (V17) bouldering problem at Lappnor near Loviisa, in Finland. See the links below for alternatives. May 31, 2020 · What Are Climbing Grades? Two climbing routes at an American climbing gym. Find out how to convert the V scale and more here. The goal of bouldering is to climb short, difficult routes called "problems" on a boulder or small rock formation. org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering 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. That's when they started to use exponents in grade 5. 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. 8 and 5. Each scale brings its What Are Bouldering Grades? Bouldering grades are the scales of difficulty that a route is. nu data. By familiarizing themselves with grade conversions, climbers gain a broader perspective and can set clear objectives in their climbing progression. 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. Free, instant climbing grade converter to help you understand foreign grading systems. 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. g. Share Sort by: Best Open comment sort 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. Grades of Bouldering Climbing As in free climbing, bouldering has developed multiple grading systems. Circuit grading by color is designed to group boulder problems by approximate difficulty. So, instead of focusing on a specific numerical value from the Font scale Confused by climbing grades and rating systems? Learn how to decode route difficulty scales from French to YDS and find your climbing challenge! Apr 29, 2024 · Learn everything about climbing grades and quickly convert any climbing rating with our free climbing grade conversion chart. I think it is an average for people who get to that grade, which I am not sure what to draw from. This is a bouldering climbing grade conversion chart. In outdoor settings, two prominent grading scales, the V Scale and Font Scale, take center stage. It was first climbed by Finnish climber Nalle Hukkataival on 23 October 2016, who spent four years projecting the boulder, [3] and features in the 2017 climbing film, The Lappnor Project. —all aim to reflect a combination of physical and technical demands. 14b. Other Font Scale to V Scale Conversions 6a+ to v scale 6b to v scale 6b+ to v scale Nov 8, 2023 · Discover the definitive guide to bouldering grades. Free, fast, and easy-to-use climbing grade converter. In short: 8C roughly equals V15 on the Hueco V Scale, or 5. The most popular are the V grading scale and the Font Scale. In the present day, the max level is 9A (comparable to V17). 14d) for men and 8c+ (5. Changing 8b+ Font grades to the V scale—for instance, translating 8b+ to V14—serves United States climbers. 15c) for women. Apr 27, 2025 · Burden of Dreams in Finland, 9A (Font), is an example of how far climbing grades have come. About this Sports Climbing Grades table: This is a lead climbing grade conversion chart. Wrapping Up: Understanding the conversion between a 9a Font grade and V17 provides climbers with a significant point of reference for assessing their climbing prowess. 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. We have left out E-grades above E8 as we do not find any logic to try to convert them any further. Take it as it is and always judge a new problem with due humbleness and consideration of your physical condition and climbing experience. Dec 9, 2024 · Learn the ins and outs of climbing grades with our comprehensive guide! Understand the differences between systems, how they measure difficulty, and what they mean for climbers of all levels. If you don't have good foot technique by now, that will be your main limiting factor. But as climbers techniques evolved they needed higher grades for harder routes. This rating ranges from VB Mar 31, 2017 · The UIAA system uses Roman numerals (IV, V, VI etc. Please visit them on the web at www. 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. 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. before those other numbers? Why are bouldering and sport climbing grades so different? How the heck do you figure out where to start?? To learn the basics of climbing grades, get a little background, or just get an explanation as to why we climbers have succumbed to this grading chaos, read on! Oct 12, 2020 · Wondering how climbs are graded by setters? Or maybe you want to learn what V means in bouldering. C3+). Here’s our guide to the worlds hardest bouldering grade. Most grade systems are specific to a certain style. Bouldering grades are graded using different systems across different regions. 15d) for men and the grade of 9b+ (5. What do these grades translate to in V-grade and British system? 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. No ridiculous cruxes, not 80 meters long. Feb 2, 2025 · How hard should you be climbing and what strength do you need to climb a 9c? Find out what the 9c Strength Test is and how you can do it! V3: Is a fun grade. This is 9A/9a+ strenght at the very best (i would say lower, this is a cautious estimation). The standard most commonly used today in Anglo-Saxon countries is the V scale. We plan to replace the old 8a converter with this new one. The best way to approach the conversion is to travel, go climbing and get used to the different grades! Have fun! P. There are grade systems for bouldering, grade systems for sport climbing, grade systems for aid climbing and so on but even grade systems for the same style don’t always translate well between each other. Arguably, this is where bouldering began, and the open-ended grade scale that was developed ranges from 1A to 9A (at time of writing). 14c) for women. