Children in school are usually assessed at a certain reading level based on their scores from standardized reading tests. Their test scores are then compared to the average reading scores of children at each different grade level. Based on this comparison, children are assigned a two-number score called a grade level equivalent, or GLE.

The Lexile level will always be shown as a number with an “L” after it — for example 770L = 770 Lexile. The higher the Lexile measure, the higher the student’s reading level. The reader’s Lexile Framework works in intervals of five with 5L being the lowest. The highest possible measure is 2000L.

Lexile® is one of the most common reading level systems. These levels are indicated by a number followed by the capital letter L. They range from 10L for brand-new readers to 2000L and above for advanced readers. The first digit of the score roughly corresponds with grade level, so a book rated 370 would be appropriate for most third graders.

The most common system for leveling is Fountas and Pinnell’s guided reading levels system which uses letters to indicate each level. It ranges from levels A-Z with A being the simplest and Z being the most complex of the guided reading levels. Other popular systems are DRA, which uses numbers, Reading A-Z, and Rigby.

The Reading levels ranges are: Reading Level 4-28 (First and second grades combined) Reading Level 20-38 (Second and third grades combined) Reading Level 30-44 (Third and fourth grades combined) You can see the standard ranges in the correlation chart at the end of the article.