6b climbing grade to v Converting roped climbing grades to bouldering grades Given the differences between the two styles, it’s difficult to convert roped climbing grades to bouldering grades. In between is a bit of a grey area and the practice can vary from location to location. 4 5 10b 5. Aug 18, 2017 · We want to build the best climbers at Sportrock; using the circuit grading system creates an environment where climbers are more focused on mastering the climbing and not the indoor climbing grade. nu. While climbers in the U. The current hardest route in a M13 at Helmcken Falls in British Columbia, Canada. Apr 27, 2025 · Mixed climbing grades generally go from M1 to M12, with M13-16 in existence but not typically used. That’s why we created the free climbing grade conversion chart below for all climbing grades for every type of climbing. Sep 5, 2021 · Simply put, a climbing grade describes the difficulty of the terrain on the route. Feb 4, 2015 · I always think it’s funny when brands name themselves after hard grades, but we keep pushing the grades and suddenly the brand isn’t named the hardest grade anymore… 06. Convert North American climbing grades to UK and European scales, and compare bouldering V-grades to roped climbs. Here's the link if you're interested. Comparison Table: Fontainebleau Grade (Font) Approximate V Scale 5+ V2 6a V3 6a+ V4 (Note: As always, grading can be som Jun 5, 2023 · The first suffix is a letter, A, B or C followed by a + For example, grades would increase from 6 to 7 as 6A, 6A+, 6B, 6B+, 6C, 6C+, 7A so on so forth. Mar 17, 2023 · 5 (font) to V-scale. Jan 28, 2022 · Australian Climbing Grades. 2018 at 00:42 The average grade being 7a is also very strange, I think this is a subset of climbers who are generally stronger than average and therefore use 8a. 12. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. What is a respectable bouldering grade? Tips for Using Climbing Grade Conversions. However, a slab (forward leaning) boulder problem can force more technical climbing. 10c YDS but it is really hard to compare because being able to perform V4 complexity moves doesn't mean you have the endurance to master a full pitch of such problems. As we touched upon earlier in the article, there are two primary scales – the V Scale and Font Scale. [25] [26] Often listed as "two days to a week". Some climbers compare the difficulty of a boulder problem graded 5 in the Font system to a 6b sport climb, but such a comparison fails to account for the differences in Dec 9, 2024 · Kann ich Boulder-Schwierigkeitsgrade aufs Klettern übertragen? Die Antwort lautet: Nur bedingt. 15d) Bouldering Climbing Grade Systems: The V Scale and the Font Scale. I have been climbing for a year, and just recently started climbing those grades somewhat consistently. 5 14b 5. Nov 3, 2023 · 6a Boulder to V Scale: For those specifically searching for the "6a to V scale" conversion, here it is: 6a in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is approximately equivalent to V3 in the V scale. Download it or screenshot it so you are never without a climbing grade conversion cheat sheet. The Australian climbing grade scale for technical scrambling and rock routes, another open-ended rating system, runs from 1 (~YDS 3) to 39 (5. I guess it depends a lot on the gym. For routes above about 7b it is almost always given a redpoint grade. theCrag automatically converts grades between different grade systems according to the tables below. 12d 5. Feb 9, 2024 · With climbing grades, you’ll find the angle of the wall directly relates to the difficulty of a problem. Learn how bouldering V-scales compare to YDS for route climbing, understand the journey from indoor to outdoor climbing, and explore international grading systems. A 5 Font bouldering grade converts to a V1 in the v scale. For example, these routes are sorted by ascending difficulty: 5c+, 6a, 6a+, 6b, 6b+. Circuits allow a climber to spend more time climbing and less time looking for a climb within a specific grade range in the gym. theCrag does so by using an open ended and fine-grained internal grade conversion system with more than 500 grade levels allowing to reflect the subtleties of most known grade systems and their conversion from and into each other. org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering Mar 9, 2023 · The first climbers typically assign it a grade, and as more climbers tackle the route, the grade may get adjusted. About this Bouldering Grades table: This is a bouldering climbing grade conversion chart. 