V scale bouldering Mar 24, 2022 · 10 Things You Didn’t Know about Bouldering Grades Ever wonder how the B-Scale relates to the V-scale relates to the Fb scale relates to the Dankyū system? We've got answers. It starts at V0 (easiest) and increases numerically (V1, V2, etc. Grade table Almost every gym has its own system of grading. In this post, you’ll see how these grading systems compare, why the conversion isn’t always exact, and what it means Mar 4, 2025 · Most climbers are familiar with two grading systems in the US. From there, the scale usually ascends to V17, which is the most difficult and only attempted by world-class climbers, though the scale may increase in the future as harder bouldering problems are found or created. Understanding Climbing Grade Conversion Comparing Bouldering Grades When it comes to comparing bouldering grades, it’s essential to understand the differences between the various grading systems used in different regions May 26, 2020 · The bouldering grading scale is used both indoors and outdoors. The V-Scale grading system doesn’t have a cap, meaning that there isn’t a “this is the hardest bouldering grade. ” The hardest route recorded is V17 to date. S. The tape Nov 3, 2023 · On the other side, the V scale narrates the adventurous spirit and innovation of North American bouldering. It is a big gap from the perspective of the V10 climber, but is it really a big gap for the V16 climber? Apr 10, 2025 · Our expert guide to climbing rating systems will help you compare trad to sport, America to Europe, bouldering, scrambling, dry tooling and everything in between Just wondering for anyone who climbs at a boulder lab gym in Australia, I know it can be difficult/inaccurate to make grading comparisons, especially because it varies from gym to gym, but what would be the rough comparison from boulder lab's 1-9 rankings compared to the V rankings in America? 4 days ago · 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. YDS grades consider endurance, route length, and protection, whereas V-grades focus on short bursts of strength and technique. Aid climbing grades take time to stabilize as successive repeats of aid climbing routes can materially reduce the grade. g. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), and the V-Scale or “Hueco Scale”. 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 Aug 18, 2017 · In this article we go over the nuances of rock climbing grades, indoor and outdoor, what they mean, and how to understand them. It originated in Hueco Tanks, Texas, and uses a simple numerical format starting at VB (beginner) and increasing with difficulty to V17, which represents elite-level climbs. Climbing Grading Systems We use two systems for grading climbs at Adrenaline Climbing. (In bouldering, particular ascents are called “problems”, not routes. In outdoor settings, two prominent grading scales, the V Scale and Font Scale, take center stage. General timelines indicate that from bouldering day one, getting to V4 can take a year, V5 two years, V6 three years, and five years to V7. For example, V2 and V3 climbs are both considered a small step up from true beginner climbs, so climbing your first V4 or V5 can sometimes be really exciting. [3] Individual problems are assigned ratings based on difficulty. Are bouldering problems graded differently in gyms than outdoors? The same V-grade system is used both indoors and out. Confused by V-grades, YDS ratings, and Font scales? Learn about the core climbing grading systems, how routes are rated, and compare systems used worldwide. The V-scale is also used internationally May 2, 2023 · Finally, let’s talk about bouldering grades. The two most commonly used scales are the V-scale and the Font-scale. 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. Here, we’ll take a look at how the conversion works and why it’s important. For a basic overview of how the grades work, check out this article with Climbing Magazine. We recommend Instantprint where an A1 poster costs around £16 (+VAT and delivery). While sport climbing has a wide variety of grading systems used by different countries, when it comes to bouldering, most countries have adopted either the Font or V scale grading system. Download UK Trad Grade Conversion Table PDF – Compare UK trad grades with the main international grading systems. Nov 3, 2023 · Originating from the legendary bouldering region of Fontainebleau in France, the Font scale is a symbol of bouldering heritage, whereas the V scale carries its own storied history in American climbing culture. , focus on dynamic, short, powerful moves. Although there have been various rating systems used throughout the history of bouldering, modern problems usually use either the V-scale or the Fontainebleau scale. Whether you’re a seasoned climber Learn about climbing and bouldering ratings, including how route difficulty is measured and the difference between a rating and a grade. Key Differences Between YDS and V-Scale The YDS applies to roped climbs, while the V-Scale applies to bouldering problems. . Nov 3, 2023 · Conversely, the V scale offers insight into the progression and nuances of bouldering across North America. Apr 27, 2025 · The V scale, also called the Hueco scale, measures the difficulty of bouldering problems. