Bouldering ranking system Apr 13, 2025 · Climbing Difficulty Ranking IntroductionClimbing is a sport of precision, strength, and mental endurance. Did you know in the US there is a distinctive classification for walking routes, hiking routes, rock climbing routes, and others (ice climbing, mountaineering, etc)? There is also a protection rating that is ranked like a movie rating from rated G to Jul 19, 2025 · Official website of the International Federation of Sport Climbing Sep 19, 2025 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) evolved from a rating system that was originally designed to give hikers and scramblers a clear rating of difficulty from off-trail walking to hands-on rock climbing. The French simplified the rating system by starting at 1 and working their way up in difficulty—1 being the easiest. One of the most commonly used grading systems for bouldering is the V-Scale. The competitor who solves the most problems wins. Here's your guide for comparing indoor to outdoor bouldering grades. Ranking System Explained Understanding the Valorant Rank System Last Update: 2025-08-01 Valorant features an intricate ranking system that rewards skill and progression. USAC events follow a strict rule set, and climbers advance through a tiered ranking system. Jul 19, 2023 · Unlock the secrets of Valorant ranks with our comprehensive guide. Nov 1, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a grading scale that evaluates the difficulty of hiking and climbing routes, especially for mountaineering and rock climbing. The scale helps climbers assess the complexity and technical demands of a climb, guiding their preparation and skill development. S. to rate bouldering routes is the V-Scale. Nov 19, 2025 · The complete climbers guide to bouldering grades is here! Everything you need to know from history to training tips to send your project! Together with the rock climbing community theCrag has developed and continues to develop a comprehensive and intuitive coverage of grades in the system. I cover the meaning behind the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS The full document ‘ UIAA Scales of Difficulty in Climbing ’ analyses the main systems used to classify the difficulty of climbing on different terrains such as rock, ice, and mixed terrain, trying to offer a starting point to create a minimum of historical and critical knowledge of those that are commonly known as “Scale of Difficulty. Official website of the International Federation of Sport Climbing. It starts at V0 (easiest) and increases numerically (V1, V2, etc. ) Aid rating (A2, A3+, etc. Each has their own rock climbing grades that will hopefully make more sense after this article. Most of our climbs range from V1 which is for beginners to V10 or higher, which is extremely challenging. For example 5. While sport climbing has a wide variety of grading systems used by different countries, when it comes to bouldering, most countries have adopted either the Font or V scale grading system. ), typically up to V17 for the most difficult challenges. ) Commitment grade (III, VI, etc. Dec 7, 2016 · Rating Systems Differ for Each State The rock climbing grades and ratings are different for each state in the US and each country around the world. Welzenbach). In North America, vertical travel is generally described using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). What is the Difficulty in Rock Climbing Grades? The difficulty of a rock climbing grade is typically classified using one of three different systems: the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), the French Adjectival System, or the British Technical Grade (TG) system. It gives you a sense for how difficult a boulder problem is: the higher the number, the harder the problem. It grades the difficulty of climbs, particularly in the United States. With a clear understanding of the grading system, climbers can navigate a spectrum of climbs, from those well within their capabilities to more challenging endeavors that push their limits. AI6). #2. This, in turn, allows people to progress more quickly. Rankings are determined by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) point system. Essentially, it’s rock climbing stripped down into its rawest form. Number of attempts to top, 4. The most widely used system for rating bouldering problems in the USA is the "V" or "Hueco" Scale. Bouldering conversion charts Initially developed to measure your personal progress over time, CPR moves climber rating and rankings away from an arbitrary to a scientifically and statistically sound approach. Sadly, there are quite a few out there to confuse you. The difficulty rating gives a climber an indication of what moves, strength and/or skill the route might involve. Note: In the 1950s, the Class 5 portion of this ranking system was expanded to