9. While the grading systems vary by region—like the Fontainebleau system in Europe or the V-scale in the U. com So for easier routes below about 6b+ the grade is almost invariably an on-sight grade. The V-system is less sensitive at the lower and mid grades, with one grade covering the same degree of difficulty as one and a half to two Font grades. One has a grade of 5. This system ranges from V0 (easiest) to potentially unlimited difficulty. Does a route have multiple 6B cruxes but for instance the angle of rock allows the climber to have good rests in between, then 6B remains the fair grade. For a more in depth look at all the different climbing grade systems, check out this article from Explorers Web. Nov 5, 2020 · * Diff and V Diff tend not to get a technical grade (In some regions/guidebooks you may also find Severe without an accompanying technical grade) implying that the climbing is “easy” at all points, however you could expect to find less protection or more sustained sections of climbing on a V Diff than you would on a Diff (and the same again on a Severe without a technical grade). Apr 27, 2025 · The term “6b+ to v scale” means to translate a Fontainebleau system bouldering grade of 6b+. The two grades can then be used together to understand how bold or safe a route will feel. For example, a route with a high adjectival grade, but low numbered grade (within the scope of the adjectival grade), will be a safe route. I've got some friends who have a lot of data from guidebook apps, and the euro sport climbing average grade in Greece and Spain is 6a-6b from what I recall. Bouldering grades are a way to measure the difficulty of climbing problems, helping climbers gauge challenges and track progress. The UK initially adopted the ‘Font’ grading system and then, over time, the ‘V’ grading system. I live in Europe, I started climbing in January 2019 (10 months). I was wondering where people (on average) max out on their grade. History There is not much on exactly how the Font Scale started. com web site. A boulderer of V1 ability, for example, will notice a greater spread in that one grade, with some feeling a lot harder than others; she might therefore find the font system more helpful. Both 6a and 6a+ graded boulders in the font system convert into a V3 bouldering grade in the North American V-scale. Rock Climbing Grade Conversion Chart French 6b 9b Yosemite 5. Gesamtbewertung Trad Climbing Aus der Kombination von Adjectival & Technical Grade lässt sich schon recht gut auf den Charakter der Route schließen: Eine Route mit E1 5b entspricht Apr 27, 2025 · The term “6b+ to v scale” means to translate a Fontainebleau system bouldering grade of 6b+. 10c 5 5. Normalerweise steigt der Technical Grade mit dem Adjectival Grade, hingegen steigt der Adjectival Grade nicht automatisch, wenn der technische Anspruch hoch ist. Converting climbing grades from one country or one type of climbing to another can be confusing. Vertical climbing grades start at 11 and work up to 39 (comparable to 9c/5. As we’ve already discovered, the US use the Yosemite Decimal System , which goes from 1 to 5 and describes everything from an easy walk (1) to technical rock climbing (5). Feb 14, 2024 · What does the “V” stand for in bouldering grades? The “V” in bouldering grades stands for “Verm” or “Vermin,” a nod to John “Vermin” Sherman, who played a significant role in popularizing the V Scale grading system. Apr 27, 2025 · When you do convert a Font 6b to the V scale, it usually ends up being around V4. In my eyes, that makes your chart way way sandbagged for the lower V grades, and way cruiser for the higher V grades. 12b, the other a grade of 5. Aug 30, 2021 · 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. So for the traveling climber, it’s important to be familiar with both grading scales. So climbing 6bs and easier while concentrating heavily on good technique could be one way to address this. Sport Climbing Grades Two graded climbing routes at an American climbing gym. An overhung boulder with large holds requires power to complete. [25] [26] Grade V is often listed as "one very long day of climbing, or two full days of climbing". 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. 