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. org. Jan 1, 2025 · There are several methods of grading how difficult a climb is. 14d, also known as 9a in the French grading system, is considered to be unbelievably challenging and requires a mythical level of experience. These high grades represent not just climbing routes, but milestones that mark significant accomplishments in a climber's career. This is where setters tend to start introducing weird body positions and use harder holds in those positions. National Climbing Classification System (USA): NCCS grades, often called “commitment grades,” indicate the time investment in a route for an “average” climbing team. 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. Nov 19, 2025 · The complete climbers guide to bouldering grades is here! Everything you need to know from history to training tips to send your project! 2. These numbers are based on a variety of factors and work for both indoor and outdoor routes, and are The YDS also includes ratings for mountaineering and other types of climbing, but these are expressed in a different format than the rock climbing grades, using Roman numerals and other symbols. 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. Consider the Climbing Style: sport climbing, traditional climbing, and bouldering can have different grading nuances. Quickly convert climbing grades between different systems: French, YDS, UIAA, and more. I see very very few people climb 7b and 7c grades. In fact, I can go a few weeks Mar 25, 2024 · Learn how to convert climbing grades, common challenges, and resources for accurate conversions. The most widely used system is the French grading system, which ranges from 1 (the easiest) to 9 (the hardest), with sub-grades such as 9a, 9a+, 9b, and so on. Average in 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. , you might wonder how 8C compares. 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. They help you compare ascents, help you choose routes, assess risk, and prepare the right kit. Please comment if you find something that should be updated. You'll need okay climbing strength and good general strength to consistently climb them. As of October 22, 2025, there are 15 known V17s: 7 confirmed by May 2, 2023 · What’s with the 5. Learn your grades and apply them to your climbing and problem setting. Get help comparing bouldering, sport, and trad climbing grades. I know it's going to depend on which crags you're climbing at, but I've done quite a bit of climbing in quite a few different countries and have always found that 5a lines up pretty well Jul 9, 2023 · One of the world's first 9a+ routes, "Biographie or Realisation," as it was later known, is renowned for its difficulty and almost proverbial technicality. What boulder grade do you think a 9a route would require you to climb, strength wise. Climbing grades are more than numbers. It’s safe to say you’d be hard-pressed to find an outdoor bouldering route with a Font Scale grading of less than 3 Google "climbing grade conversion chart". These grades help other climbers judge whether it is suitable for their level. 12b, the other a grade of 5. Most first time climbers get up a 4a with no problem. There are many types of bouldering grades around the world. Whilst it may appear similar to the French sport grade, the two are not the same Feb 20, 2023 · Also this image by British Rockfax is a great attempt to compare trad climbing grades to modern sport (bolted) climbing problems. If in doubt when visiting a new area, err on the side of… Discover hidden site aspects with multiple Climbing, Caving and Abseil activities. Below is a chart to help you determine how one method relates to another. Nov 3, 2023 · They signify growth, the overcoming of challenges, and the pursuit of mastery. Sep 5, 2021 · Simply put, a climbing grade describes the difficulty of the terrain on the route. Feb 26, 2021 · Font grade This scale is used outdoors and in climbing walls across the UK and Europe, and originated in Fontainebleau, a vast collection of sandstone boulders just south of Paris. UIAA climbing grades are used in Germany and large parts of Eastern Europe where the system is mainly used to grade sport climbing routes. Sometimes the conditions and the state of the routes can also influence the grades. These grades provide a shared language for climbers, making it easier to compare What's the difference between bouldering grades? The Font Scale, V Scale, what else? We explain everything in our review. Jan 5, 2023 · ボルダリングのグレード換算表です。日本の段級グレード、アメリカ発祥のVグレード、フランス発祥のフレンチグレードをそれぞれ比較していますので、どれぐらいのグレードが何に相当するのか確認する際の参考にしてみてください。 May 12, 2025 · In the realm of elite bouldering, V17 boulder problems (Fontainebleau grade 9A) represent the absolute cutting edge of difficulty. For the sake of simplicity, let's just imagine the most basic 9a. Other Font Scale to V Scale Conversions Grade at this level assume near perfect technique, the grade reflect the strenght required. On another note, why does everyone want to convert V grades to YDS? I've never understood that. To my surprise V5 converts to 7b and V6 to 7c in the french scale. One has a grade of 5. V3s tend to favor okay-jugs and other holds that aren't great but also won't be deal-breaking. Keep reading to learn how these grading systems compare, why 8C is I've always found that the French grading system doesn't really have a 1-to-1 translation to Yosemite decimal system. Grades progress in discrete steps, each intended to be a notch harder than the last. Dec 28, 2021 · A guide to how bouldering grade scales correspond to each other and fit into roped climbing, including the Font and V scales. 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. 