Convert climbing grades between French, Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), UIAA, and Hueco V-scale instantly. Select your grade system, choose a grade, and see the equivalent in all other systems. The converter covers sport climbing grades (French ↔ YDS ↔ UIAA) and bouldering grades (Fontainebleau ↔ Hueco V-scale). Full conversion tables below for quick reference — find any grade from 5a to 9c or V0 to V17.
Sport Climbing Grade Conversion Table — French ↔ YDS ↔ UIAA
Full climbing grades conversion chart: French (yds to french lookup), Yosemite Decimal System, and UIAA grades side by side.
French
YDS
UIAA
3
5.4
III
4
5.5
IV
4+
5.6
IV+
5
5.7
V-
5+
5.8
V
6a
5.10a
VI
6a+
5.10b
VI+
6b
5.10c
VII-
6b+
5.10d
VII
6c
5.11a
VII+
6c+
5.11b
VII+
7a
5.11c
VIII-
7a+
5.11d
VIII
7b
5.12a
VIII+
7b+
5.12b
VIII+
7c
5.12c
IX-
7c+
5.12d
IX
8a
5.13a
IX+
8a+
5.13b
X-
8b
5.13c
X
8b+
5.13d
X+
8c
5.14a
XI-
8c+
5.14b
XI
9a
5.14c
XI+
9a+
5.14d
XII-
Grade conversions are approximate — the same grade can feel different at different crags and in different countries. Use as a general guide, not an exact equivalence.
Rock climbing grades vary around the world. Knowing how systems relate to each other lets you climb confidently at any crag, in any country.
French system
The international standard for sport climbing. Uses numbers with letter suffixes (6a, 6b, 6b+, 6c). The most widely used system worldwide; you will find it at crags in Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond. Grades above 8a are elite.
Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)
Used in the United States and Canada. The Class 5 prefix (5.x) indicates technical rock climbing. Sub-grades a, b, c, d add precision above 5.10. Most gym climbers in the US learn this system first.
UIAA
Used in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Eastern Europe. Roman numerals with + and − modifiers (VI, VII+, VIII−). Originated in the Alps and remains the standard in Alpine climbing culture.
Hueco V-scale (bouldering)
The global standard for bouldering. Developed by John "Verm" Sherman at Hueco Tanks, Texas. VB is the easiest, V0 is beginner, V5 is intermediate, V10+ is elite. The scale is open-ended; the current maximum is V17.
Route climbing vs bouldering grades
Route grades (French, YDS, UIAA) and bouldering grades (Hueco V-scale) are different scales and should not be directly compared. A V5 boulder problem requires different skills than a French 7a sport route, even though they are often listed as approximate equivalents.
Route climbing grades measure:
The difficulty of the hardest single move
Combined with the endurance to reach that move
And the mental challenge of leading on protection
Boulder grades measure:
The difficulty of the hardest single move or short sequence
Without the endurance factor of a long route
Usually 3–10 moves at maximum effort
Many climbers are stronger at one discipline than the other. A powerful boulderer may climb V8 but find a sustained 7b route much harder, and vice versa.
Grade conversions between route and boulder scales are approximate. Use them only as a starting reference.
Who sets climbing grades?
Climbing grades are set by the first ascensionist, the person who first climbs a route and proposes a grade. This proposal is then refined over time as more climbers attempt the route and a consensus emerges.
There is no central grading authority. Grades represent community consensus based on how climbers of known ability experience the route.
Why grades vary between areas
Different climbing areas have different grading cultures. Some crags are known for "sandbagging", giving grades that feel harder than the number suggests. Others grade generously. Rock type, style, and conditions also influence how a grade feels.
Grades as a guideline, not a guarantee
The same grade can feel completely different depending on:
Your height and reach: some routes suit tall or short climbers
Your strengths: a crimpy 7a may suit you better than a slopey one
Conditions: hot, humid days make friction routes harder
Rock type: limestone, granite, and sandstone require different techniques
Use grades as a rough guide. The best climbers focus on movement quality, not chasing numbers.
Understanding Climbing Grade Systems
Four main grading systems are used worldwide for rock climbing:
French climbing grades (5a–9c) are the most widely used system for sport climbing in Europe and increasingly worldwide. Each grade can have a + suffix (e.g. 7a+) for finer resolution.
Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) (5.0–5.15d) is the standard in North America. The 5. prefix indicates technical rock climbing. Letter suffixes a–d subdivide each number grade.
UIAA grades (I–XII) are used primarily in Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Roman numerals with +/− suffixes.
V-scale / Hueco scale (VB–V17) is the standard for bouldering worldwide, developed at Hueco Tanks, Texas. Sometimes called the Hueco scale.
Fontainebleau (Font) (4–9a) is the European bouldering grade system, named after the famous bouldering forest near Paris.
