Yosemite decimal system chart. Let’s break it down the grade 5.

Yosemite decimal system chart Jan 28, 2022 · The YDS is a flexible grading system that can describe the length, difficulty, and difficulty of protection on a given route, from a single-pitch sport climb to a 30-pitch trad climb. While all three systems aim to provide climbers with a consistent way to assess the difficulty of climbs, there are some key differences. 10 is the same as 5. Many countries of the world, though, use the American YDS (Yosemite Decimal System). 6 days ago · The definitive guide to the Yosemite Decimal System. Jan 15, 2015 · Difficulty is measured on the Yosemite Decimal System — over 5. In the United States, we use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). The other system you'll see around here a lot is the V-grade system used in bouldering. We break down Classes 1-4 with case studies and field-tested rules to keep you safe on any scramble. The scale starts at 5. Mar 25, 2024 · Sport climbing grades are typically denoted using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in the United States, ranging from 5. Review the chart below the Hike Summary for a profile of the hike's steepness. Learn the meaning behind each of these components! Oct 23, 2023 · Climbing Grades Compared to Bouldering Grades The V-scale, used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), used for route climbing, represent two distinct grading systems tailored to their specific forms of climbing. Feb 25, 2025 · Climbing Grades Systems, Charts, and Conversion (2023 Guide) Bouldering Levels Chart Explore the factors that influence. The Hiking Difficulty Calculator will estimate: 1) Hiking Difficulty Scale and Effort Rating. 9 were called 5. It's the system used to grade the technical difficulty of rock climbs. Rather, the YDS describes the technical May 2, 2023 · The Yosemite Decimal System or YSD is a grading system used for hikes and sport climbing. Confusingly though, European sport climbers use the French sport climbing system which, just like Font Bouldering Grades, ranges from 1 – 9 and uses a,b and c as well as ‘+’ to signify a slight increase Aug 30, 2021 · For all intents and purposes, F7c+ = 7c+. Mar 31, 2017 · Yosemite Decimal System The American Yosemite Decimal System was originally designed in the 1930s to rate hikes and climbs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The system has three parts. -based Sierra Club in the 1950s, the YDS unified and refined previous systems from the early days of Yosemite Valley climbing. 0. Learn about Yosemite Decimal, UBG, Hueco Tanks, and more in this comprehensive guide. 9 5. This system starts at 5. While it is primarily used in the U. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), or american yds system, is the main climbing grade system you’ll encounter in North America, especially within the USA. Australian 23 28 31 33 35 37 39 UIAA IX+/X- Xll+ 6b Hueco/V Font/Bleau Bouldering Grades vo- vo VI 4 CRUX RANGE. The system was first developed in the 1950s at Yosemite National Park in California and has since become widely used around the world. 15d (hardest), with sub-grades (a, b, c, d) to further differentiate difficulty. 5 5. 5 14b 5. Yosemite Decimal System The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) was introduced in the U. 14b. 1 So, routes harder than 5. 2 5. For complete descriptions and a comparison chart of the various rating systems, see Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 8th edition Sep 16, 2021 · Everything you ever wanted to know about bouldering grades in one place, including a bouldering grade conversion chart from the V Scale to Font Scale. Feb 9, 2023 · the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) An additional system comes into play to more finely describe the difficulty of fifth class routes. Jun 14, 2022 · Different countries use different systems, and the US and Canada have been using the Yosemite Decimal System since the 1950s. by the Sierra Club in 1937. Apr 27, 2025 · The British E-grade system was created to evaluate the level of risk on ethic-based, bold, traditional climbs. 9+ and that's why some of the old school "+" grades are a LOT more difficult than you'd expect. 13a 5 13b 5. The Yosemite Decimal System has 5 classes ranging from Class 1 to Class 5, which are used to classify all terrain according to the difficulty for humans to travel across with no mechanical advantage (like, let's say, a four-wheeler). Climbers attempting routes at this grade must possess advanced climbing techniques and have years of experience in sports climbing or lead climbing. 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. While the YDS ratings only address the difficulty of the hardest section of a route, Scrambling Ratings also Our climbing grades convertors (both classic routes and boulders) have been made by great climbers, traveling and climbing all around the world for more than 15 years. Sometimes the conditions and the state of the routes can also influence the grades. 