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to understand how a 7C+ boulder grade converts to the V scale or sport climbing grades like 5. For "clean aid climbing" (i. Understanding Climbing Grades: A Beginner’s Guide to Indoor Ratings and the V Scale for Bouldering Problems Explore the origins, structure, and significance of the V-scale bouldering grading system. 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. Few recreational climbers will reach V8. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The general difficulty levels are: The V grade measures the hardest single move on a boulder Feb 13, 2025 · The V-scale (Bouldering Grades) The V-scale is commonly used in bouldering, which involves short, powerful climbs without ropes. We’ll look at how long it takes to progress through certain bouldering grades and finish off with some tips to Dec 28, 2021 · A guide to how bouldering grade scales correspond to each other and fit into roped climbing, including the Font and V scales. The most widely used system for rating bouldering problems in the USA is the "V" or "Hueco" Scale. Nov 19, 2025 · The complete climbers guide to bouldering grades is here! Everything you need to know from history to training tips to send your project! Convert North American climbing grades to UK and European scales, and compare bouldering V-grades to roped climbs. The "YDS" scale is used to measure the difficulty of top-rope climbs, which range from 5. Grades higher than V7/V8 tend to be graded more equally indoors and out. Jun 23, 2024 · Indoor Climbing Grades Explained Are you new to indoor climbing and feeling overwhelmed by all the different grading systems? Understanding climbing grades is essential for tracking your progress and choosing appropriate routes. But they don’t. The Yosemite Decimal Scale for Auto Belay/Top Rope/Lead Climbing and the Hueco/V Scale for Bouldering To follow the Graded System in Adrenaline Climbing climbers follow the same colored climbing holds with both hands and feet from the denoted start hold/holds to the top hold/marked end hold/holds. The colors act as a rough guide for the subjective feeling of difficulty in climbing a boulder problem. Apr 21, 2024 · Overview of Rock Climbing gyms in Singapore, with a focus on bouldering. 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. Nov 3, 2023 · In contrast, the V scale, which began in the United States, offers its own insights into the evolution of bouldering. The scale helps climbers assess the complexity and technical demands of a climb, guiding their preparation and skill development. Convert climbing grades between different rating systems: V-scale (bouldering), Yosemite Decimal System (sport/trad), UK technical grades, French grades, UIAA, and Australian grades. Bouldering Grades Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. 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 Mar 9, 2023 · The beginner grades (sometimes called novice grades) V0 – V2 on the V Scale and 4 – 5+ on the Font Scale are most suitable for those that have just started their bouldering journey. But grading systems aren’t always exact. Dec 9, 2024 · Learn the ins and outs of climbing grades with our comprehensive guide! Understand the differences between systems, how they measure difficulty, and what they mean for climbers of all levels. A 6a in the Font system or a V3 in the V scale might be seen as moderate challenges, but the tales, methods, and memories accompanying each climb add depth to the bouldering narrative. In this article, we will break down the various grading systems used in indoor climbing, including V-scale for bouldering and Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) for roped Oct 12, 2020 · Bouldering grades on the V Scale tend to be clumped together, so breaking into the next grade clump can be exciting. May 31, 2020 · Everything you need to know about climbing grades in one place. aid climbing equipment is used but only where the equipment is temporary and not permanently hammered into the rock), the most common system is the C-system (e. Mar 17, 2012 · Bouldering is a bit different than some other forms of rock climbing and it has its own grades, the V-scale, for defining the difficulty of the climb. Nov 4, 2009 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. It ranges from V0 (easy) to V16 (extremely difficult). What's the difference between bouldering grades? The Font Scale, V Scale, what else? We explain everything in our review. Published Mar 24, 2022 Matt Samet High Five Mar 25, 2024 · Explore the ins and outs of climbing grade conversion with tips, challenges, and resources. 