The most commonly searched climbing grade conversions: French 7a = YDS 5.11b/c = UIAA VIII− (a solid intermediate-to-advanced sport climbing grade). French 8a = YDS 5.13a/b = UIAA X− (expert level). For bouldering: Font 7a = V6, Font 8a = V11. As a rough rule, French sport grades are approximately 1 number grade harder than French boulder grades for similar difficulty — a climber who boulders V6 (Font 7a) typically sport climbs around 7a–7b. Understanding fall forces at your grade level is important — see our fall factor calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is 7a in YDS (Yosemite Decimal System)?
French 7a is approximately YDS 5.11b/c. This is considered an advanced sport climbing grade — most climbers who climb 7a have been climbing for 2-5 years and train regularly. It is often considered the gateway to "hard" climbing.
What V-grade is Font 7a?
Fontainebleau 7a is approximately V6 on the Hueco/V-scale. This is a strong intermediate bouldering grade. Use the conversion table above for all Font-to-V equivalences.
What is the hardest climbing grade ever?
As of 2025, the hardest confirmed sport climbing grade is 9c (5.15d), achieved by Adam Ondra on "Silence" in 2017. The hardest boulder problem is V17 (Font 9a), with several ascents claimed. These grades represent the absolute limit of human rock climbing ability. Check if your rope is still safe for your climbing level with our rope retirement calculator.
How do British climbing grades work?
British grades use a two-part system: an adjectival grade (Moderate to E11) describing overall seriousness, and a technical grade (4a-7b) describing the hardest move. The British system uniquely accounts for protection quality and danger, not just difficulty. An E5 6b route is technically moderate but seriously dangerous.
What is French 7a in Yosemite (YDS) grades?
French 7a is equivalent to 5.11c in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and VIII- in the UIAA grade scale. The next half-grade up, 7a+, corresponds to 5.11d (UIAA VIII). These conversions are approximate. Different sources vary by one sub-grade, and the same grade can feel harder or easier depending on rock type and style. It is a demanding sport climbing grade requiring good finger strength, technique, and endurance. Most recreational climbers who train 2–3 times per week can reach 7a after 2–4 years of consistent training. In bouldering, French 7a on a route roughly corresponds to V5–V6 on the Hueco scale.
What does 5.10a mean in climbing?
5.10a is a Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) grade used in North American climbing. It is equivalent to French 6a and UIAA VI. The 5.10 band is often described as the first technical grade where climbers move beyond basic friction and begin using advanced footwork, crimps, and body positioning. It is a common milestone goal for recreational climbers in their first year.
What is the difference between French and UIAA grades?
The French system uses numbers with letters (6a, 6b+, 7a) and is the dominant system in sport climbing worldwide, especially in Europe. The UIAA system uses Roman numerals with modifiers (VI, VII+, VIII-) and is common in traditional climbing in Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe. French 6a equals approximately UIAA VI. French 7a is approximately UIAA VIII.
How do V-grades compare to French grades in bouldering?
The Hueco V-scale is the international standard for bouldering. VB is the easiest (approximately French 3–4). V0 corresponds to roughly French 5. V5 is approximately French 7a. V10 is approximately French 8a. V15 is approximately French 8c+. These comparisons are approximate. Bouldering and route climbing reward different physical attributes so the same climber may perform differently across scales.
What is 8a in climbing?
French 8a is an elite sport climbing grade equivalent to 5.13b in YDS and IX+ in UIAA. It is a significant benchmark in competitive climbing, generally achievable after 5–10 years of dedicated training for talented athletes. Most professional competitive climbers can climb 8a or above. The grade requires exceptional finger strength, technique, and sport-specific endurance.
What climbing grade should a beginner aim for?
Most beginners start between French 4 and 5+ (Yosemite 5.6–5.9) in their first sessions at a climbing gym. After 6–12 months of regular training, many reach French 6a–6b (5.10a–5.10c). French 7a is a meaningful intermediate milestone requiring 2–4 years of structured training. Progress varies significantly. Climbing technique, body composition, and training consistency all affect the rate of improvement.
Are climbing grades consistent between countries?
Grade conversions are approximate because different countries, crags, and eras have set grades differently. A French 7a at one crag may feel significantly harder or easier than a French 7a elsewhere depending on rock type, style (crimpy, slopey, powerful, technical), and the setter's standards. Use any converter as a general guide; always warm up on lower grades at a new crag before projecting your limit.
What is the hardest climbing grade?
As of 2025, the hardest confirmed sport climbing grade is French 9c (Yosemite 5.15d), first climbed by Adam Ondra on the route Silence in Norway in 2017. In bouldering, V17 has been proposed on a few routes but is not yet confirmed by consensus. The grade scale is open-ended; it expands as climbers push human limits. Only a handful of climbers in the world have completed routes above 9b (5.15b).