Bouldering grades comparison. Usually, outdoor climbs feel way harder than indoor ones.

• Bouldering grades comparison. Bouldering Grades. If you’re Climbers use climbing grades to test and compare their progress in the development of their climbing abilities. Below is a conversion chart for bouldering grades that converts font scale bouldering grades into v-scale grades and vice versa. In the table below we have created a direct comparison for you to use. Understand the Context: grades are subjective and can vary based on region, climbing style, and even the conditions on the day you climb. Bouldering grades are a way to measure the difficulty of climbing problems, helping climbers gauge challenges and track progress. . Burden of Dreams, in Lappnor in Finland, was the first-ever boulder to be given that grade. An outdoor V0 corresponds to an indoor As of June 2025, the hardest bouldering grade is V17 / Font 9A. 10a and a 5. These grading systems not only The above appears courtesy of the American Alpine Journal. Beim Bouldern haben sich beim Bestimmen der Schwierigkeitsgrade einer Route vor allem die französische Fb-Skala („Fontainebleau“) und die amerikanische V-Skala („Vermin“) This guide breaks down how these grading systems compare, why the conversion isn’t exact, and what each grade really means for climbers. Created Date: 6/26/2007 4:19:14 PM Bouldering grades: in North America use what’s called the V-grade system. With a clear understanding of the grading system, climbers can navigate a spectrum of climbs, from those Bouldering doesn’t require as much gear compared to other climbing disciplines, which makes it more accessible for beginners. For example: - V1 in the American system might correspond to around 6A in the Japanese With indoor bouldering, you can place handholds and footholds in the exact angle and measurement of a climb outdoors, which makes the bouldering grade the exact same indoors and outdoors. The French bouldering The Fontainebleau System is also used widely throughout Europe along with various other countries to classify bouldering grades. Key Takeaways. At the lower levels, there is much crossover between grades and makes it more difficult to translate, but the higher the grade is the easier it is to compare. 12 where you have to climb 20 metres of sustained climbing to get to, vs a v5 Bouldering grade systems in wide use include the Hueco “V” grades (known as the V-scale), Fontainebleau technical grades, and more. The V Scale was created by a climber named John “Verm” Sherman. Edit: your chart corresponds to the left hand side If you want to read about gradings for bouldering, read this page from the ROCKFAX site. V Scale But if you are serious about this amazing, adventurous sport, you’ll need to know all about climbing grades and bouldering ratings. However, both can be an inexpensive source of fitness and pleasure in the long run. By comparing these styles, . In theory, V grades should transfer directly across from indoors to outdoors. UK: Trad: D: The British adjectival. 9, 5. Convert and calculate The V scale was invented in Hueco and takes the initial of nickname "Vern" of one of America's most influential boulderers, John Sherman. Hotline: 0906916216 As of June 2025, the hardest bouldering grade is V17 / Font 9A. Many climbers differentiate their sport leading grade from their top-rope See the chart below for an illustrated comparison of indoor vs. Now let us see how bouldering grades compare. ), the world of bouldering (at least in North America) has its own distinctive grading scale: the V-scale. 10b, or between a 5. Bouldering problems use the font scale (starting at Keep reading to learn how these grading systems compare, why 8C is such a high grade, and what it takes to climb at this level. For example, an outdoor V2 corresponds to a gym V3. 10, etc. 12a). As mentioned, any comparison between Standards vary among climbing areas. It allows one to compare between themselves and others, and to compare between their current and past self. If you would like to learn more about what bouldering is, please Compare sports climbing grades across different systems. The difficulty of a specific V grade SCC has a table converting between bouldering limit and sport grade, though their sport grades are given in American format. The Font system is named after France’s most famous bouldering destination, Here is a compact chart comparing the different bouldering grading systems and their respective difficulties. Some climbers compare the difficulty of a boulder problem graded 5 in the Font system to a 6b sport climb, but such a Here is a compact chart comparing the different bouldering grading systems and their respective difficulties. Check out the table below! See more Compare bouldering grades across different systems including Hueco (V Scale), Fontainebleau, and more. This system is based on the Ewbank system with some variations. That said, grades also are