include a decimal at the end of the ranking to further define the difficulties of rock climbing. The YDS also includes ratings for mountaineering and other types of climbing, but these are expressed in a different format than the rock climbing grades, using Roman numerals and other symbols. For our purposes, the most prominent grade systems are: French Numerical System (6b+, 8a, etc. The Boulder ranking is decided by the number of problems solved. Mar 17, 2023 · Bouldering grades used all over the world Below is a list of regions alongside which bouldering grading system they use. your best bet will be to ask the gym staff, they might be able to point you in the right direction. ) YDS, or Yosemite Decimal System (3rd Class, 5. The fictitious “average climber” is used to figure the time. Grade VII). This week, I take a deeper look at how the new system works. But because there's other incentives bundled in there and plenty of top athletes pick and choose which events they'll attend, it isn't always the best measure of athlete's performance across the season. We Feb 19, 2021 · Rock climbing grades are used to describe the difficulty of climbing routes. They use the same system at Austin Bouldering Project and your point about only owning certain holds in one color is very true there. Comparatively, Most finals WC problems for men are about 2D or 3D. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Number of tops reached, 2. As usual, I recap where you The V-Scale is a grading system used to measure the difficulty of bouldering problems. The related sport of mixed climbing (i. Rock Climbing Grades: Rock climbing grades typically use one of several grading systems, with the most common being the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in the United States and the French numerical system (French grades) in Europe. Top 5 International Climbing Grade Rating Systems If you’re climbing abroad, you should be familiar with other systems, including the French grading system, the UIAA grading system, and a handful of Top 2 Bouldering Climbing Grades The Vermin Scale (V-Scale) The Vermin Scale, commonly referred to as the V-Scale, is used to grade bouldering problems. Climbing grading systems are an integral component of our sport. Rock climbing grades, bear in mind that: the system for assessing how difficult the climb is is subjective. Obviously, these are not the only ones, but this is what most professional boulderers and climbers refer to. ) or Clean Aid rating (C2, C3, etc. M8), with other notable mixed grading systems including the Scottish Winter system (e. This system Jan 8, 2024 · There are usually two types of climbing available at an indoor gym: (1) bouldering and (2) free climbing. Circuit grading allows groups of climbers to work on a range of boulders. As such we welcome feedback on grades and new developments in that area. The kyu-dan system helps climbers understand the relative challenge of different bouldering routes. Learn your grades and apply them to your climbing and problem setting. In this guide, we'll explore the rank structure, Act Rank, placement matches Aug 16, 2017 · Today we’re going to take a closer look at the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) scoring system. The above appears courtesy of the American Alpine Journal. One zone hold (approximately the halfway point on a problem) is set per problem. It ranges from beginner levels, starting around 1-kyu (easier) to more advanced levels like 1-dan (harder). The Yosemite Decimal System is a set of numeric ratings describing the difficulty of climbs. From V0 to V15, unlock the secrets of difficulty ratings and elevate your climbing game. This nuanced approach to difficulty assessment encourages climbers to embark on Jun 5, 2023 · If you have done any climbing, either in the gym or outside, you will most likely have run into the concept of climbing grades. Protection rating Back to contents You may use the YDS Protection Rating in your grade contribution or assigned grade. Jul 14, 2018 · There are so many interesting histories, trivia, and facts that I learned about rock climbing the past six to seven years that blew my mind. 10d X. For women its about 1D to 2D. Grade (Commitment) Roman numerals I through VII measure the commitment of the clinch, its overall nature, and, specifically, how much time it will take. Scrambles in the UK are graded from 1-4, with 1 being moderately difficult and 4 being extremely difficult: Examples The Yosemite Decimal System is a commonly used rating system in bouldering and climbing. Find events calendar, all past and future results, ranking, IFSC news, photos, videos. Feb 14, 2024 · Bouldering grades serve as an essential guide, allowing climbers to gauge the suitability of a problem for their skill level. Letters for Protection Ratings are borrowed from the American