Reading Levels by Grade Explained – A Parent’s Guide.

Navigating all the different ways to measure reading skills can feel overwhelming. If you’re not sure what your child’s reading level is, the simple Reading Levels charts below can help you match a letter or number to your child’s grade. Keep reading for details about each reading-level system and how they can support your child’s reading journey.

Reading Levels by Grade Level – Comparisons.

Guided Reading Levels (GRL)

Often called Fountas & Pinnell levels in some schools.
Kindergarten: A–C
1st Grade: C–I
2nd Grade: I–M
3rd Grade: M–P
4th Grade: P–S
5th Grade: S–V
6th Grade: V–Y

7th & 8th Grade (Approximate):
Some systems extend to W, X, Y, Z or beyond, but there is no universally published chart for 7th/8th in GRL. Many schools consider level Z (or Z+) as middle school to high school reading.

9th–12th Grade:
Since GRL primarily covers K–6th (or up to Z level), secondary grades may not use GRL. Some schools continue with advanced or “Z+” designations, but it varies widely by district.

Accelerated Reader (AR) Levels

Also known as ATOS reading levels.
Kindergarten: 0.1–0.9
1st Grade: 1.0–1.9
2nd Grade: 2.0–2.9
3rd Grade: 3.0–3.9
4th Grade: 4.0–4.9
5th Grade: 5.0–5.9
6th Grade: 6.0–6.9

7th Grade: 7.0–7.9
8th Grade: 8.0–8.9
9th Grade: 9.0–9.9
10th Grade: 10.0–10.9
11th Grade: 11.0–11.9
12th Grade: 12.0–12.9
Note: Some students read above these listed levels, and AR tests can measure higher than 12.9 in certain cases.

Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA)

Measures reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.
Kindergarten: A–4
1st Grade: 4–16
2nd Grade: 16–24
3rd Grade: 24–38
4th Grade: 38–40
5th Grade: 40–50
6th Grade: 50–60
7th & 8th Grade: 60–80

9th–12th Grade:
DRA charts typically stop at level 80, which generally corresponds to middle school benchmarks. Beyond 8th grade, many schools switch to other assessments or simply note that students are reading “above level” if they exceed DRA 80.

Lexile Measurement Levels

A widely used tool to measure both a child’s reading ability and a book’s difficulty.
Kindergarten: BR40L–230L
1st Grade: BR120L–295L
2nd Grade: 107L–545L
3rd Grade: 415L–760L
4th Grade: 635L–950L
5th Grade: 770L–1080L
6th Grade: 855L–1165L
7th Grade: ~925L–1185L
8th Grade: ~985L–1295L
9th Grade: ~1040L–1390L
10th Grade: ~1085L–1400L
11th & 12th Grade: ~1130L–1440L

Note: “BR” stands for “Beginning Reader.” Some children may even be below BR if they’re just learning. Lexile ranges for 7th–12th grade are approximations based on various national norms.

Reading Levels Chart.

Use this chart to compare reading levels of each system. Find the Grade Level column in the middle of the chart, and check the corresponding reading levels:

Quick Overviews of Each System

1. Guided Reading Levels (GRL) / Fountas & Pinnell
   Often used in classrooms for small-group reading instruction.
   Books are labeled with letters (A, B, C, etc.) to show difficulty.
   Fountas & Pinnell Running Records are often used to check progress (most common in K–6).
2. Accelerated Reader (AR)
   Uses a computer-based test (Renaissance’s STAR Reading) to find a child’s independent reading level.
   Children read within that range and take quizzes for comprehension.
   Levels are written as a number (e.g., 3.5 = approximately a third-grade, fifth-month reading level). AR can go beyond 12.9 for advanced readers.
3. Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA)
   Measures reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension using specific benchmarks.
   Levels jump in increments (e.g., 12, 20, 24, 28, 30). Often used primarily through middle school (up to level 80).
4. Lexile Measurement
   A numeric scale (e.g., 770L) used to match readers with appropriately challenging books.
   Helps “forecast” how well a student will comprehend a particular text. Continues up through high school and beyond.

Each of these systems has the same overall goal:
to make sure students are matched with “just-right” books that help them grow and gain confidence in reading.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What age is Level 12 reading?

Short Answer: “Level 12” often refers to the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) scale around first or second grade, typically ages 6–7.
Why It Varies: Reading assessments label levels differently, and every child learns at a unique pace. Always check which assessment your child’s teacher is using.

2. What are the five levels of reading proficiency?

Different organizations use slightly different categories. One common breakdown is:

1. Emergent (beginning to grasp letters, sounds, and basic words)
2. Early (starting to read simple sentences and build fluency)
3. Transitional (tackling more complex texts and stronger comprehension)
4. Fluent (comfortably reading a variety of texts with good understanding)
5. Advanced (able to read challenging texts and think critically)

Meanwhile, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) uses Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced for its reading performance levels.

