7a to v scale. The 7a to V Scale Conversion Explained .
7a to v scale The ‘+’ symbol, as in 7c+ or V9+, indicates a minor increase in difficulty. The V-system is the only bouldering system over-layed onto a route grading chart. Mar 25, 2024 · The 7a to v Scale is a versatile tool that is commonly used in a variety of fields, including the medical and environmental sectors. Two boulder problems rated 3 and 4 on the Fontainebleau scale represent the same level of difficulty change as two climbs given ratings of 7a 7b. The climbing grade system can be a bit confusing, especially for beginners. So really 7a is comparable to 11d, which seems to jibe with most of the conversions I've seen. Practical tips for gear, wildlife encounters, and essential know-how. Sep 17, 2024 · This chart illustrates how a 6C in the Font Scale corresponds to a V5 in the V Scale. Climbers can use these systems to track their progress as they work toward building new skill sets. Find gear, guidebooks and tips for climbing from MEC. Find out how to convert the V scale and more here. org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering Apr 27, 2025 · The 6A bouldering grade is about the same as a V3 on the Hueco scale or a 5. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. So the increase between 6B+ to 7A on the Font Scale is a big leap. Key Takeaways Online Conversion Tool for Climbing Grades & Bouldering Grades: Trad Grade, UIAA, French Sport Grade, Boulder Grades, American Scale & many more. The V scale and the Font scale are both systems that are used to communicate how easy or challenging a boulder problem will likely be. May 31, 2020 · The Fontainebleau scale uses the same numerals, letters, and symbols, but is usually written in all caps (e. So here is your complete guide to understanding! Apr 10, 2025 · A plus or minus sign can also be added to the grade to indicate subtle differences. [2] Apr 27, 2025 · The French system, which uses numbers and letters like 7a, is common for sport climbing, while the V Scale—starting at VB and running up to V17—dominates bouldering in the U. Many areas in the world have developed different systems. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to figure out how the 7A bouldering grade compares to the V Scale or the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s the quick answer: 7A roughly equals V6 and 5. The Fontainebleau Scale, often referred to as ‘the Font Scale ’, ascends in a similar way to the V Scale, until you hit Font 6, when our old friends a, b and c, and the plus and minus signs are wheeled out once more to indicate slight increases in difficulty. Sometimes the conditions and the state of the routes can also influence the grades. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to understand how 8A in the Fontainebleau grading system compares to the V Scale or Yosemite… Right now it's big slopers and the big brick shaped pinches and just learning how to position my body to maintain a firm grip. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned climber, our climbing grade conversion cha Understand the bouldering grade system and how it's used to measure the difficulty of routes, with expert advice on how to use grades to track your progress and set goals. Key Takeaways In the United States, V scale is the most commonly Climbing Grade Conversions Climbing grades can be confusing due to the various systems used around the world. Both aim to measure how hard a climb feels, but they were developed in different regions and reflect different grading traditions and styles of climbing. Learn how bouldering V-scales compare to YDS for route climbing, understand the journey from indoor to outdoor climbing, and explore international grading systems. Protection Ratings Trad climbing can add an extra element of risk to free routes, and they bear a few attachments to help climbers know what they’re getting into: Want to know more about bouldering climbing grades? Check out our comprehensive guide on the V-Scale and French Scale here. 12c. But grades aren’t always straightforward. Oct 23, 2023 · Discover the intricacies of climbing grades with our comprehensive guide. This guide breaks down why that is, how the grading systems compare, and what it means for your climbing. Apr 27, 2025 · Bouldering Grades V-Scale (or Hueco Scale) The V-Scale is the most common bouldering grading system and was named after John “Vermin” Sherman, who worked with his climbing buddies in the 1980s and 90s to rate routes in Hueco Tanks, a famous bouldering area in Texas. 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. Jun 5, 2023 · What Are Bouldering Grades? Similar to any type of climbing, bouldering is graded with a series of numbers and letters. Compare bouldering grades across different systems including Hueco (V Scale), Fontainebleau, and more. Online Conversion Tool for Climbing Grades & Bouldering Grades: Trad Grade, UIAA, French Sport Grade, Boulder Grades, American Scale & many more. com Nov 3, 2023 · Learn how to compare 7a in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system with V6 in the V scale for bouldering. Climbers know the ups and Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to convert a 7b+ boulder problem from the Fontainebleau scale to the V scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s the quick answer: 7b+ roughly equals V8/V9 on the V scale and 5. The lower bound of the scale is V0, and the current upper bound is V17. Wrapping Up: Bouldering Grade Table Font Grade V Grade UK Tech Grade 4a 4b 7a Free poster from Rockfax. 