Grade conversion
Can you convert 5.13 to a V grade?
Not directly. 5.13 is a roped grade on the YDS scale, and the V-scale is for bouldering, so they measure different kinds of climbing and there is no accepted conversion between them.
If you meant the French sport grade, 5.13a is about French 7c+. If you are comparing bouldering scales instead, use the V-scale to Font chart above.
Bouldering grades
V-scale V0 is about Font 4.
V0 to V2: The usual starting band. Most problems here are about learning to stand on your feet and read a sequence rather than about raw strength, and a first session often ends somewhere in this range.
Full V-scale to Font chart
| V-scale | Font |
|---|---|
| V0 | 4 |
| V1 | 5 |
| V2 | 5+ |
| V3 | 6A |
| V4 | 6B |
| V5 | 6C |
| V6 | 7A |
| V7 | 7A+ |
| V8 | 7B |
| V9 | 7C |
| V10 | 7C+ |
| V11 | 8A |
| V12 | 8A+ |
| V13 | 8B |
| V14 | 8B+ |
| V15 | 8C |
| V16 | 8C+ |
| V17 | 9A |
Sport and trad grades
French 7c+ is about YDS 5.13a.
French 7c+ to 8b (YDS 5.13): Years of focused training sit behind these numbers. Projects at this level are often measured in seasons, and conditions start to decide whether a day is worth it.
Full French to YDS chart
| French | YDS |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.7 |
| 5+ | 5.9 |
| 6a | 5.10a |
| 6a+ | 5.10b |
| 6b | 5.10c |
| 6b+ | 5.10d |
| 6c | 5.11a |
| 6c+ | 5.11c |
| 7a | 5.11d |
| 7a+ | 5.12a |
| 7b | 5.12b |
| 7b+ | 5.12c |
| 7c | 5.12d |
| 7c+ | 5.13a |
| 8a | 5.13b |
| 8a+ | 5.13c |
| 8b | 5.13d |
| 8b+ | 5.14a |
| 8c | 5.14b |
| 8c+ | 5.14c |
| 9a | 5.14d |
| 9a+ | 5.15a |
| 9b | 5.15b |
| 9b+ | 5.15c |
| 9c | 5.15d |
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Grades are subjective and vary between gyms and crags, so this is a close approximation, not an exact rule.
More conversions
Prefer the full tool? Use the climbing grade converter, or read our guide on how climbing grades work.