| Translates | YDS, French, UIAA, V-scale, Font |
| Accuracy | Approximate only |
| Route vs boulder | Separate scales |
| Difficulty | Beginner concept |
Climbing grade conversion is the approximate translation of a climb’s difficulty between the world’s different grading systems — such as YDS, French, UIAA, V-scale, and Font. Because each system developed separately, conversions are only ever approximate, but they let climbers compare routes and boulders across countries.
Use the converter
Our climbing grade converter instantly lines up YDS, French, UIAA, British and Ewbank for routes, and V-scale and Font for boulders.
Why it’s only approximate
The systems weight difficulty differently, so a conversion is a close match, not an exact one — route scales align well, while British, Ewbank, and top-end boulder grades vary more.
Routes vs boulders
Roped routes and boulder problems use separate scales and shouldn’t be cross-converted directly.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert climbing grades?
You use a comparison table or converter that lines up the systems — for example matching YDS 5.10a to French 6a to UIAA VI+. Our climbing grade converter does this instantly for routes (YDS, French, UIAA, British, Ewbank) and boulders (V-scale, Font).
Are climbing grade conversions exact?
No. The systems were created independently and weight difficulty slightly differently, so conversions are approximate. The YDS, French, and UIAA route scales map fairly reliably; British and Ewbank are more indicative, and bouldering scales diverge at the top.
What is 5.11 in French?
Roughly French 6c+ to 7a, depending on the letter grade — 5.11a is about 6c and 5.11d about 7a+. Use the converter for an exact line-up across systems.
Sources
- Grade comparison — American Alpine Club