14a in sport climbing grades In this article, you’ll see how these systems compare, why the conversions aren’t always perfect, and how to use . Most climbing gyms offer a range of V0 to V10/V11. S. This is a bouldering climbing grade conversion chart. Feb 9, 2024 · At a grade of 7A, this was a tremendous feat during the 60s. Explore nature with expert advice and Apr 27, 2025 · Climbers often face confusion when switching between grading systems. Our secret (or maybe not so secret anymore) tip for Pros of Fontainebleau bouldering grades: The system is especially sensitive around the mid-level, about 6a to 7a, with more distinct grades for the same range of difficulty in comparison to the V system. Dominating at these grades involves tackling steep overhangs, executing difficult highball boulder problems The most widely used system for rating bouldering problems in the USA is the "V" or "Hueco" Scale. Aug 18, 2017 · The French Grading Scale can be used to determine both sport climbs and boulders. In reality, it might even be covering two or up to three V grades. The V-scale ranges from V0 to V16 and was first proposed by John Sherman in 1991. Each grade conveys the difficulty of the route. For example, the three V grades of V2, V3 & V4 are covered by f6a, f6a+, f6b and f6b+. Here’s a rundown of the main climbing grade systems and how they compare: Apr 27, 2025 · The French scale is commonly used for sport climbing worldwide, using grades like 6a or 9a to indicate route difficulty and is often seen in international competitions. com © Rockfax 2000, 2002, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2020 The two most common bouldering grading systems are the V-scale and the Fontainebleau system. Compare climbing and bouldering grades in different systems, including 7a to v scale. 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. font I also from France and uses the same grades so it's a bit confusing but that's just the way it is 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" Jul 25, 2022 · Bouldering Climbing Grade Systems: The V Scale and the Font Scale 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. The difference is the way this information is communicated and the places where these scales are used in. 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. This guide breaks down how these grades compare, why they don’t match perfectly, and what each one means for your climbing. 11c in route climbing. 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. Apr 27, 2025 · Understanding the Font Scale and V Scale in Bouldering Bouldering uses two main grading systems to describe problem difficulty: the Fontainebleau (Font) scale and the V scale. The Font Scale has additional grade steps, whereas the V Scale has larger leaps between grades. 7A+) to help distinguish the two. In this article, you’ll learn how 7b+ compares across different systems, why the conversion isn’t exact, and what factors can Nov 8, 2023 · In general, there are two main bouldering grading systems; the V scale and the Font scale. The two scales were summarised as "Plaisir Grades" and aligned in a UIAA table where French grades 1–6a aligned with "UIAA scale" grades I–VI+; beyond that level, the two systems diverged and for example, French 7a+ equates to UIAA grade VIII and French 9a equates to UIAA grade XI. The reason being that the width of grades on a specific scale are not comparable or that grades are not linear across the whole scale. Nov 3, 2023 · The V scale, established in the US, offers insights into the adventurous spirit and progression of American bouldering. In comparison, systems such as UIAA and YDS (Yosemite Decimal System) measure ongoing difficulty and danger. Apr 27, 2025 · The V-Scale and Font Scale are heavily focused on the hardest move and the cumulative experience. Mar 17, 2023 · This grading scale is a lot easier to read than the Font scale which is why it is often adopted online as the main bouldering grading scale. 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. The 5a and V scales measure difficulty in different ways, yet… Nov 25, 2025 · If you’re trying to understand how 8A in the Fontainebleau grading system compares to the V Scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s your quick answer: 8A on the Fontainebleau scale equals V11 on the V Scale 8A also translates to about 5. Understanding the different grading systems and how they convert can help you to gauge the difficulty of routes across different regions. Oct 12, 2020 · Wondering how climbs are graded by setters? Or maybe you want to learn what V means in bouldering. Each scale brings its Nov 3, 2023 · 7b Boulder to V Scale: For those specifically searching for the "7b to V scale" conversion, here it is: 7b in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is approximately equivalent to V8 in the V scale. Both a 7c in the Font system and a V9 in the V scale exemplify the relentless pursuit of excellence by climbers, capturing their stories, trials, and achievements. g. This article breaks down how these systems compare, why they don’t line up perfectly, and what it means for your climbing. See a comparison table, historical overview, and tips for climbing higher grades. [2] The two scales were summarised as "Plaisir Grades" and aligned in a UIAA table where French grades 1–6a aligned with "UIAA scale" grades I–VI+; beyond that level, the two systems diverged and for