Reading Level Conversion Chart

How to Use This Reading Level Conversion Chart

Reading levels can feel confusing — and you’re not alone in thinking that. One of the biggest challenges for families (and teachers!) is that there is no single, universal reading system. Different countries, schools, publishers and assessment tools all use their own frameworks, terminology and benchmarks.

The chart below has been created to help families make sense of that landscape, especially if you are:

• Moving between countries or school systems

• Supporting a child in an international school

• Comparing school reading information with book banding or online recommendations

• Trying to choose books that are appropriately challenging without being overwhelming

Because each scheme measures reading slightly differently (decoding, fluency, comprehension, stamina, vocabulary, or a combination), levels will never line up perfectly. That’s normal — and expected. Please use this as a guide to support, it is not perfect.

How to use it effectively

• Start with the system your child’s school currently uses (for example PM Benchmarking or Accelerated Reader).

• Use the chart to roughly locate equivalent ranges in other systems.

• Look for overlapping bands, not a single “match”.

When choosing books, aim for:

• • Comfortable reading most of the time

  • Occasional challenge

  • Strong engagement and interest

If a book sits slightly above or below a suggested level but your child is excited, curious and motivated to read it — that enthusiasm matters.

A note on age and challenge

One important reason behind this site's existence was because I have seen an increase in confident readers reading more challenging books. However, “harder” does not always mean “appropriate”. Some books may match a child’s technical reading level but include themes, language or content that aren’t developmentally suitable.

The conversion chart should therefore be used alongside professional judgement, knowledge of your child, and thoughtful book selection — not in isolation.

Most importantly…

Reading is not a race, and progress is not always linear. This chart is here to reduce confusion, support confident choices, and help families navigate multiple systems with a little more clarity. As always, do speak to your child's teacher if you are looking for extra support.

If it helps you feel more confident selecting books — then it’s doing its job!