3. What are the reading levels by grade?

Each system—Guided Reading Levels (GRL), Accelerated Reader (AR), DRA, and Lexile—maps differently to grade levels. Below is a quick summary through 8th grade (and beyond if available):

• Kindergarten:GRL: A–CAR: 0.1–0.9DRA: A–4Lexile: BR40L–230L
• 1st Grade:GRL: C–IAR: 1.0–1.9DRA: 4–16Lexile: BR120L–295L
• 2nd Grade:GRL: I–MAR: 2.0–2.9DRA: 16–24Lexile: 107L–545L
• 3rd Grade:GRL: M–PAR: 3.0–3.9DRA: 24–38Lexile: 415L–760L
• 4th Grade:GRL: P–SAR: 4.0–4.9DRA: 38–40Lexile: 635L–950L
• 5th Grade:GRL: S–VAR: 5.0–5.9DRA: 40–50Lexile: 770L–1080L
• 6th Grade:GRL: V–YAR: 6.0–6.9DRA: 50–60Lexile: 855L–1165L
• 7th & 8th Grade:GRL: W–Z (approx.)AR: 7.0–8.9DRA: 60–80Lexile: ~925L–1295L
• 9th–12th Grade:GRL: Typically “Z” or “Z+” (if used at all)AR: 9.0–12.9+DRA: Typically 80+ (if tested)Lexile: ~1040L–1440L

These ranges are approximate and can vary by district, publisher, or assessment updates.

4. What reading level is Harry Potter?

General Range: The first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S.), measures about 880L on the Lexile scale, roughly a 4th–5th grade level.
Later Books: As the series progresses, the vocabulary and themes become more advanced, often placing them at a 5th–7th grade level or beyond.
Important Note: If your child loves Harry Potter, don’t let a reading-level mismatch discourage them. Motivation is a key part of reading success.

5. What are the major reading-level tests in the U.S.?

Schools commonly use one or more of these to measure or benchmark reading:

• Fountas & Pinnell / Guided Reading Levels (GRL)
• Accelerated Reader (AR) / STAR Reading
• Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA)
• Lexile Framework for Reading
• i-Ready Diagnostic (in some districts)
• Benchmark Assessment Systems (BAS) or other local/state tests

Each test aims to identify a student’s “just-right” reading level for selecting books and instruction.

6. What are Lexile reading levels by grade?

From Kindergarten to 12th grade, Lexile levels generally trend upward. Here’s a simplified list:

• Kindergarten: BR40L–230L
• 1st Grade: BR120L–295L
• 2nd Grade: 107L–545L
• 3rd Grade: 415L–760L
• 4th Grade: 635L–950L
• 5th Grade: 770L–1080L
• 6th Grade: 855L–1165L
• 7th Grade: ~925L–1185L
• 8th Grade: ~985L–1295L
• 9th Grade: ~1040L–1390L
• 10th Grade: ~1085L–1400L
• 11th & 12th Grade: ~1130L–1440L

“BR” stands for “Beginning Reader.” These are not strict cutoffs but rather averages or typical ranges.

7. How does reading proficiency in the U.S. compare to these levels?

Varies by State and District: Different schools have different proficiency cutoffs.
National Assessments: The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) checks reading at 4th, 8th, and 12th grade to see how students compare nationally.
Key Takeaway: If your child’s scores are below “proficient,” it might be time to explore more reading practice or support.

8. What if my child’s reading level seems below (or above) these charts?

It’s Normal to See Variation: Children develop at different rates, and these charts are just guidelines.
Talk to the Teacher: Ask how your child’s progress is measured in class.
Focus on Growth: Daily reading, engaging books, and celebrating small wins can help them improve steadily.

9. How do Fountas & Pinnell levels relate to the Guided Reading Levels (GRL)?

Mostly the Same: Fountas & Pinnell developed the letter-based system now referred to as GRL.
Slight Differences: Scholastic’s Book Wizard may be off by a letter or so, but generally aligns well.

10. Should I worry if different tests show slightly different levels?

Not Necessarily: Each assessment uses a unique formula.
Look for Overall Patterns: Consistent results across multiple measures give a reliable picture.
Stay in Touch: Your child’s teacher can help interpret test results and offer reading strategies.

Even though all these numbers and letters can seem complicated, they’re just tools to help your child find “just-right” books. The ultimate goal is to help each reader become more confident and to foster a true love for reading. If you have more questions, contact your child’s teacher or a reading specialist for guidance. Working together, you can ensure your child keeps growing and thriving as a reader!