example, French 7a+ equates to UIAA grade VIII and French 9a equates to UIAA grade XI. In this article, we’ll focus on the V-scale since it’s more widely used in North America. Named for pioneer boulderer, John "Vermin" Sherman who climbed the amazing boulders of Hueco Tanks, TX, the V Scale denotes the level of difficulty of a boulder problem. Your guide to outdoor adventures and wildlife wisdom. For example, on this site, you will often see me using the V-scale system (due to its simplicity) even though I grew up with the Font scale. The best way to approach the conversion is to travel, go climbing and get used to the different grades! Have fun! P. This grading system originated in France from climbers in one of the world’s most popular bouldering areas in Fontainebleau. These three grading systems measure different things, so the conversion isn’t exact—but it’s close enough to help you understand what to expect. Rockfax guidebooks cover routes in areas of mixed sport and trad climbing so we tend to go for the redpoint grade in the 6c to 7a region however we do make a slight qualification of the Rockfax ‘onsight’ grade; we use the ‘first try – easiest method’ grade. It allows for the accurate and consistent measurement of different parameters, providing valuable data that can be used for analysis and decision-making. Both indoor and outdoor bouldering is graded, but you’ll find that outdoor climbing will use either the V-Scale or the Font-Scale, which are the two most common bouldering scales Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to figure out how 6c+ in the Fontainebleau system converts to the V Scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), the answer is pretty simple: 6c+ roughly equals V5/V6 in the Hueco V Scale and 5. The 7a to V Scale Conversion Explained See full list on topbouldering. With all different grading systems: Font, V scale, Danky or British, a bouldering grades conversion table is your help. Comparison Table: Fontainebleau Grade (Font) Approximate V Scale 7a+ V7 7b V8 7b+ V8 / V9 (Note: As always, grading rema V is only bouldering, V5 is font 6c+ V6 is font 7a font is the bouldering grading system that's used in Europe a lot, French is for sport climbing. Comprehensive guide for climbers of all levels. Mar 24, 2022 · Nonetheless, like the V-scale, the Font scale’s open-endedness has given it staying power: Michel Libert’s L’Abbatoir, done in 1960, is still le forêt’s first and benchmark 7A (V6), even if Font’s current hardest problem merits 8C+ or 9A (V16 or V7)… depending on who you ask. Let's take a look at how to read grades on the French scale by examining the grade 7a+. Mar 25, 2024 · In the United States, the V-scale is commonly used for bouldering grades, ranging from V0 (easiest) to V16 (hardest). 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. 13b on the YDS. 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 Apr 29, 2024 · Learn everything about climbing grades and quickly convert any climbing rating with our free climbing grade conversion chart. Nov 19, 2025 · Just like the V Scale, a Font Scale letter grade can also have a plus sign attached, increasing the route difficulty by degree. 12b/c in the YDS. Bouldering V Scale Conversion tables of climbing grades : SummitPost. Nov 3, 2023 · 7b+ Boulder to V Scale: For those specifically searching for the "7b+ to V scale" conversion, here it is: 7b+ in the Fontainebleau (Font) grading system is approximately equivalent to V8/V9 in the V scale. But grading systems aren’t always exact. I think the color coded (yellow, green, red, blue, etc) bouldering system in gyms beats the V scale and is less likely to discourage or confuse new climbers. Cons of Fontainebleau bouldering grades: Explore the origins, structure, and significance of the V-scale bouldering grading system. The Font Scale is the predominant grading scale in Europe and parts of Asia and was established long before the V Scale. The "7" refers to the difficulty of the climb, the higher the number the harder the climb. Easy to read too much into it as a beginner. We use the term 'current upper bound' because elite outdoor climbers continue to establish and send increasingly difficult climbs. Here's the link if you're interested. On the other hand, in Europe, the Fontainebleau scale is more prevalent, with grades ranging from 1A (easiest) to 9B+ (hardest). Anyways, since I had a hard time I just made one. This bouldering grades comparison table is designed to help climbers convert from Hueco to French and back to French to V-Scale. Bouldering grades are graded using different systems across different regions. The V Scale North America uses the V scale in its indoor rock gyms and outdoor bouldering routes. Side-by-side comparison of physical and technical demands between the V scale and the French scale reveal significant discrepancies. Rock climbing grades are a means of estimating the difficulty of a climb. Yet, we know that it’s not this simple all the time. The higher the grade, the harder the route is. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. Including Grade Wike & Table. Jun 10, 2024 · Grade Converters Bouldering and Lead Climbing Grade converters and other tools for rock climbers. Dec 9, 2024 · The V-scale was invented in the 1980s by John Sherman, nicknamed “Vermin,” hence the V. Grades can be subjective and may vary slightly between locations or setters. In outdoor settings, two prominent grading scales, the V Scale and Font Scale, take center stage.