3/5. Bouldering Grades 6b 6c 7a 35 XI-XI XIa XIb XIc XIIa XIIb II II I I 11 10 5. I don't know if I agree with chart. It isn’t too helpful to compare across scales, but it Mar 17, 2012 · Comparing climbing grades is a serious topic :-) A V4 boulder problem is typically 6b or harder which equals a 5. Apr 10, 2025 · UK scrambling grades range from Grade 1 to Grade 3, with 3 being the hardest and akin to moderate rock climbing. Nov 3, 2023 · Grades such as 6b and V4 act as markers that climbers use to gauge their progress and growth. —all aim to reflect a combination of physical and technical demands. This simple conversion takes it and converts it into its V scale equivalent, which is the scale predominantly used in the United States. Just my opinion though Dec 29, 2020 · Grades start at 1 (very easy) and the system is open-ended. See full list on guidedolomiti. Understand the Context: grades are subjective and can vary based on region, climbing style, and even the conditions on the day you climb. 13c 5 13d 5. 12b 5. It’s pretty standard practice for most climbers to look at grades to gauge a climb, plan for crux sections, and steer clear of climbs that exceed Jun 8, 2020 · On one hand, sport climbing grades provide a scale of difficulty which enables relatively easy comparison. I would say that only 10-15% of the climbers can climb a 6b+, so it would be a good mark. 15d). Each numerical grade can be subdivided by adding a letter (a, b or c). Traditional and winter grades can also help provide insight about the style and seriousness . The two main bouldering grading or bouldering rating systems are V Grades or the Font system. Comparison Table: Fontainebleau Grade (Font) Approximate V Scale 6b V4 6b+ V4 / V5 6c V5 (Note: As always, grading remai Danach wurde in den Böhmischen Sandsteingebieten wieder die nach oben offene Sächsische Skala verwendet, so dass die Grade im oberen Bereich wieder identisch mit der Sächsischen Skala sind. NCCS Grade V: "Typically requires an overnight on the route, or done fast and free in a day". Adjectival and Numbered Grades Combined. From V0 to V9, you have a 1:1 correspondence with YDS and V. Now climbing 6B/6C boulders and sometimes even almost a full 7A sport climb. Bouldering and sport climbing are two related but different disciplines and therefore different grading scales have been created for each. 6a to V-scale. The British Trad Grade is a compound grade evolved from a climbing ethic strongly biased towards onsight traditional or ‘trad’ climbing. I only very rarely boulder outdoors but indoors I certainly attach UK tech grades to problems graded with V grades and I can tell the difference between V4, 6a and V4, 6b. A legendary boulderer at the time, John Sherman, created the ‘V’ grade system – the ‘V’ stood for ‘Verm or Vermin’ which was his nickname at the time. Nov 2, 2022 · If a route has a one 6B move crux, it would be a 6B. 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. However, always remember: climbing grade systems are devised by people who sleep in the dirt and live in caves. 10c 6 6+ 5b V1 A3 - A5 WI 4 7+ 6b+ VIIIc 5c E2/E3 5. 5 5. Understanding the equivalence between these two scales helps climbers set goals, chart their progress, and find motivation in their bouldering endeavors. 3 F1/2 5. 2 D F1 M V13 4 4c 5a 5b 5c 6a 6b 6c 7a 7b 3 4+ 5 5+ 6a 6a+ 6b 6b+ 6c 6c+ 7a 7a+ 7b 7b+ 7c 7c+ 8a 8a+ 8b B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 V12 V11 V10 V9 V8 V7 V6 V5 V4 V3 V2 V1 V0+ V0 V0-V grade UK technical grade Font grade Peak B grade Bouldering Traditional Routes UK Apr 29, 2024 · If so, you’re not alone. The idea of the Trad Grade is to give a representation of the whole climb, including overall difficulty, how good the trad climbing gear is (or isn’t) and the hardest single move on the route. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. (My gym is known for having quite hard grates to be honest). Does it have a longer sequence of multiple 6B moves in a row, then the overall grade is likely going to be 6B+. Boulder werden normalerweise nach ihren schwersten Stellen bewertet, wohingegen beim Routenklettern sowohl die Ausdauerkomponente als auch der Anspruch durch das Einhängen der Zwischensicherungen wie Expressschlingen, Klemmkeile oder Friends eine große Rolle spielen können. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples! Apr 11, 2025 · V-GRADES. 10d 6/6+ 7- 5c V1/V2 A3 - A5 WI 5 climbing grade chart, boulder grade chart, climbing Oct 13, 2019 · Of course, there cannot be equivalence between UK tech grades and V (or Font) grades, because they are measuring different things (hardest move and overall grade). 