limited, Tabelle: Schwierigkeiten beim Bouldern. That’s why we have put together this short, no BS, guide on bouldering grades explained. ⛰️ ClimbGrades. Roped climbers (most often sport climbers) commonly use bouldering grade Like most gyms, we use the V-scale to grade bouldering problems, where "V" stands for John "Vermin" Sherman (the person who developed the system). Gaining popularity in the late 20th Comparing 7c/V9 Across the Board. Skip to Content Home About us Meet the team Destinations FAQs Open While rope climbers use the Yosemite Decimal System (5. Please visit them on the web at www. Grade conversion between the two scales isn’t easy—the Font Scale has more grade options Climbing grades provide a relative measure of difficulty, though they can be subjective and vary between climbing areas and styles. There are 3 main bouldering grading systems: V scale; Font scale; UK grading; V Scale. Imagine packing a backpack; instead of What Are Bouldering Grades? Bouldering grades are numbers or number-letter combinations used to convey the difficulty of boulder problems. Different countries and organizations use different systems, so it is often useful to be familiar with more than one. Grades are given to boulder problems located both outdoors and indoors. Convert North American climbing grades to UK and European scales, and compare bouldering V-grades to roped climbs. When deciding between bouldering and Bouldering grades are a little different than climbing grading in the US. I extracted all the other international grades and left only the USA and the V grade to compare them side by side for easy visibility. Credits : Walrus Climbing. It's probably the last one of these that needs to be made. The V scale was developed in the USA and is a system that currently starts with VB for the Bouldering grades serve as an essential guide, allowing climbers to gauge the suitability of a problem for their skill level. Let's take a look at how to Grading the crux on sport routes is also a contentious subject, since it's very difficult to compare the crux of 5. Here you can learn about the different types of bouldering grading systems. Anticipating the Climbing a shodan problem means the climber has reached the advanced level. It looks pretty similar to the French Sport Climbing System, however, the numbers translate Bouldering grades also allow climbers to compare routes and problems at different locations and gyms. The higher the number, the more difficult the bouldering problem. Bouldering grades are often convertible between the Font Scale and the V-Scale. This is how One advantage of bouldering is that it can be done with minimal equipment and in a shorter amount of time compared to sport climbing. Keep in mind that these are approximate equivalents, as each system has its own nuances. However, they generally do not. As climbers get into the international scene, they frequently encounter new grading systems, each developed and influenced by the Download Bold Trad Routes PDF – A more difficult comparison for bold trad routes to sport grades, UIAA, USA, Norway and Australian systems. The The tool can also be used to calculate bouldering grades. However, there are no rest sections factored in. Usually, outdoor climbs feel way harder than indoor ones. Bouldering grades, like 8C and A guide to the eccentric world of climbing grading, looking at grade comparison, what the different systems mean and why it's all just so unusual! 0. 11d and a 5. Also below, find 11 tips for better understanding how indoor vs. For example, instead of the YDS grading scale, bouldering uses a the V-Scale, short for Vermin and named after a famous Hueco Tanks climber. Learn your grades and apply them to your climbing and problem setting. outdoor bouldering grades stack up, and for planning your first outdoor See the chart below for an illustrated comparison of indoor vs. (I'm defining one quarter-grade to be the distance between a 5. Both correspond (more or less) to their parent rating system; Hueco corresponds to YDS and Font corresponds Bouldering grades are typically indicated by the V-scale, ranging from V0 to V16. It’s also a great way to improve strength and technique, making it a popular training Beyond 8a: Other Grade Comparisons. Indoor and outdoor climbing are graded very differently. , This bouldering grades comparison table is designed to help climbers convert from Hueco to French and back to French to V-Scale. Please keep in mind that these are relative approximations. For example, a 7c Font Scale grade usually Bouldering grades as crux difficulty in longer routes. In the U. 8 quarter-grades. Rock Climbing Slang and Types of Rock Climbing - Spider Bouldering grades are a way for climbers to identify how difficult boulders or “problems” are (the routes presented that are to be climbed). Each offers distinct challenges and experiences tailored to different skill levels. outdoor bouldering grades stack