| Format | Single open-ended number |
| Used in | Australia, NZ, South Africa |
| Higher | = harder |
| Difficulty | Intermediate concept |
Devised by Australian climber John Ewbank in the 1960s.
The Ewbank system is an open-ended climbing grade scale using a single number — 1, 12, 25, 35 and upward — used in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. A higher number means harder, with no letters or pluses. It rates a route’s overall difficulty and converts approximately to YDS and French grades.
How it works
One continuous number, currently into the high 30s — simpler than letter-based systems, devised by Australian John Ewbank.
Convert it
Translate Ewbank to YDS and French with our grade converter, or the grade conversion guide.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Ewbank scale work?
It uses one continuous number for overall difficulty — there are no letters or plus signs. Numbers simply rise as climbs get harder, currently into the high 30s, so a grade 21 is harder than an 18, and the gap between consecutive numbers is meant to feel roughly even.
Where is the Ewbank system used?
Primarily in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Elsewhere the French sport scale, American YDS, and British system are more common, so travellers use conversion tables to compare Ewbank grades.
How does Ewbank compare to YDS?
Approximately — for instance Ewbank 18 is around YDS 5.10a and 22 around 5.11b. Because the systems were built separately, conversions are indicative; use our climbing grade converter for a side-by-side line-up.
Sources
- Grading systems — American Alpine Club