
Climbing grades explained: from 4 to 9c and how the scales compare
6a, VII, 5.11d, V5... Every country and every type of climbing has its own difficulty system. We explain how they work, how they compare and why a grade is never an exact science.
Friday, 13 November 2026
International edition · English
Mountain and adventure sports: technique, history, grades, getting started and the great expeditions. Information to enjoy them wisely, without recklessness.
25 articles · RSS

6a, VII, 5.11d, V5... Every country and every type of climbing has its own difficulty system. We explain how they work, how they compare and why a grade is never an exact science.
Our store · ALTREVA
Hiking footwear, jackets, backpacks, camping and climbing gear chosen for the mountains. Shipping worldwide.
25% off for Altavia readers ALTAVIA25 Applied automatically when you enter from here.
ALTREVA is the outdoor gear store run by the publisher of Altavia.