Understanding a child’s reading level is essential for parents and educators to provide appropriate reading materials. The Lexile Framework for Reading is a widely used tool that measures both a student’s reading ability and the difficulty of a text. This guide provides a detailed Lexile reading levels by grade chart, helping you match books to a child’s reading skills.

What Is a Lexile Reading Level?

A Lexile measure is a numeric representation of a student’s reading ability or the difficulty of a text. The scale ranges from BR (Beginning Reader) to 2000L, with lower numbers indicating simpler texts and higher numbers representing more complex material.

How Lexile Measures Work

Lexile scores help educators and parents:

• Match students with books that suit their reading level.
• Track reading progress over time.
• Identify areas for improvement in comprehension and fluency.

Lexile Reading Levels by Grade Chart

Below is a general breakdown of lexile levels by grade, based on typical student performance in the U.S.

Kindergarten Lexile Range

At this stage, children are just beginning to read. Most kindergarteners fall under the BR (Beginning Reader) category or have Lexile measures between:

• BR40L to 230L

Recommended Books:

• Simple picture books
• Repetitive, rhyming texts
• High-frequency word readers

1st Grade Lexile Range

First graders develop foundational reading skills. Their Lexile range typically spans:

• 190L to 530L

Recommended Books:

• Early chapter books (e.g., Frog and Toad series)
• Short sentences with basic vocabulary

2nd Grade Lexile Range

Second graders expand their reading fluency. The average Lexile range is:

• 420L to 650L

Recommended Books:

• Longer picture books
• Simple chapter books (e.g., Junie B. Jones)

3rd Grade Lexile Range

By third grade, students read more independently. The typical Lexile range is:

• 520L to 820L

Recommended Books:

• Early middle-grade novels (e.g., Magic Tree House)
• Nonfiction texts with clear structures

4th Grade Lexile Range

Fourth graders handle more complex texts. Their Lexile range is usually:

• 740L to 940L

Recommended Books:

• Longer chapter books (e.g., Charlotte’s Web)
• Informational texts with diagrams

5th Grade Lexile Range

Fifth graders engage with more advanced vocabulary and themes. Their Lexile range is:

• 830L to 1010L

Recommended Books:

• Middle-grade novels (e.g., Percy Jackson)
• Historical fiction and biographies

6th to 8th Grade Lexile Range

Middle school students read near-adult level texts. The typical Lexile range is:

• 925L to 1235L

Recommended Books:

• Young adult novels (e.g., The Giver)
• Dense nonfiction (e.g., science and history texts)

High School Lexile Range

High school students prepare for college-level reading. Their Lexile range is:

• 1050L to 1600L

Recommended Books:

• Classic literature (e.g., To Kill a Mockingbird)
• Technical and academic texts

How to Use Lexile Levels Effectively

While Lexile measures are helpful, they shouldn’t be the only factor in book selection. Here’s how to use them wisely:

Consider Interest and Maturity

A book might be at the right Lexile level but too mature or too childish for a student. Always check content appropriateness.

Encourage Challenging (But Not Frustrating) Reads

Aim for books within or slightly above a student’s Lexile range to promote growth without causing frustration.

Use Lexile Tools for Progress Tracking

Many educational platforms (like Lexile® Find a Book) allow you to search for books by Lexile level, making it easier to find suitable options.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Lexile reading levels by grade helps educators and parents guide students toward books that match their skills. However, reading should also be enjoyable—balance Lexile recommendations with a child’s interests to foster a lifelong love of reading.
By using this Lexile reading levels by grade chart, you can better support young readers at every stage of their academic journey.