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Climbing Grade Converter
Convert rock climbing route grades between the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), French sport, UIAA and Ewbank scales, and bouldering grades between the V-scale and Fontainebleau. See the matching row in a full comparison chart.
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Climbing type
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Climbing Grade Converter
- Choose routes or bouldering.
- Pick the system you are converting from (for example YDS or V-scale).
- Select the grade from the list.
- Read the equivalent grades in the other systems.
- Scroll the chart to compare nearby grades; the matching row is marked with ▶.
The main climbing grade systems
| System | Used for | Where | Example range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) | Routes | USA, Canada | 5.0 to 5.15d |
| French | Sport routes | Europe and most of the world | 1 to 9c |
| UIAA | Routes | Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Alps | I to XII+ |
| Ewbank | Routes | Australia, New Zealand, South Africa | 1 to 39 |
| V-scale (Hueco) | Bouldering | USA and many gyms | VB to V17 |
| Fontainebleau (Font) | Bouldering | Europe and worldwide | 1 to 9A |
Route grades describe the hardest move and the sustained difficulty of a whole pitch; boulder grades describe a short, powerful problem. Because of that, route and boulder grades are not directly comparable: a V4 boulder problem is not the same as a 5.11 route. Font boulder grades use capital letters (6A) while French route grades use lower case (6a).
Quick reference
| Level | YDS | French | UIAA | V-scale | Font |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 5.4–5.7 | 4a–5a | IV−–V | VB–V0 | 3–4+ |
| Intermediate | 5.8–5.10d | 5b–6b+ | V+–VII+ | V1–V3 | 5–6A+ |
| Advanced | 5.11a–5.12d | 6b+–7c | VII+–IX+ | V4–V7 | 6B–7A+ |
| Expert / elite | 5.13a–5.14d | 7c+–9a | IX+–XI+ | V8–V13 | 7B–8B |
Tips
- Grades in climbing gyms are set by the gym and can differ from outdoor grades in the same system.
- Trad routes in the UK use a separate adjectival and technical system (for example E1 5b) that also reflects protection and risk.
- When climbing abroad, start a grade or two below your usual level until you know the local style.
Frequently asked questions
What is 5.10a in French grades?
5.10a in the Yosemite Decimal System is usually given as French 6a, UIAA VI+ and Ewbank 18. It is a common first goal for climbers moving beyond beginner routes.
What is French 7a in YDS?
French 7a is generally equivalent to 5.11d in YDS, about VIII+ in UIAA and 23 in Ewbank. Many climbers see 7a as the start of the advanced sport-climbing range.
How do V grades compare to Font grades?
The V-scale and Fontainebleau scale rise together but not one-to-one. For example V0 is about Font 4, V3 covers 6A to 6A+, V4 is 6B to 6B+, V6 is 7A, V8 is 7B to 7B+ and V10 is 7C+.
Are climbing grade conversions exact?
No. Each system was developed separately and grades depend on rock type, style and local tradition. Conversion charts give the commonly accepted equivalent, but a route can feel a grade easier or harder in another region.
What does the letter mean in YDS grades like 5.11c?
From 5.10 upward, YDS grades are split into a, b, c and d, with a the easiest. Some guidebooks use plus and minus instead, such as 5.10− and 5.10+.
What is the hardest climbing grade?
The hardest sport routes are graded about 9c (5.15d), and the hardest boulder problems about 9A (V17). Only a handful of climbs in the world carry these grades.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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