What do the numbers and the plus sign mean in lead climbing results?
B · Beginner · The route and the score · 2 of 3A plus is added if they were making a real move towards the next hold when they came off. So 34+ beats 34, and 35 beats both. A climber who clips the final anchor scores a top.
How it works
- The topo: before each round the Head Routesetter draws a scoring diagram with the holds numbered.
- Hands only: "Only holds used by either hand will be considered for scoring purposes."
- Controlled: the result is the last scoring hold controlled to complete an establishing movement or to make an advancing movement.
- The plus: given when the hold is controlled to make an advancing movement, a move aimed at securing the next hold.
- Signs of an advancing move: the hips, shoulders and hand travelling towards the next hold.
- Not a plus: a movement made while the body is falling away from the next hold or the wall.
- Skipping a hold: a higher-numbered hold may be credited as the next one if another climber shows the move is possible.
- Ranking: tops first, then the others in descending order of their score.
- No plus after a clipping error: an attempt ended by a clipping fault or by passing the last safe position cannot earn a plus.
The glossary has the lead result, the control entry, the establishing and advancing movements entry, the hold, the fall and the top.
Tricky cases
A climber touches hold 35 with their fingertips and falls. Is the score 35?
No. Touching is not control. If they controlled 34 and were moving to 35, the score is 34+.
A climber holds 34, feels tired and lets go without trying to move. What is the score?
34, with no plus. No advancing movement was made.
Two climbers both fall going for hold 35. One was a little higher in the air. Who is ahead?
Neither on the score: both have 34+. The tie is then broken by count-back.
A climber stands on hold 36 with a foot but never had a hand on it. Does 36 count?
No. Only holds used by a hand are considered for scoring.
Why the rule exists
Height alone would be hard to measure and would reward a tall climber's reach. Counting holds measures progress through the route as it was set. The plus separates the climber who was beaten by a hold from the one who was already moving past it.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Unsuccessful attempt | Last hold controlled, with or without a plus | WC Competition Rules 9.1 |
| After a clipping fault | No plus | WC Competition Rules 9.2 |
| Successful attempt | Top, with the climbing time where required | WC Competition Rules 9.3 |
| Boulder | A top or a zone, with the number of attempts | WC Competition Rules 9.6; 9.7 |
From the rule book
World Climbing, Competition Rules (version 3, January 2026), Rules 9.1 to 9.3 with notes 24, 31 and 32; World Climbing, Event Regulations (version 3, January 2026), Annex A sections 5 and 7.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: World Climbing Competition Rules, January 2026 (PDF) and World Climbing Event Regulations, January 2026 (PDF).