system for rating the content of movies. Jun 23, 2024 · Indoor Climbing Grades Explained Are you new to indoor climbing and feeling overwhelmed by all the different grading systems? Understanding climbing grades is essential for tracking your progress and choosing appropriate routes. The UIAA rating system is based in structure on the Welzenbach rating system, used particularly in the Alps (named after its founder, the prominent Austrian mountaineer W. Whether you're scaling indoor walls or conquering outdoor crags, understanding the intricacies of climbing difficulty rankings is essential for progression and safety. Whereas G (Good), PG (Pretty Good) and PG13 (Pretty Good 13) might be used, they are typically omitted. This system ranks boulder problems based on difficulty, with V0 being the easiest and V-difficulties progressively increasing in challenge. Circuit grading is great for training. Our Circuits First envisioned on the sandstone boulders of Fontainebleau, France (aka the birthplace of bouldering), the circuit system explores climbing beyond grades and invites a climber to experiment with movement and style. Rock Climbing vs. Circuits facilitate the social aspects of rock climbing in a very specific way. These grades provide a shared language for climbers, making it easier to compare Sep 1, 2024 · Use code HANNAH15 for 15% off Tee’s, Chalk & Apparel from Rúngne ︎ https://rungne. Jan 28, 2022 · The most popular rating system for bouldering problems in North America is the V-Scale, first conceived by John Sherman in the 1980s and now used throughout the United States and in many other locales. 5, 5. If you can climb a 3Q in a Japanese gym you should be able to climb around V4 or V5 somewhere else in the world. If you would like to learn more about what bouldering is, please check out our comprehensive guide. What are the 2023 IFSC World Cup Lead Rankings? The top 10 in both men’s and women’s leagues are based off of the 2023 IFSC World Cup Lead rankings. General 1. At higher grades, the Font Scale and V Scale become almost directly translatable. Aug 30, 2021 · Note that this guide does not address bouldering grades — only roped climbing. that said don't stress to much about grades, every gym will grade climbs differently, even if they use the same scale. This scale measures the difficulty of a bouldering problem based on its technical demands, as well as the mental and physical challenges it Learn about the different climbing grades used in bouldering, from V0 to V16, and understand how to interpret the grading system to choose routes that suit your skill level. But their usage remain low. The YDS scale divides routes into classes based on the physical effort, technical skill, and risk The French use this system for most things (apart from bouldering, for which they use the Font scale, and big Alpine routes, for which they use the UIAA scale, and mixed sport climbing, for which they use the M scale) and the British use it for sport climbing, where seriousness isn't a factor. From unlocking competitive mode to climbing ranks and understanding rank distribution, we cover all you need to know. The IFSC maintains a ranking system for individuals participating in international sport climbing competitions for each of the following disciplines and gender categories: What are the 2023 IFSC World Cup Boulder Rankings? The top 10 in both men’s and women’s leagues are based off of the 2023 IFSC World Cup Boulder rankings. WI6) and the identical AI ("alpine ice") system (e. As much as you can try, there is no perfect way of ranking climbs. Mar 9, 2023 · Bouldering is often likened to rock climbing in that you’re, in some way, scaling a wall or cliff with your hands and feet. The Sierra Club, a US climbing group in the 1950s, developed a system to rate the difficulty of rock climbing routes called the Yosemite Decimal Rating System (YDRS). e. Often rating systems are also part of disciplines (e. Bouldering If you want to focus on technique and skill, then bouldering is perfect. Feb 9, 2023 · When climbers discuss climbing roped climbing routes, the difficulty rating of the climb is often considered essential information. The idea of climbing grades is fairly straightforward, but when applied to bouldering, sport climbing, alpine, ice, trad, or mountaineering, the grades change based on the local climbing Apr 10, 2025 · Our expert guide to climbing rating systems will help you compare trad to sport, America to Europe, bouldering, scrambling, dry tooling and everything in between May 5, 2024 · Climbing Ratings and Grades Explained The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is used in the United States to determine the risk, difficulty, and commitment associated with rock climbing. This guide explains the different grading systems used in rock climbing and offers tips to level up your