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. I know it's tough to give a completely grade, since 9a's varies so much, as do boulders. Jul 25, 2022 · The Fontainebleau Scale (Font Scale) Named for its legendary bouldering areas in France, the Font Scale is used throughout Europe and surrounding areas. If you’re used to the V Scale, common in the U. Done done and done. [1][2] As of November 2025, the technically hardest redpoint of a single-pitch rock-climbing route in the world is at the grade of 9c (5. I'm not looking for the answer to be exact science, I simply though it could be a fun discussion. Top 5 International Climbing Grade Rating Systems If you’re climbing abroad, you should be familiar with other systems, including the French grading system, the UIAA grading system, and a handful of So my country uses the french scale for indoor sports climbing. The above appears courtesy of the American Alpine Journal. e. Jan 18, 2023 · Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is done without the use of ropes or harnesses. My gym uses as lowest grade a 2, which is a kiddie-route for birthdayparties. Bouldering grades and bouldering grades conversion charts for the popular V-Scale and Font-Scale bouldering grades. So now im confused. Jun 19, 2024 · The Grading System: A Brief Overview To understand the significance of a 9a climb, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the grading system used in sport climbing. I dont even really get the comparison between different areas. Convert North American climbing grades to UK and European scales, and compare bouldering V-grades to roped climbs. 12a one) grades only the hardest move, but it's often supplemented with a PG/R/X to indicate the seriousness. Grades can be subjective and may vary slightly between locations or setters. To help climbers measure the difficulty of a boulder problem, a grading system is used. Aid climbing grades take time to stabilize as successive repeats of aid climbing routes can materially reduce the grade. The other system you'll see around here a lot is the V-grade system used in bouldering. From V0 to V15, unlock the secrets of difficulty ratings and elevate your climbing game. Read now! Thus, the 2nd to 4th ranked candidates are also recorded. I was reading and watching a lot about the V5/V6 plateau that most intermediate climbers hit, and I was expecting this to be around the 6b on the french scale. [4][5] Climbing awarded Hukkataival a Golden Piton [fr] in 2016 for having the courage 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. Since the groundbreaking first ascent of Burden of Dreams in 2016, the number of proposed 9A/V17 boulders has steadily grown. Includes examples of the different grades, links, multimedia, pictures, photos, and video A description of the various grading systems used in rock climbing, based on difficulty, length, and quality. French grades start at 1, with that being very easy climbing. Our secret (or maybe not so secret anymore) tip for 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" Not really sure about the tldr, “From the moment they start climbing, it takes the average climber:” considering most people don’t make it to 8a let alone 9a, I don’t think that statement is correct. Feb 9, 2024 · UK Climbing Grades UK bouldering grades are a bit trickier to understand and not seen frequently but they tell much more about a climb than the V Scale or Font grading. The chart below shows a conversion between the Fontainebleau bouldering scale and the french climbing scale. ) with + and – to indicate grades which just push the boundary for difficulty. 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. com Nov 3, 2023 · Achieving a climb rated 9a Font or V17 offers a testament to a climber's exceptional ability and relentless pursuit in the sport. Apr 27, 2025 · The 8C grade is part of the Fontainebleau (Font) bouldering scale, mostly used in Europe. Whether you're scaling indoor walls or conquering outdoor crags, understanding the intricacies of climbing difficulty rankings is essential for progression and safety. Convert rock climbing grades between French, YDS, British, and UIAA systems. 15a on the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) if you’re trying to compare it to roped climbs. The most widely used gradin クライミング、ボルダリングのグレード対応表です。デシマル、段級、フレンチ、Vグレードの対応について記載しています。 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. Whether you’re mapping pitches in Cochamó Valley, running routes through the Valle del Silencio in Patagonia, or pushing the limits climbing ‘La Rubia’ in Spain, you can use this tool to convert the world’s most common free-climbing systems. I and II: Half a day or less for the technical (5th class) portion of… Read More »Climbing Grade . Information about the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in American rock climbing, examining its history, and the meaning of the various grades and modifiers. Meanwhile, over in North America, the V scale arose in the 1990s, predominantly from Hueco Tanks, Texas. 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. Climbers can use these systems to track their progress as they work toward building new skill sets. The rock climbing grade of 5. The grade comparisons indicated in these tables will not always be exact. Jun 11, 2009 · The new grade conversion table Gregory Hart has helped us out to update our grade converter. This system helps climbers to gauge the difficulty of a Nov 3, 2023 · Understanding the conversion from 8c+ in the Font scale to V16 in the V scale allows climbers to have a clear point of reference when transitioning between these grading systems. Oct 23, 2023 · 9a to v scale Fontainebleau’s Circuit Bouldering Grades The boulder problems in the forests of Fontainebleu are not only graded via the Font Scale. Apr 13, 2025 · Climbing is a sport of precision, strength, and mental endurance. 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. 13d, you’re in the right place. osbn rnagd fvllffi icknpol vscau fzopoi uucz hnmot sjjspm asftyz qgop jzbc zjcf svjd vypet