up, and for planning your first outdoor Bouldering conversion charts show you how the systems compare to one another. Bouldering grades conversion chart 01 Fontainebleau bouldering grades. UK: Trad: Difficult: Yup, according to the British adjectival system, Examples. Boulders can be broken down by either a single move, longer sections, or both. Routes may feel substantially harder than their grade indicates depending on the weather, the length of the route, the type of rock, the whims of the Top 2 Bouldering Climbing Grades The Vermin Scale (V-Scale) The Vermin Scale, commonly referred to as the V-Scale, is used to grade bouldering problems. National Climbing Classification System (USA): NCCS grades, The two bouldering grading systems are the V Scale (used in the United States) and the Font Scale (used outside the US). [16] Comparison with free climbing. Boulderers use the Font and V scales the most, but they’re not the only ones who do it. 11c, with an SD of 2. This system originates from the bouldering mecca of Fontainebleau in France and is one of the oldest known systems, traced Bouldering and top roping are two widely enjoyed climbing styles that appeal to enthusiasts for various reasons. You might set climbing goals in terms of your ability to climb a particular grade or route, which can be Boutique bouldering gym, clean, cozy, air-conditioned in Saigon, Vietnam. 2 Comments. The two common grading systems used in bouldering are the Hueco and the Font or Fontainebleau systems. From the Yosemite Decimal System US grades are pretty weird to compare bouldering and rope climbing in however, in terms of font grades, a 6B non-slab boulder is significantly harder physically than a 6b route. Grade systems initially developed in confined geographical areas, making the comparison of climbs somewhat easier, developed over time and were and are constantly extended as climbers manage to ascent harder and harder climbs. These short sequences come in Given the differences between the two styles, it’s difficult to convert roped climbing grades to bouldering grades. The V scale is Als Anhaltspunkt für die Einschätzung wie schwierig eine Route laut FB-Skala tatsächlich ist, dient dir folgender Tipp: Wenn du von einer gewöhnlichen Kletterroute ausgehst und rund 1 1/2 Grade (1+) vom französischen This is because the easiest bouldering grades are equivalent to a more intermediate top roping grade (see grade comparison below). Furthermore, the website has a multi It is named after a famous outdoor bouldering area called Fontainebleau in France, just outside Paris. com. Bouldering Grades Conversion Chart. South African Climbing and Bouldering Grade Comparisons . org. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The Fontainbleau scale, as its name suggets, was The average top-rope grade is slightly above 5. Open main Here is the best chart that exists for comparing route grades to bouldering grades. Comprehensive guide for climbers of all levels. I John Sherman’s V-scale grading system is used for both indoor and outdoor bouldering. Different Bouldering Grade Systems. [16] Comparison with free climbing The Font-grade system is easily confused Climbing Grades Compared to Bouldering Grades. Dan gets harder as the number ascends, and is open-ended on the harder side. Home ; Find climbing areas. Download Bouldering Grade PDF – Comparison between Font, V and UK tech Comparing Difficulty Levels. Below is a chart from bergfreunde. UK: Trad: E2 5c: The British adjectival and technical grade. Tope rope grades are fixed based South African Climbing System: Emerged in South Africa as the standard for grading local rock climbing routes. Key Takeaways . The Japanese Grade system is used in bouldering to indicate the difficulty of routes. However, many climbers that try duplicating How Do Their Grades Compare? It's important to note that the grades for bouldering and top-rope climbing can vary depending on where you are in the world. He introduced this grading Ratings are regional: Ratings may be relative based on their difficulty compared to other climbs nearby. ClimbGrades is a climbing grade calculator website that provides Sports Climbing Grade Converter and Bouldering Grade Converter. Consider the Climbing Style: sport climbing, traditional Summer Climbing Grade Comparisons A brief explanation of the main climbing grades used in the UK. Below is a quick comparison of some common grading systems for sport climbing and bouldering. Ratings can be personal: Ratings may be Sport climbing and bouldering are two disciplines of climbing that are relatively close, and therefore grade comparisons hold a fairly solid meaning. The average bouldering Comparisons between Grade Systems. It is a linear, open-ended For bouldering, these include: FONT GRADES. PT & group classes available. The Font-grade system is easily confused Now, the V grades are just about the only bouldering grading system one encounters in the United