skills. Understanding climbing ratings can be difficult, as the numbers vary depending on the system used. Each Apr 9, 2025 · This week, I look at how the new IFSC Boulder points system played out at the recent IFSC Europe continental cups. At lower grades, a single V grade often translates to being ‘wider’ than a single grade on the Font Scale. Competitions run by USAC are the most structured and professional, with a focus on sport climbing, bouldering, and speed climbing. These ranking systems, often referred to as grading systems, provide a standardized way to evaluate the challenge a route Understanding Climbing Grades: A Beginner’s Guide to Indoor Ratings and the V Scale for Bouldering Problems Jul 29, 2022 · Perplexed by the IFSC's scoring system for World Cup climbing competitions? Here's how to decrypt Boulder, Lead, and Speed stats. Due to the unique strength and stamina that it highlights, bouldering has its own rating system. Number of attempts to zone. Bouldering: 1. This system originated in the United States and has since become popular worldwide for its simplicity and accuracy in grading boulder problems. As CPR is taking difficulty, ascent type and time-based decay into account the Climbing World Ranking is a running ranking. If you understand the rating systems used in the US and around the world to rate the difficulty of roped climbs and boulder problems, it can help you track your growth as a climber and pick climbs that might be a good challenge for you. We adapted this approach in our gyms through our color wheel – your guide to Bouldering Project Two systems are the V-grade system used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) used for grading routes. Class 5: Involves technical roped climbing. Explore the origins, structure, and significance of the V-scale bouldering grading system. Ratings used internationally today include no less than seven… Jun 23, 2024 · Bouldering grades are a crucial aspect of the sport, as they help climbers understand the difficulty level of a particular climb. It also needs a high commitment level. info/HMBJake Mason, Head Routesetter at Yonder and Hang explains the eight Climb better by learning climbing grades. The grade and protection ratings were added on later to improve the rating system. [1] It was first devised by members of the Sierra Club in Southern California in the 1950s as a refinement of earlier systems from the 1930s, [2] and quickly spread throughout North America. To phrase it another way, rock climbing grades describe how difficult a route is. 1. Climbing grades are a classification system for the difficulty and danger level of a climbing route or boulder problem. The IFSC ranking system works well for their purposes, and this post isn't intended to be a criticism of it. Though many climbs and approaches involve sections of third- or fourth-class, climbing grades tend to deal with the fifth class. Learn about climbing and bouldering ratings, including how route difficulty is measured and the difference between a rating and a grade. Confused by V-grades, YDS ratings, and Font scales? Learn about the core climbing grading systems, how routes are rated, and compare systems used worldwide. 2. Navigate the ranking system, grasp the significance of each rank, and gain valuable tips to climb the ladder of success. Why have a climber rating system? Back to contents Many climbers love to get feedback on how they are progressing, and how they compare to their mates and other climbers in their region or around the world. The Boulder ranking is based on: 1. The various systems have improved over the years, however the fact remains that climbing is a highly individualistic and subjective sport. While the grading systems vary by region—like the Fontainebleau system in Europe or the V-scale in the U. Mar 21, 2022 · Most gyms don’t grade their problems to replicate outdoor climbs. Bouldering – a rating system for boulder problems that take into account only the sheer difficulty of the moves. —all aim to reflect a combination of physical and technical demands. The intimidation brought on by a specific number being too hard disappears. Class 1 is flat terrain, while Class 4 involves steeper, more challenging scrambling that may require the use of hands. The most common bouldering grading systems are the V-Scale and the Fontainebleau system. Named for pioneer boulderer, John "Vermin" Sherman who climbed the amazing boulders of Hueco Tanks, TX, the V Scale denotes the level of difficulty of a boulder problem. Jun 10, 2024 · Grade Converters Bouldering and Lead Climbing Grade converters and other tools for rock climbers. Let’s break down this system to better understand what it all means! Class Class describes a climb or an approach/descent to or from a climb. