Grading is making the perfected production pattern into various other sizes that will be available for sale in that style.

The production pattern is usually made in the middle size, probably a Size 8 for Missy and a Size 9 for Juniors.

This would mean a Size 8 would be graded up to a Size 14 and down to a Size 2. A Junior’s Size 7 would be graded up to a Size 13 and down to a Size 1 or 3.

–Excerpt from Fashion for Profit, By Frances Harder