Grade conversion
What is V5 in French?
When people say a boulder grade in French, they usually mean the Font (Fontainebleau) scale, and V5 is roughly Font 6C.
Font bouldering grades (6C) and French sport grades (6a, 7b and so on) look similar but are different scales, so do not mix them up.
Bouldering grades
V-scale V5 is about Font 6C.
V3 to V5: Where most regular gym climbers spend their time, often for years. Progress here comes from technique and mileage, and plenty of people are perfectly happy never leaving this band.
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 4 is about YDS 5.5.
French 4 to 5+ (YDS 5.5 to 5.9): Beginner-course terrain. Routes in this band are mostly about getting comfortable with the rope, the height and your belayer rather than about hard moves.
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.