1/5. Eventually, it becomes a set grade online or in guidebooks about the area. 15d 5. Obviously, these are not the only ones, but this is what most professional boulderers and climbers refer to. Jan 22, 2010 · In reply to Cragrat Rich: I would suggest that at that grade it's most likely technique more than strength that is holding him back. A 5+ (sometimes graded as 5b or 5c) can be converted into a V2 bouldering grade on the V-scale. Bouldering grades are graded using different systems across different regions. [36] NCCS Grade VI: "Two or more days of hard climbing". Remember that grade conversion varies by region, style and local grading practices. Bouldering Grade Conversions – V Scale to Font Scale. The ‘V’ grades go from V0 to V15, and are potentially open ended. 2 5. 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! For example, a 5c UK Trad grade is closer matched to a 6b French. Apr 27, 2025 · Climbing grades, from 8a to V-scale, serve as a loose guideline and filter for climbing consumers. These figures are meant to provide a general sense of the level of skill expected for a route. Oct 15, 2021 · The two bouldering grading systems are the V Scale (used in the United States) and the Font Scale (used outside the US). Ranking Guide - Rankings explained in great detail from rockclimbing. However, UK traditional or ‘trad’ as well as winter climbing grades offer more information about a climb than simply how hard the climbing is. These bouldering grades differ from the grades used in traditional rock climbing, and use many different systems including: Huevo "V" grades-or the V-scale, Fontainebleau technical grades (Font-scale), route colors, Peak District grades, and British technical grades. . . The V Scale 7 6b VIIIb 5b /5c E2 5. 6b to V-scale Sep 16, 2021 · Bouldering Grades vs. These grades help other climbers judge whether it is suitable for their level. 7 6b VIIIb 5b /5c E2 5. These are averages as every climbing gym is different but I went to some major climbing gyms (Innsbruck). Each one is designed to be simple. 15b 5. S. Conversion tables of climbing grades : SummitPost. Bouldering Grades V-Scale (or Hueco Scale) Tips for Using Climbing Grade Conversions. This is based on my climbing experience over the last 10 years. So my country uses the french scale for indoor sports climbing. Between V2 and V3, you can make the jump purely on upper body strength (even though that’s not advised) but once you get up into the V7-V10 range you’ll need to have excellent technique and strength to move up from V7 to V8. COM 6B 6B+ 7B 8B CRUX RAN Climbing Grades - An explanation of British climbing grades and comparison with other systems. An optional + may be used to further differentiate difficulty. Grade conversion between the two scales isn’t easy—the Font Scale has more grade options than the V Scale, and both scales are subject to regional differences and individual climbers’ body types, opinions, and skill sets—but in general, here’s how the two scales Apr 27, 2025 · The term “6b+ to v scale” means to translate a Fontainebleau system bouldering grade of 6b+. Both are very different styles, yet can be the same grade of difficulty on the V-Scale. 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. Nov 3, 2023 · 6c Boulder to V Scale: For those specifically searching for the "6c to V scale" conversion, here it is: 6c in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is approximately equivalent to V5 in the V scale. 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. Examples: 2, 4, 4b, 6a, 7c. In der Böhmischen Schweiz wurde der Schwierigkeitsgrad XIIb erreicht. 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. The US and Europe are rocky when it comes to agreeing on a bouldering scale, so here are two different grading systems and what to expect. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned climber, our climbing grade conversion cha "Grades are subjective" - OK, that's out of the way. Consider the Climbing Style: sport climbing, traditional climbing, and bouldering can have different grading nuances. South African rock climbing grades are very similar to Australian, with the exception that the upper end of the scale is currently at 41. [36] NCCS Grade VII: "Remote walls climbed in Oct 23, 2023 · Discover the intricacies of climbing grades with our comprehensive guide. Anyways, since I had a hard time I just made one. For example, in my gym. 13a 5 13b 5. How Are Climbs Rated - From Dawn's FAQ over on TradGirl web site. I’d say it’s an exponential increase in difficulty as you move up. Generally speaking, 6b+ aligns with V4 on the V scale. byhipybafddzhlsniuorezctjyvygbvofznrealtqyeueerywzzessqvcmhlkivlyeqyzr