15, with letter grades (a, b, c, d) at higher difficulties. This system then assigns an additional number from 1 to 15 to a climbing route based on its overall difficulty, encompassing factors like technical difficulty, strength requirement, endurance and mental Definitions for Scrambling Ratings To distinguish the difficulty of non-technical mountain climbs more clearly, the Scrambling Ratings framework divides each of the four, non-technical Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) categories into three parts and expands the scope of the ratings. May 5, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System is used in the US to determine the risk, difficulty, and commitment of a climb. something Grades 1 to 4 refer to walks of increasing difficulty, by the time you reach 5 you are assumed to be scrambling over rocks which equates to about 5. The Yosemite Decimal System is the oldest climbing grade system still in use. 12a is very difficult, and over 5. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) Read: 56 Highest Mountains To Climb in the US for Beginners and 27 Highest Mountains To Climb in North America for Beginners The YDS has a class rating and an optional grade and protection ratings. YDS classes Class 1: Easy, well-maintained trails Class 2: Rougher trails where hands are sometimes needed to steady Sep 11, 2015 · An explanation of the different classes of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) esp as it applies to hiking. The Yosemite Decimal System (which is the one that's mostly used in the US, and the one you'll see around here most often - it's the 5. Global Reference conversion chart also. Create a named range by selecting cells and entering the desired name into the text box. 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. It is not the only rating system used by climbers, but it is the one preferred by most of the people who use Climber. The Yosemite Decimal System is a scale for rating the difficulty of trails and climbing routes. 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. 12a one) grades only the hardest move, but it's often supplemented with a PG/R/X to indicate the seriousness. In Two systems are the V-grade system used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) used for grading routes. , the Yosemite Decimal System is the most commonly used rock climbing ratings system. 41 votes, 26 comments. Effectively the system has been improved in the Yosemite Valley. I've always found that the French grading system doesn't really have a 1-to-1 translation to Yosemite decimal system. Many systems exist worldwide, though the most common are the Yosemite system and the French system — we’ll talk more about the various systems in a moment. Jan 6, 2024 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), Font, French, Alpine, British Trad, British Tech—the list goes on. 0 (class + difficulty) and currently goes up to 5. 10c 5 5. Jun 23, 2024 · The IFAS grading system is often compared to the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) used in the United States and the British grading system used in the UK. com uses the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) which has been in use in the United States for over 75 years. Yosemite Decimal System In the United States, the most commonly used grading system is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 3/5. The Yosemite Decimal System is the most commonly used grading system for sport, trad, and 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. 10 was controversial because, mathematically, 5. Jun 5, 2023 · The Yosemite climbing scale was developed by Royal Robbins, Don Wilson, and Chuck Wilts in Southern California in the early 1950s. Developed in the 1950s in Yosemite National Park, this system was created by rock climbers to standardize ratings for various routes. In contrast, the French numerical system developed alongside the rising popularity of sport climbing. This grade is part of the Yosemite Decimal System, which is widely used in the United States to rate the difficulty of rock climbs. French (Sport): is used in France and many other parts of Europe for sport climbing, ranging from 1 (easiest) to 9c (hardest). Class 5 is where rock climbing begins and is subdivided into various levels. The danger aspect of routes in the American system is often indicated by the use of a suffix (nominally taken from film ratings). 3) Steepness Rating, Grade, and Angle. Mar 4, 2025 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), and the V-Scale or “Hueco Scale”. Aug 18, 2017 · What is the YDS (Yosemite Decimal System)? YDS stands for the Yosemite Decimal System and it is a grading system for hiking, scrambling, and climbing. 15 (hardest). But i dont think the numerical part (the tech grade) is meant to tie directly to the french system. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a rating system used by rock climbers to choose appropriate climbs that are challenging, within their abilities, and to bring proper gear. The rope grading system at Velocity Miami is based on a simplified version of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). That article also says All of this discussion uses the Yosemite Decimal System which was designed primarily for rock climbing. Yosemite Decimal System The 1-5 hiking classes are part of the Yosemite Decimal System and was created in the 1950s by members of the Sierra Club who wanted a way to communicate and assess the difficulty of routes in their mountaineering efforts. 10c/d Isn't the Yosemite decimal system great?! This works but I would even take it a step further and say 5. There are many factors which influence the ratings, such as the difficulty, time commitment, length of climb, and risk. The Yosemite Decimal System is a numerical system for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs, primarily used for mountaineering in the United States and Canada. 