Climbing Grades Explained: What Do V4, 6B+, and Font 7A Mean?

Understanding bouldering and climbing grades across different systems—so you know exactly what you're getting into.

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If you’re new to the world of climbing or bouldering, you’ve probably seen those mysterious numbers and letters next to each route—like V2, 6A, or 7C+—and wondered what they mean.

Welcome to the wonderful world of grading systems.

Climbing grades are a way to communicate the difficulty of a route or "problem." But unlike most sports, climbing has multiple grading systems, depending on the type of climbing and where in the world you’re doing it. It can get a little confusing—but don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

Let’s break down the main types of grading systems used in bouldering and sport climbing, plus how they convert and what they tell you about the climb.

Bouldering Grades

1. V-Scale (Hueco Scale) – Common in the U.S. and Vietnam

This is the most popular system used for indoor and outdoor bouldering in the U.S., and you’ll find it at most gyms in Vietnam too (like ours!).

• It starts at V0 (easy) and goes up to V17 (world-class hard).

• The higher the number, the harder the climb.

• Some gyms also use VB for “beginner” routes below V0.

🔹 Example: V0 = beginner-friendly. V4 = intermediate. V8+ = advanced to elite.

2. Fontainebleau (Font) System – Used in Europe and internationally

Named after the famous bouldering area in France, this system uses numbers and letters like 5+, 6A, 6B+, 7A, etc.

• Font grades tend to feel a little “stiffer” than V-grades.

• The system becomes harder to compare at the mid-level range (V3–V6), but we’ve got a rough conversion chart below!

🔹 Example: 6A = V2–V3. 7A = V6–V7. 8A = V11.

Sport Climbing Grades

In case you’re also into roped climbing, you’ll encounter other grading systems like:

1. French System (used globally)

• Grades like 5a, 6b, 7c+, etc.

• A popular choice for sport climbing routes, including in Asia and Europe.

• The system is continuous, meaning each step up is harder than the one before, regardless of type (slab, overhang, etc.).

2. YDS (Yosemite Decimal System) – Common in the U.S.

• Used mostly for sport and trad climbing.

• You’ll see grades like 5.7, 5.10b, 5.12a, etc.

• “5” indicates technical rock climbing, and the numbers after show difficulty.

  
  

Grading Conversion Chart (Bouldering)

Here’s a rough comparison between V-Grades and Font Grades for bouldering:

Note: These aren’t perfect matches—grading can be subjective, and indoor gyms often feel easier than outdoor climbs of the same grade.

Why Are There So Many Grading Systems?

Because climbing developed in different places at different times, each community came up with its own way to measure difficulty. Over time, climbers started converting between them—but they’re still very much regional in use.

Also, grading isn’t just about pure strength—it factors in technique, height, reach, hold type, and even mental challenge. What feels like a V4 to one climber might feel like a V6 to another. And that’s totally normal!

Final Thoughts: Climb What Feels Good

At the end of the day, grades are just a guideline. They’re helpful for tracking progress and picking routes that match your level, but they shouldn’t define your climbing experience. Some days you’ll float up a V5. Other days, a V2 might feel impossible. That’s part of the journey.

Whether you're a beginner trying your first V0 or a crusher eyeing your first 7A, what matters most is that you're having fun, staying active, and growing stronger—one problem at a time.

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