How do climbing grades vary globally?

Climbing grades differ based on the region and style. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is prevalent in the US, while the French system is standard in Europe for sport climbing. Bouldering typically uses the V-Scale (Hueco) or Font scale.

What is the "crux" in a climb?

The crux is the most difficult move or sequence on a climbing route. The grade of the climb is usually determined by the difficulty of the crux.

How is "Ewbank" grade different from YDS?

The Ewbank system, used in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, uses a simple numerical scale starting from 1 upwards, unlike the YDS which uses classes (e.g., Class 5) and sub-grades (e.g., 5.10a).

Can you compare bouldering and sport climbing grades?

Bouldering grades (V-Scale) focus on short, explosive power, while sport climbing (YDS/French) includes endurance over longer routes. Generally, a V0 boulder problem is equivalent to roughly a 5.10a sport route.

Climbing & Mountaineering

Climbing Grade Converter

Unify international climbing metrics. Find equivalent difficulties across Yosemite (YDS), French (Sport), and Hueco (V-Scale) systems.

Difficulty Select

Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)

Grade Context

Solid intermediate grade. Requires core techniques like flagging and precise footwork. Found in most gyms and outdoor crags.

Global Equivalents

French (Sport)

6a+

V-Scale (Bouldering)

Ewbank (AU/NZ)

UIAA (Alps)

VI+

International Grade Comparison Table

YDS (USA)	French (EU)	V-Scale	UIAA
5.8	5b	-	VI-
5.9	5c	-	VI
5.10a	6a	V0	VI+
5.11a	6b+	V2	VII-
5.12a	7a+	V4/5	VIII-
5.13a	7c+	V8/9	IX-

How Grades are Determined

Climbing grades are inherently subjective, usually assigned by the first person to successfully "send" the route. They represent the consensus of subsequent climbers and typically reflect the difficulty of the single hardest move (the crux) while assuming ideal conditions.

"Soft" vs "Sandbagged"

"Soft" grades feel easier than typical for the grade, while "sandbagged" routes feel significantly harder than their assigned numbering suggests.

Local Variations

Old-school areas (like Joshua Tree) are known for historical stiff grading compared to modern indoor gyms.