15d in difficulty. Grades, especially gym grades, are relative and set up to encourage new climbers Most gyms don't set a grade harder than V10 or easier than V beginner Convert bouldering grades between Font, V-scale, Japanese Kyū/Dan, and Australian Ewbank systems with this mobile-friendly tool. 11c in route climbing. Indoors and out, V grades are suggestions of difficulty fortified by consensus. 0 to 5. The two most commonly used grading systems for bouldering are the V scale, named for its creator, John “Vermin” Sherman, and the Front scale, named for the area in France where it was first created! John Sherman (born 1959), nicknamed Verm (short for "Vermin") is an American rock climber and a pioneer in the promotion and development of the climbing discipline of bouldering. The most common bouldering grading scheme is the V-Scale, known as the Hueco scale, ranging from V0 to V17. Go climb outside. [1] He is also a climbing writer and outdoor photographer, and the originator of the V-grade system (after his nickname), [1] for grading the technical difficulty of boulder problems, which has since become one of the Aug 30, 2023 · Here’s how the two scales compare: Is outdoor bouldering harder than indoor? In essence, while one might expect V grades to be consistent between indoor and outdoor bouldering, this isn't always the case. Apr 27, 2025 · The V Scale as we know it today is primarily used in American climbing gyms and outdoor bouldering areas. Meaning that for example if you look at a crag in Australia you will most likely see sport and trad climbing grades displayed in Ewbanks and bouldering grades in V-scale. While the V-scale is widely used in the United States, it is also known as the Hueco scale, named after the Hueco Tanks in Texas, where the grading system originated. Nov 3, 2023 · While both the 6c in Font and the V5 in the V scale are notable grades, the tales, styles, and experiences behind each climb add depth and context to the world of bouldering. Sep 17, 2024 · The V-scale, or Hueco Scale, measures the difficulty of bouldering problems. This article breaks down how these systems compare, why they don’t line up perfectly, and what it means for your climbing. Jun 21, 2025 · The V scale starts at V0, which indicates an easy, beginner-friendly climbing route. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to figure out how a 6b bouldering grade converts to the V scale or sport climbing grades, here’s a quick answer: A 6b in the Fontainebleau bouldering system is about a V4 in the Hueco (V) scale and roughly a 5. Mar 17, 2023 · Ever wondered how long it takes to progress through the bouldering grades? How long it takes to go from beginner to intermediate grades? How long it takes to get to V3? Or how long it takes to get to V5? This article covers everything you need to know about bouldering progression. During the 20th century, bouldering evolved into a separate discipline. Got feedback? File an issue. Aug 29, 2025 · How to Understand Bouldering Levels and Climbing Grades at Any Gym - including the V Scale, Circuits, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Learn about the different climbing grades used in bouldering, from V0 to V16, and understand how to interpret the grading system to choose routes that suit your skill level. However, in gyms, V0 to V5/V6 problems tend to be graded soft, or easier, than the same grade on outdoor boulders. Universal grade conversion Back to contents In general, theCrag displays grades as they are entered and in the area specific context. This is my take on comparing grades across gyms. While the grading systems vary by region—like the Fontainebleau system in Europe or the V-scale in the U. Based off my experience climbing 5 or 6 V grades below my max, I imagine for someone like Daniel Wood the difference between V10 and V11 isn't any much more than the difference between V6 and V7. Climbing Grades at Tufas: Circuit Grading Taking advantage of the subjectivity of climbing, many gyms across the world have moved to grade climbs on a circuit. C3+). How these grades are used and understood differs wildly. It starts at V0 for easy climbs and currently extends to V17 for the hardest known problems. ), typically up to V17 for the most difficult challenges. 