15 (an overhanging cliff). 8 and 5. 10a, also known as 5C+ in the French grading system, is considered a difficult level of climbing. 9 and easier you would have 5. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, with vertical pitches ranking at a 5-level difficulty with a decimal addition. The Yosemite Decimal System is used mainly for rock climbing, but it is also widely used in hiking. The Wikipedia description may be found here. The YDS originally consisted only of the class rating and this is the most widely used rating. The French is used in Europe and other regions. Hiking Difficulty Calculator Enter your hike's Distance, Elevation Gain, and specify where the Highpoint is. YDS is the dominant classification system in the United States and parts of Canada. Jul 1, 2025 · Unlock the Yosemite Decimal System: Learn how YDS grades transform your hiking, scrambling, and climbing adventures across America's wild trails. The Yosemite Decimal System is a set of numeric ratings describing the difficulty of climbs. COM 6B 6B+ 7B 8B CRUX RAN Sep 26, 2024 · Climbing grades can be overwhelming, but understanding ratings systems is crucial. You only get into hard or easy number for grades without a letter so 5. Jul 25, 2022 · The Yosemite Decimal System, also known as YDS, is used to determine hiking difficulty and sport climbing routes based in North America. Apr 10, 2025 · The US Yosemite Decimal System A climber enjoys the view in Yosemite National Park (Image credit: Getty) Right across the American continent, the system commonly used by walkers, scramblers and climbers in the Yosemite Decimal System. It was developed in the 1950’s by members of the Sierra Club, used to describe local hikes. Key Climbing Grade Systems Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): predominantly used in North America, this system ranges from 5. Apr 27, 2025 · Trad & Sport Climbing Grades Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System or YDS is a grading system commonly found in North America and was originally used to describe a full range of backcountry travel, which included both hiking and climbing. In the Alpine region, the UIAA and French scales are the most common ones. Originally created for trad climbing in Yosemite Valley, it's now the standard system across North America for all rock climbing styles. It was devised by the Sierra Club and comprises three parts that rate the difficulty level of walks, hikes and climbs. Rock Climbing Grade Scales Yosemite Decimal System The Yosemite Decimal System is one of the most widely used grading systems in rock climbing. In the USA, both indoor and outdoor routes are graded on the Yosemite Decimal System. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. Here's how to read it and pick the route for you. Using this system, climbs will be labeled with numbers beginning with 5 and followed by a decimal, for example, 5. What do these numbers mean? The short answer is that they’re part of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Comparing these scales is somewhat akin to comparing sprinting to a marathon; while both are running, the skills and attributes required are quite different Key Climbing Grade Systems Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): predominantly used in North America, this system ranges from 5. Let’s break it down the grade 5. Mar 30, 2023 · Gym Grading: Gyms in North America use the Yosemite Decimal System for route grades. Information about the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in American rock climbing, examining its history, and the meaning of the various grades and modifiers. 1/5. 0 and currently extends to 5. The Yosemite Decimal System is a set of numeric ratings describing the difficulty of climbs. The Yosemite Decimal System: A Quick Overview Originally developed in the 1950s by the Sierra Club, the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) has become the go-to rating system for hiking and climbing routes in the U. Feb 1, 2024 · Description The rock climbing grade 5. Oct 24, 2017 · 5. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) Developed in the United States, the YDS begins at 5. 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 Yosemite Decimal System The YDS is a grading system used to rate the difficulty of climbs in rock climbing, mountaineering, and similar outdoor activities. [4] So, what are the mountaineering grading systems? The main mountaineering grading systems including the French Mountaineering Grades (going from F “easy” to ED “Extremely Difficult), the Yosemite Decimal System (going from Class 1 to Class 5 terrain), and the National Climbing Classification System (going from Grade I to Grade VII). Types of Indoor Climbing Grades Indoor climbing grades are used to indicate the difficulty level of a climbing route. Converting between them is no cakewalk, and figuring out which system applies to what type of climbing adds another layer of confusion. The American YDS (or 'Yosemite Decimal System') was developed independently by climbers at Tahquitz Peak who adapted the class 5 rating of Sierra Club Class 1–5 system in the 1950s. 0 (like climbing a steep ladder) and progresses in difficulty up to 5. Scrambles in the UK are graded from 1-4, with 1 being moderately difficult and 4 being extremely difficult: 1. The “5” is known as the difficulty of class and indicates that the climbing is technical and rope belaying with protection is required. Org. The grade should probably be updated, but as you say, "out of respect for the FA Jul 26, 2020 · In this short tutorial for rock climbing beginners, I explain how to read, understand, and interpret rock climbing grades or ratings. This scale is known as the Yosemite Decimal Scale (YDS). 