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned player, understanding the ins and outs of Valorant's competitive mode is crucial for climbing the ranks. 3. 11b, etc. Org. Some bouldering gyms will actually develop their own grading system depending on the place. The YDS originally consisted only of the class rating and this is the most widely used rating. ” Too often, the gradations of the difficulties are Bouldering grades and bouldering grades conversion charts for the popular V-Scale and Font-Scale bouldering grades. Rock climbing is Class 5. The system used most widely in the U. ) Mixed grade (M4, M5 etc. So don't worry about Bouldering grades are a way to measure the difficulty of climbing problems, helping climbers gauge challenges and track progress. The system can extend beyond to higher dan grades for extremely difficult climbs. Purpose This document identifies competitions during the 2024 season counting toward the IFSC World Rankings and sets out season-specific and competition-specific factors used for the calculation of World Ranking points. Mar 30, 2023 · Rock climbing grades Behind the grades: Grades are often debated in climbing because they aim to measure difficulty in objective terms, but the many variables in what makes a climb hard, and who is doing the climbing, make objectivity impossible. 1. Formats and Divisions Oct 15, 2021 · If you’re trad climbing, bouldering, or ice climbing, knowing the rock climbing grade of the route is essential. It starts The Japanese Grade is a grading system used in Japan to rate the difficulty of bouldering problems. Results use solely lead climbing events from the 2023 World Cup circuit, not including combined events which also include the discipline of lead Just wondering for anyone who climbs at a boulder lab gym in Australia, I know it can be difficult/inaccurate to make grading comparisons, especially because it varies from gym to gym, but what would be the rough comparison from boulder lab's 1-9 rankings compared to the V rankings in America? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. But to make our life easier, you only really need to learn the two most popular: the Fontainebleau system, abbreviated to Font or ‘f’, and the V system. Sep 16, 2021 · Bouldering Grades Conversion Chart: V Scale to Font Scale Here is a chart showing the bouldering rating conversions between the V Scale and Font Scale. Convert North American climbing grades to UK and European scales, and compare bouldering V-grades to roped climbs. The IFSC announced the new Boulder World Cup format for 2025 last week, which will adopt a new points system for scoring. Nov 8, 2023 · Discover the definitive guide to bouldering grades. Climbing and bouldering are popular outdoor and indoor activities. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a five-part grading system used for rating the difficulty of rock climbing routes in the United States and Canada. Yosemite Decimal System In the United States, the most commonly used grading system is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Climbers can use these systems to track their progress as they work toward building new skill sets. Invented in France, and adopted for its simplicity, it spread to become the most Understanding the different rating systems in climbing and bouldering can help you improve your skills. The major goal of assigning a difficulty rating to a climbing route is to assist other climbers in judging whether or not the route is suitable for the degree of expertise and technical holds they possess. ) Water Ice grade (WI4, WI5+ etc Oct 12, 2020 · If you’re getting into climbing, either roped climbing or bouldering and are confused by the rating system for climbs, you’ve come to the right place. Grades are used in rock climbing gyms and outdoors. Learn more about it! The YDS has a class rating and an optional grade and protection ratings. In Japan, gyms are graded harder or equal to real boulders in the surrounding areas. The two main bouldering grading or bouldering rating systems are V Grades or the Font system. Results use solely bouldering events from the 2023 World Cup circuit, not including combined events which also include the discipline of Oct 15, 2021 · From sport climbing to bouldering, different types of rock climbing each have their own system, known as bouldering grades, to assess a route’s overall difficulty. Different grading systems for bouldering It would be much easier if only one bouldering grading system existed, and only one system of climbing grades too. The French Rock Climbing Grade System The French ranking of outdoor, bolted, and sport climbing routes is the dominant climbing grading system to abide by. It is vital to have a grading system Jul 26, 2020 · In this short tutorial for rock climbing beginners, I explain how to read, understand, and interpret rock climbing grades or ratings. americanalpineclub. So, what are