Climbing Grade Converter
Convert climbing grades between Yosemite (YDS), French, UIAA, British, and V-scale bouldering systems.
Instant cross-reference for routes around the world.
Grade Equivalents
Climbing grade systems exist because rock climbing developed independently in different countries, each inventing their own difficulty scale. Today, converting between systems is essential for climbers who travel internationally or read guidebooks from different regions.
Route climbing grade systems:
- YDS (Yosemite Decimal System): North America standard. Technical climbing begins at 5.0; current hardest routes reach 5.15d
- French/Sport: The European standard. Runs from 3 to 9c+. Most gym routes worldwide use this system
- UIAA: Central European system popular in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Eastern Europe. Uses Roman numerals (I–XII) with +/− modifiers
- British Adjectival + Technical: A two-part grade unique to the UK (e.g., “E2 5c”) — the adjectival grade rates overall seriousness, the technical grade rates the hardest move
Bouldering grade systems:
- V-Scale (Hueco): North American standard (V0–V17). Created by John Sherman at Hueco Tanks, Texas
- Fontainebleau (Font): European standard (4–9A). Originated at Fontainebleau forest near Paris
Approximate grade equivalency table:
| YDS | French | UIAA | V-Scale | Font | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 4b | IV+ | — | — | Beginner |
| 5.8 | 5b | V+ | — | — | Novice |
| 5.10a | 6a | VI+ | V0 | 5 | Intermediate |
| 5.10d | 6b+ | VII | V1–V2 | 5+ | Intermediate+ |
| 5.11c | 6c+ | VII+ | V3–V4 | 6A | Advanced |
| 5.12a | 7a+ | VIII+ | V5 | 6C | Expert |
| 5.13a | 8a | IX+ | V8 | 7B+ | Elite |
| 5.14a | 8b+ | XI | V11 | 8A | World class |
| 5.15a | 9a | XII | V15 | 9A | Absolute elite |
Important caveats:
- Grade conversions are approximations only — even experienced climbers disagree on exact equivalencies
- Grades vary by rock type, style (overhang vs. slab), and region
- A “soft” 5.12a in one area may feel like a “hard” 5.11d in another
- When visiting a new crag, always warm up several grades below your normal level
Select your source system and grade above, and this tool will show the closest equivalent in all other major systems.