13c 5 13d 5. Though it was born in the outdoors, the system is also used to rate route difficulty in climbing gyms. Apr 18, 2017 · Incidentally, Robbins, Wilson, and Chuck Wilts came up with the Yosemite Decimal System for rating climbs in 1953, basing it on an earlier system developed by the Sierra Club. 6 or 5. 8-, 5. As a beginner rock climber or foreign climber trying to climb in America, you'll want to become familiar with the Yosemite Decimal System, or YDS. S. Originally known as the Southern California or Wilts-Sierra system, it eventually became cemented as the Yosemite Decimal System, despite its inception outside of Yosemite. Sep 25, 2023 · Yosemite Decimal System Yosemite Decimal System (YDS Grade): Born in the USA during the 1930s, this system, particularly its ‘fifth class’, is tailored for technical climbing. Its origins trace back to earlier Sierra Club systems in the 1930s and 1950s, with significant development occurring at Tahquitz Rock, contributing to the rich history of rock climbing. I had a hard time finding a chart online that converts the Sherman V-grade system for bouldering into the Yosemite Decimal… Feb 4, 2015 · I don’t recommend that you blindly trust this table – there can be differences from country to country or even between climbing areas. In bouldering, it generally addresses the ease or challenge of the ascent. 13a is the kind of climb that only expert climbers can pull off. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a scale used to rate the difficulty of hiking and climbing routes. x) portion of the scale is the primary climb grading… Jul 27, 2022 · The most widely used grades you might see on trail descriptions are based on the the Yosemite Decimal System, where standard rope climbing is class 5 and a normal hike is class 1. For bouldering, on the other hand, there are varying systems in place. 12b 5. This system rates climbing routes by the type of climbing (the Class) and by the length of commitment needed to complete a climb (the Grade). What they're describing is the difficulty level of the climb and the rating is from the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). These ratings do not describe the amount of effort required; class 1 can be long and strenuous and class 5 can be quick and easy. 8, 5. All rope climbs start with a “5” which signifies that it is a rope route. The British system is meant to capture exposure and how diffic it 'feels' as well as its technical difficulty. Feb 12, 2019 · Let’s talk about about the Yosemite Decimal System also known as YDS. Rock Climbing Grade Conversion Chart French 6b 9b Yosemite 5. I had a hard time finding a chart online that converts the Sherman V-grade system for bouldering into the Yosemite Decimal System for climbing. It is used mostly by mountaineers in the United States and Canada. Climbers attempting routes at this grade should have a solid understanding of climbing techniques such as efficient movement, route reading, and Convert a climbing grade with easeTo convert grades, enter the grade into the input, select the grade system (french, yosemite, v-scale) and hit "convert" May 16, 2022 · Climbing gyms in the US grade their routes based on the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and V-scale for bouldering. At one of my visits to Planet Granite in SF, the indoor gym I typically go to, I finally saw a conversion chart. Climbing and bouldering conversion from Fontainebleau to Vermin to Ogawayama (Japanese) problem grades, with Yosemite Decimal system (YDS) equivalents (approximate). Elevate your next outdoor journey!. In contrast, bouldering grades use the V-scale or Fontainebleau scale, as mentioned earlier. In the US, the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) was developed as a simple way to rate hikes and technical rock climbs. Jun 23, 2024 · Once a consensus is reached, a grade is assigned to the route based on the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) or another standardized grading system. Mar 31, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 0 and advance with technical difficulty. 10+ = 5. It’s designed to classify trail difficulty ranging from simple, well-maintained trails to technical climbs needing specialized climbing skills and equipment. 2) "Energy Miles" or flat hike equivalent. The best way to approach the conversion is to travel, go climbing and get used to the different grades! Have fun! P. Since then some of the originally graded climbs have become easier with the use of modern climbing equipment so the grading system has become open ended to allow for tougher climbs to be graded. Jun 10, 2024 · 🧗‍♂️ Sports Climbing Grade Converter Convert from French to Yosemite Decimal System and more. 11b. Invented by the Sierra Club in the 1960s, it categorizes routes from Class 1 (easy 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. -based Sierra Club in the 1950s, the YDS unified and refined previous climbing grade systems from the early days of Yosemite Valley climbing. Includes examples of the different grades, links, multimedia, pictures, photos, and video Apr 29, 2024 · The most common free-climbing grading scales are the French, US or Yosemite Decimal System, and the UK scale. Jul 20, 2020 · In the U. 6, 5. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) — 5. The YDS scale divides routes into classes based on the physical effort, technical skill, and risk Climbing grade conversion In North America both sport and trad rock climbs are graded using the YDS (Yosemite Decimal System). . learn how to use the yosemite decimal system (yds) and the v scale Everything you ever wanted to know about bouldering grades in one place, including a bouldering grade conversion chart from the V Scale to Font Scale. One of the metrics included in the trip planning information is the “difficulty”, ranging from class 1 to class 5. I cover the meaning behind the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS Depending on the country and region, climbing routes are rated according to different difficulty scales. This calculator assumes your 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). Sport Climbing Yosemite Decimal Scale We’ll start with the “5-point-something”. From the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) to the Fontainebleau grades, this article will serve as your go-to reference for decoding climbing difficulty. 15. To help make everything easier, I’ve broken the entire Mar 17, 2023 · For starters, North American sport climbing uses the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) which is entirely different from the V-scale system. Sub-Grade (Yosemite Decimal System). 15d 5. The 5 Rating Levels of Class 14ers. The exact definitions of each of the classes are not fully agreed upon, but the general canyoneering interpretation is included below. As I started to rock climb I got confused by these different rating systems and their relationships. 8+. Apr 27, 2025 · 6c roughly equals V5 in the Hueco (V) Scale and 5. Oct 15, 2021 · The Yosemite Decimal System is a detailed rating system that notifies hikers and climbers of the difficulty of a hike or climb. 11a, etc. The Yosemite decimal system also describes non-technical hikes, and mountain summit climbs. [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. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a system that is used to rate the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. Free climbing grades are generally understood to reflect the hardest move or section on a particular route. YDS grades initially topped out at 5. The grade of a rock route is usually based on the crux, the most difficult move. Developed by the U. The system uses classes ranging from 1 (easiest) to 5 (most difficult), providing a basic difficulty of the terrain you will encounter along the route. It's a stretch to class going up Everest as rock climbing in it's purest sense. This grade is suitable for climbers with advanced experience and skills in lead climbing or sports climbing. The rock climbing (5. For a basic overview of how the grades work, check out this article with Climbing Magazine. Some gyms use the classic V-grade system, marking each boulder problem with a V-grade on a tag or piece of tape at its start. On this one, they've stuck 5a on the line between 5. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 9 and have pushed 6a to 10b. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re wondering how 8A+ converts to the V Scale or the Yosemite Decimal System, the short answer is: 8A+ equals V12 and roughly 5. The Yosemite Decimal System is a sports climbing grading system used primarily in United States and countries that follow the US grading system. There are 3 parts to a YDS grade. Class 1 Hiking on a trail. 10 doesn't exist and any grade that has - is a/b and + is c/d and outside of that everything else will be a,b,c,d. Sep 5, 2021 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) — 5. Grades initiate at 5. In 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 numerical Ewbank system is open-ended, starting from 1 (a 1 in the Yosemite Decimal System) which you can (at least in theory) walk up, and currently reaching 34 (about 5. 10 I remember them as being purely decimal and topping out at 5. Scrambling is considered anything class 2-4. 12a. 12b in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). In the 50’s, this system was modified in order to give a more precise description of rock climbing, practiced on Tahquitz Rock, California, adding a decimal to the "class 5" of the system and creating what is now known as the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 0 (easiest) to 5. Here, we’ll take a look at how the conversion works and why it’s important. , you can find YDS grades all around the world. Aug 24, 2025 · Understanding the Yosemite Decimal System: A Guide to Rock Climbing Grades in North America. 14c). Mar 17, 2012 · In the United States for sport climbing and other forms of rock climbing we use the Yosemite Decimal System. Our secret (or maybe not so secret anymore) tip for Apr 13, 2025 · In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the various grading systems used across the globe, how they compare, and what they mean for climbers of all levels. Although YDS is mostly used in the United States, YDS classes are mapped to other national and United States Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a grading system commonly found in the United States, starting with a 5. 12d 5. May 31, 2020 · Grading happens both indoors and outdoors. 15b 5. 4 5 10b 5. gae shu tzer fiips zzgegc izrlql tdrwxm zhpbbsq drrrrpz tfuvf xiutwwo pvbm lijz dxnpq tbi