Climbers around the globe use various grading scales to describe how difficult a route is to ascend. In the United States, the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is common for roped climbs, ranging from 5.0 for the easiest climbs to 5.15 for the very hardest. European climbers often rely on the French system with grades like 6a or 7b+, while the UIAA scale—popular in parts of Germany and Eastern Europe—uses Roman numerals from V to XII with pluses or minuses. Converting between these systems can be challenging, especially for travelers.
There is no precise formula linking one grading scale to another because each developed independently. Nevertheless, climbers have compiled tables that show approximate equivalences. Our converter uses a reference table derived from widely accepted comparisons. When you input a grade and select its system, the script finds the corresponding entries in the other scales and displays them.
The snippet below displays part of the conversion table used by this tool. Note that there is overlap because grades evolve as new climbs are established. Use the results as a general guide rather than a strict translation.
| YDS | French | UIAA |
|---|---|---|
| 5.8 | 5b | VI- |
| 5.9 | 5c | VI+ |
| 5.10a | 6a | VII- |
| 5.11b | 6c | VIII- |
Even within a single country, grading can be subjective. Local climbing styles and rock types influence how difficult a route feels. A 5.10a slab might feel harder than a steeper 5.10a crack. When converting grades internationally, the discrepancies can be greater. Weather, protection style, and historical rating practices all play a role. Use conversions as a starting point, then refine your expectations after experiencing a few local climbs.
If you plan a climbing trip abroad, understanding the local grading system ensures you select routes that match your ability. This converter helps you scan guidebooks or online databases written in a different scale. Knowing that a French 6b roughly equals a YDS 5.10d means you can gauge whether a route is within your skill set.
Enter your grade exactly as it appears—such as 6c+ or VII-. Choose the system from the dropdown and click Convert. The JavaScript searches the internal table and displays the equivalent grades in the other systems. If the grade you enter falls between two known values, the closest matches appear. You can copy the result with the provided button to keep it handy when organizing your next climb.
Grading scales continue to evolve as climbers push the limits of difficulty. Some areas have additional systems like the British E-grade or the Australian scale. Feel free to extend the conversion table in this tool with more data or add new dropdown options. The key takeaway is that, although grades are imperfect, they offer a useful shorthand for describing challenges. By comparing systems, you gain a better understanding of what awaits you on the rock.
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