scrambling grades? Scrambles in North America are graded on the Yosemite Decimal System, ranging from Class 1 (Easy Hiking) to Class 5 (Rock Climbing). The biggest difference is that bouldering doesn’t require you to wear a rope or harness, and you aren’t climbing higher than 12 – 15 feet. May 4, 2020 · The American system of climbing grades is based off the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), which ranges from class 1 (hiking) to class 5 (technical rock climbing). Climber Performance Rating (CPR) A new approach to rating and ranking in the climbing world. I and II: Half a day or less for the technical (5th class) portion of… Read More »Climbing Grade Feb 9, 2024 · Bouldering grades can either be the bane of your existence or they can push you to climb harder. In ice climbing, the most widely used grading system is the WI ("water ice") system (e. At Font, boulderers follow color-coded problems through the forest. org. Check out our quick quide to the olympic games here Bouldering competitions take place on a climbing wall, with short routes and no ropes. This system is also a single grade system and works in a similar way to the Sport Grade, giving the overall difficulty of the route without taking any of the safety aspects into consideration. Please visit them on the web at www. There is a range of different types of bouldering I cant find any referance to a grading system like that, it might be one they made up for the gym. Class 1-4: Refers to hiking and scrambling. Developed in the 1950s in Yosemite National Park, this system was created by rock climbers to standardize ratings for various routes. Imagine traveling overseas to climb and you find a guidebook with a different grading system than you’ve never used! Instead of picking out a boulder based on if you think it’ll be a warmup, familiarise yourself with the differences in bouldering grades and how they convert to each other. May 31, 2020 · Many such climbs were later freed, and aid climbs eventually developed their own rating system (described below). National Climbing Classification System (USA): NCCS grades, often called “commitment grades,” indicate the time investment in a route for an “average” climbing team. Aug 18, 2017 · In this article we go over the nuances of rock climbing grades, indoor and outdoor, what they mean, and how to understand them. I also recap the news over the last couple of weeks and share my favourite media. ice and dry-tool climbing) uses the M-grade system (e. a bouldering rating system) or according to terrain (a rating system for ice and mixed climbing). In Nov 13, 2023 · This article provides an in-depth look at the Yosemite Decimal System, a widely-used grading system for rock climbing and hiking routes. The danger aspect of routes in the American system is often indicated by the use of a suffix (nominally taken from film ratings). Mar 12, 2025 · Welcome to Behind the Wall, your weekly digest on what is happening in the climbing competition world. It is not the only rating system used by climbers, but it is the one preferred by most of the people who use Climber. . Jul 25, 2022 · You’ll be sure to see the YDS being used in indoor rock climbing walls and outdoor climbing routes alike in North America — and occasionally in Canada. Here is an overview of the 2 rating categories: Class rating: To classify climbs into hikes, scrambles and rock Bouldering Grade Tips for Experts In bouldering, grade tips are very important because they act as guidelines to help climbers know what to expect when they attempt a route. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Below you'll find a comprehensive explanation of the different climbing rating systems. g. Bouldering Bliss: The V-Scale Explained For our bouldering enthusiasts, we use the V-scale. Sep 24, 2024 · USA Climbin g is the governing body for competitive climbing in the United States. According to two contributors, the european rating system is less useful because it is too subjective and the alaskan rating system is more useful because it is less subjective. Number of zone holds reached 3. Grade ratings range from 1 to 5. Watching videos of other people climbing its hard to tell the actual difficulty. In this article, we will break down the various grading systems used in indoor climbing, including V-scale for bouldering and Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) for roped Apr 29, 2024 · French Climbing Scale Not to be confused with the Fontainebleau scale for bouldering, the French system is the most common free climbing rating scale outside of North America. May 22, 2025 · If you want to reach the top ranks like Radiant or just want to understand how Valorant’s ranking works, this guide breaks everything down for you. uxv loxdi ptejqy ubtczf gpgpvd sxwo pzlqgajz jujukzg yijku pvk qel wdyxfz dmxsc dxtdam rqsgtb