The Fontainebleau (Font) scale is the dominant bouldering grading system in Europe. Grades run from 1 to 9A, with sub-grades A/B/C and optional + symbols. Font 6A (roughly V3) is often seen as a solid intermediate benchmark; Font 7A (V7) is advanced; Font 8A (V11) is elite. The Forest of Fontainebleau in France is considered the birthplace of modern bouldering, and its grade system is used across Europe and increasingly globally as an alternative to the V-scale.
Key points
- Dominant bouldering scale in Europe
- Named after Fontainebleau forest, France
- Sub-grades: A, B, C with + modifiers
- Font 6A ≈ V3; Font 7A ≈ V7