| Format | Number + letter + optional plus (6a, 7b+) |
| Used for | Sport routes worldwide |
| Higher | = harder |
| Difficulty | Beginner concept |
The French grade, or sport grade, is the most widely used system for rating climbing routes worldwide. It uses a number plus a letter and an optional plus — such as 6a, 7b+, or 8c — with higher values meaning harder. It rates a route’s overall difficulty and is the standard for sport climbing across much of the world.
How it works
The number sets the broad band, the letter (a–c) refines it, and a plus nudges it higher: 6a, 6a+, 6b, 6b+, 6c… The scale is open-ended, currently reaching 9c.
Convert it
Translate French grades to YDS, UIAA, and bouldering scales with our grade converter, or read the grade conversion guide.
Good to know
French grades rate the whole route’s difficulty, not just one move — a long, sustained route can earn a higher grade than a short one with a single hard move.
Frequently asked questions
How do French climbing grades work?
A French grade combines a number (overall difficulty band), a letter from a to c (finer steps), and sometimes a plus, giving a sequence like 5c, 6a, 6a+, 6b. The numbers and letters keep rising — 8c is far harder than 6a — with no fixed upper limit.
What is 6a in climbing?
French 6a is an entry-to-intermediate sport grade, roughly equivalent to 5.10a in the American YDS. It's around the level where climbers move from beginner terrain into more sustained, technical routes.
How do French grades compare to YDS?
They rate the same difficulty on different scales — for example 6a is close to 5.10a, and 7a to 5.11d. Use our climbing grade converter to translate between French, YDS, UIAA, and bouldering scales.
Sources
- Grading systems — American Alpine Club