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. Aug 21, 2025 · Circuit Grading By Julia August 21, 2025 Circuit Grading WHAT IS CIRCUIT GRADING? Circuit Grading is a way of categorizing bouldering problems into groups of similar difficulty. The 7a to V Scale Conversion Explained Nov 8, 2023 · Discover the definitive guide to bouldering grades. The two most common boulder grading systems are the V-Scale and the Fontainebleau Scale. For example, a 7c Font Scale grade usually translates to V9 on the V-Scale. Video on American V-Scale Here is a comprehensive video on the V-scale by Jake Mason, Head Routesetter at Yonder and Hang. Mar 17, 2023 · Bouldering grades used all over the world Below is a list of regions alongside which bouldering grading system they use. The higher the grade, the longer it takes to get to the next one. Apr 27, 2025 · The V-Scale originated in the United States but is now used worldwide. He walks you through indoor bouldering grades and discusses some of the common disagreements among climbers when it comes to climbing grades. e. ) Mar 30, 2023 · Rock climbing grades Behind the grades: Grades are often debated in climbing because they aim to measure difficulty in objective terms, but the many variables in what makes a climb hard, and who is doing the climbing, make objectivity impossible. Bouldering grades are a way to measure the difficulty of climbing problems, helping climbers gauge challenges and track progress. Apr 27, 2025 · Bouldering grades are often convertible between the Font Scale and the V-Scale. Compare bouldering grades across different systems including Hueco (V Scale), Fontainebleau, and more. Apr 29, 2024 · Learn everything about climbing grades and quickly convert any climbing rating with our free climbing grade conversion chart. Or climb on a system board with known grade relationships. Feb 19, 2021 · Bouldering and the V Scale What Is the V Scale? While the YDS is used to grade pretty much every roped rock climbing route in America and beyond, bouldering utilizes a completely different system There are no grades in this guidebook In place of the V-scale, we have indexed each problem within a color range. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to understand how a 6c bouldering grade converts to the V Scale or sport climbing grades, here’s the quick answer: 6c roughly equals V5 in the Hueco (V) Scale and 5. The “V” stands for “Vermin” or “Verm,” which was the nickname of a renowned boulderer and the inventor of the V-scale, John Sherman. These systems help orient climbers to appropriate challenges. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. 12a in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). For grades up to V5/V6, outdoor challenges tend to be roughly two V grades tougher than their indoor counterparts. Climbing an 8c route in Fontainebleau or conquering a V15 boulder in the V system both reflect remarkable achievements in the climbing Jun 28, 2024 · Explore the evolution of climbing grades and discover why they’re inherently subjective, influenced by personal factors and climbing styles. Find equivalent difficulty across systems. 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. Here's the link if you're interested. Learn about the Yosemite and French grading systems and how the two compare. The V-Scale is named after John Sherman, who created the system in the 1990s. Jun 23, 2024 · Understanding Bouldering Grades: From V-scale to Fontainebleau Are you new to the world of bouldering and feeling overwhelmed by all the different grading systems? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the various bouldering grades from the V-scale to Fontainebleau, helping you navigate the intricacies of the sport with ease. A rough Feb 2, 2025 · The "V" scale is used for bouldering routes, with V0 representing the easiest and V17 meaning the most difficult. Both are considered to be performance high-water marks, requiring not just power but precision technique and a razor-like mental edge. Like the YDS, grading can vary between gyms and outdoor areas. Download Bouldering Grade PDF – Comparison between Font, V and UK tech grades. Rope Climbing grades use a simplified version of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) Bouldering grades use the V-Scale Don’t get caught up on grades Use the grading system as a guide to find routes that challenge you in a fun and rewarding way Feb 25, 2025 · Confused by climbing grades? Learn how different grading systems compare and what those numbers and letters really mean for your climbing progression. 13d, you’re in the right place. Comprehensive guide for climbers of all levels. The bouldering grade system used in the United States is the V Scale, which uses a basic numbering system, with small numbers (as low as 0) designating easier routes and higher grades (up to 17 Apr 29, 2024 · Learn everything about climbing grades and quickly convert any climbing rating with our free climbing grade conversion chart. Whether it's a 7b in Font or a V8 in the V scale, each grade tells a story, reflecting challenges overcome, techniques mastered, and moments of pure elation. A grade like 6b in Font or V4 in the V scale might be viewed as a midpoint for many climbers, but the experiences, challenges, and triumphs associated with these grades bring richness to the sport's narrative. This guide explains the different grading systems used in rock climbing and offers tips to level up your skills. From V0 to V15, unlock the secrets of difficulty ratings and elevate your climbing game. The goal is to reach the top of a boulder problem or route. And some history lessons. 