The V-scale (US) and Font scale (Europe) both grade bouldering difficulty and map closely. The V-scale runs V0 upward; Font uses numbers with uppercase letters (6A, 7B+). For example, V4 is around Font 6B+ and V8 around Font 7B. They diverge slightly at the very top.
| Aspect | V-Scale | Font |
|---|---|---|
| Region | United States | Europe |
| Format | V0, V5, V10 | 6A, 7B+, 8C |
| ~V1 | V1 | 5+ |
| ~V4 | V4 | 6B+ |
| ~V7 | V7 | 7A+ |
| ~V10 | V10 | 7C+ |
You'll use the V-scale if…
- You boulder in the US
- You use US gyms and guides
You'll use Font if…
- You boulder in Europe
- You climb at Fontainebleau and beyond
Verdict
Frequently asked questions
What is V5 in Font?
Roughly Font 6C. The V-scale and Font scale map closely through the lower and middle grades and start to diverge slightly at the elite end.
Are V and Font grades the same?
They grade the same thing — bouldering difficulty — on different scales, so each V grade has an approximate Font equivalent. Conversions are close but not exact.
Why does Font use uppercase letters?
The capital letters (6A, 7B) distinguish Font bouldering grades from lowercase French route grades (6a, 7b), which would otherwise look identical. Both systems originate in France.
Related: V-Scale · Font · Bouldering · Grade conversion · Boulder problem