| Format | Roman numerals (I–XII), with +/- |
| Used in | Germany, Austria, Eastern Europe, Alps |
| Maintained by | The UIAA |
| Difficulty | Intermediate concept |
The UIAA grade is a climbing difficulty scale using Roman numerals (I, II, up to XII), maintained by the international climbing federation and used mainly in Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe. Higher numerals mean harder climbing, and plus or minus signs add finer steps between grades.
How it works
Difficulty rises from I upward, with modern routes reaching XI–XII, and +/- refining each grade (VII-, VII, VII+). It’s especially common in the Alps and on alpine routes.
Convert it
Translate UIAA grades to French, YDS, and other systems with our grade converter or the grade conversion guide.
Frequently asked questions
How does the UIAA grade scale work?
It rates difficulty with ascending Roman numerals — I is easy, and modern hard routes reach XI or XII — with plus and minus signs (e.g. VII-, VII, VII+) for finer distinctions. It's read like other scales: higher numerals mean harder climbing.
Where is the UIAA scale used?
Primarily in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Eastern Europe, and often in the Alps and on alpine routes. Elsewhere, the French sport scale and the American YDS are more common.
How does UIAA compare to French grades?
They map approximately — for example UIAA VII- is around French 6b. Because the systems were built separately, conversions are indicative; use our grade converter to translate UIAA to French, YDS, and other scales.
Sources
- Grading recommendations — UIAA