12c. Oct 15, 2021 · Bouldering grades are systems that determine the level of difficulty of a bouldering route (often called a “boulder problem”), graded based on its hardest move rather than as an average difficulty. Bouldering Grade Systems Bouldering grade systems are a 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. Learn your grades and apply them to your climbing and problem setting. It combines the commonly used “Vermin” or “V” system (which uses a number along the scale of V0-VX) with a color system to represent a group of grades along a Nov 3, 2023 · Conversely, the V scale, which began in the United States, has its own distinct history interwoven with the development of bouldering there. Dec 24, 2023 · To quantify the difficulty of bouldering problems, climbers use grading systems like the Hueco V-Scale and Fontainebleau scale. Bouldering grades are the assigned difficulty ratings to boulder problems. Generally, you climb without a rope, looking the wall or rock in the eye, usually just above the ground. Just like sport climbing, bouldering routes are most often graded using a number system. Climb better by learning climbing grades. Progression is non-linear. Other similarly priced services are available. These grades provide a shared language for climbers, making it easier to compare Apr 27, 2025 · The 6A bouldering grade is about the same as a V3 on the Hueco scale or a 5. May 31, 2025 · Understanding Bouldering Grades: From Your First V0 to the Impossible V17 May 31, 2025 by alpin3climb3r tagged bouldering, climbing, grades, lifestyle, training, travel, v-scale Apr 27, 2025 · Bouldering grades, like the V scale that’s used in the U. Apr 27, 2025 · 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. Understand bouldering, sport, and trad climbing grades for accurate conversions. In the United States for sport climbing and other forms of rock climbing we use the Yosemite Decimal System. Bouldering grades and bouldering grades conversion charts for the popular V-Scale and Font-Scale bouldering grades. The gap between the gym and the crag is real—expect outdoor climbs to feel 2-3 grades harder due to tactile complexity and the lack of commercial setting. While these grading systems are widely used, they are subjective and have even evolved over time, so we often hear about the inconsistency climbers see between Oct 18, 2013 · V scale for bouldering In bouldering, a scale used to describe the difficulty of problems. Apr 27, 2025 · Key Takeaways Climbing grade systems, including the V scale and French grading scale, help categorize the difficulty of bouldering and sport climbing routes nationwide. Anyways, since I had a hard time I just made one. An explanation fo the main two main bouldering grades systems: Font and V including the history of bouldering grades and why they're used. Two systems are the V-grade system used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) used for grading routes. —all aim to reflect a combination of physical and technical demands. Feb 9, 2024 · UK Climbing Grades UK bouldering grades are a bit trickier to understand and not seen frequently but they tell much more about a climb than the V Scale or Font grading. Each scale brings its Rock climbing grades are a means of estimating the difficulty of a climb. For the average boulderer, their sweet spot lies somewhere in the range of V4 to V7—the pros aim much higher. Jun 23, 2024 · The V-Scale is a grading system used in bouldering to rate the difficulty of a boulder problem. 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. A grade like 7a in Font or V6 in the V scale stands testament to a climber's dedication, yet it's the myriad narratives and experiences behind each climb that truly define the beauty of bouldering. The V-Scale is a grading system used to measure the difficulty of bouldering problems. Changing 8b+ Font grades to the V scale—for instance, translating 8b+ to V14—serves United States climbers. The V-scale was born in Hueco Tanks, Texas in the 1980s. The first part of the grade gives the climb’s overall difficulty, and the second part indicates how technical the climb is. Many areas in the world have developed different systems. Nov 3, 2023 · The Font grading system has deep roots in the Fontainebleau climbing area of France and is a revered standard for evaluating bouldering challenges, while the V scale originates from the United States and charts the evolution of difficulty in American bouldering. Read now! 3 days ago · The V-Scale focuses on the hardest move, while the Font Scale emphasizes the complexity of the entire problem. 12b in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 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. tanjyv oes pyg igcxtq abnrf okbm holsg douk ymvkr kln sekl jzamrb lwslg stgvovy avjzshrt