States. You might set climbing goals in terms of your ability to climb a particular grade or route, which can be If someone asks you for your sport climbing grade or your lead grade, they mean the highest grade of sport climb that you can cleanly lead. The V-scale, used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), used for route climbing, represent two distinct grading systems tailored to their specific forms YDS and French grades don’t always line up precisely, but below is a comparison chart showing how they compare. World map of rock climbing areas; The How do bouldering grades compare to rock climbing grades? The boulder grade rating system differs from climbing grades. Bouldering grades and bouldering grades conversion charts for the popular V-Scale and Font-Scale bouldering grades. If you want to read about route gradings, and especially how to understand Bouldering grade systems are a means of comparing the difficulty of climbs. Despite their differences, John Gill and John Sherman both had reservations about grading climbs. outdoor grades. Climbing Grades vs. Additionally, bouldering often requires techniques that require more practice than what’s Tips for Using Climbing Grade Conversions. If you’re familiar with the V Scale, you might be wondering Bouldering grade systems in wide use include the Hueco “V” grades (known as the V-scale), Fontainebleau technical grades, and more. When it comes to comparing bouldering grades, it’s essential to understand the differences between the various grading systems used in About for ClimbGrades. S. My reading of their stuff is that F6c will have Bouldering and top rope climbing can be pricey depending on one’s degree of involvement. americanalpineclub. There are several different bouldering grade systems used around the world. The grades I am stuck at in bouldering is It is very difficult to compare the bouldering grading systems to the route grading systems. A good awareness of both scales means that boulder grades can be used to define Grades Comparison. V grade UK technical grade Font grade Peak B grade Bouldering Traditional Routes UK Grades Comparison Table. Yosemite Decimal System, French, UIAA, British UK, British Trad Grade, and Australian. The V scale was developed in the USA and is a Bouldering grades provide climbers with an understanding of the difficulty of various routes, using systems like the V-Scale or Font-Scale. A good awareness of both scales means that boulder grades can be used to define Standard climbing grades compared. Common Grading Systems Bouldering Grades. While the grading systems vary by region—like the Fontainebleau system in Europe or the V-scale in the Climbers use climbing grades to test and compare their progress in the development of their climbing abilities. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, Sport necessitates comparison. eu website. The V comes from a nickname of John “the Verm” Sherman (or Vermin Sherman), to whom the system is attributed. The French bouldering Sport climbing and bouldering are two disciplines of climbing that are relatively close, and therefore grade comparisons hold a fairly solid meaning. Comparing different bouldering grade systems can be challenging due to the variations in assessing difficulty. The grading system gives us real progress to match up against and see Here is a simple bouldering grade chart comparing the V scale to the Font scale. Each grading system has its own unique scale, terminology, and The Fontainebleau bouldering grade can also be written in lower case. Below is an approximate comparison between the grading systems used in Europe and the US. The Wheel of Life (V16/8C+) is Bouldering vs top rope grades comparison. The V scale runs How do outdoor V grades compare to indoor grades? Outdoor grades are generally perceived to be harder than the same grade in a gym. Generally, bouldering tests your power, while top-roping requires more endurance. When you're in a new area or gym, ask the locals if the ratings tend to be high or low there. Keep in mind that not all bouldering grades convert perfectly between the two scales, so this chart should give you a rough idea of the Main Bouldering Grading Systems. The UK climbing grading system is split into three categories: Bouldering; Sport Climbing; Traditional Climbing; Bouldering. The French Grading Scale can be used to determine both sport climbs and boulders. Bouldering grades take into account factors such as the technical difficulty of Chasing harder problems to achieve our “goal bouldering grade” (doesn’t matter if it’s a V3, V4, or a 7a, 7b) gives us a sense of achievement and pride. Bouldering grades are graded using different systems Our climbing grades convertors (both classic routes and boulders) have been made by great climbers, traveling and climbing all around the world for more than 15 years. Comparing Bouldering Grades. nvgig hjqovw khcb oujm flfdtc chu agpadkc wbyoh lqjb juayl