By Stephanie Smith, M.Ed.

NWEA MAP Reading Test Scores by Grade Level 2026–2027: Complete Percentile Chart (1st–99th)

The NWEA reading score chart below shows every RIT score from the 1st to the 99th percentile for Grades K–12, updated with 2025 NWEA national norms — the most complete NWEA MAP reading scores by grade level reference available online. The 50th percentile row (highlighted in dark green) is the national average for each grade and season. For an instant percentile from any RIT score, use the free NWEA MAP score calculator.

Source: NWEA 2025 MAP Growth Norms Study. Every percentile rank 1–99 shown for all grades K–12. The highlighted row marks the national average (50th percentile). Scroll right on mobile to see all grades.

Fall NWEA MAP Reading Scores by Grade Level — All Percentiles 1st–99th

Fall reading MAP test scores are the starting-point baseline for the academic year, typically tested September–October.

↑ Back to top of Fall table  Fall Winter Spring

Winter NWEA MAP Reading Scores by Grade Level — All Percentiles 1st–99th

Winter testing (January–February) shows mid-year progress. Typical reading growth from Fall to Winter is 4–6 RIT points.

↑ Back to top of Winter table  Fall Winter Spring

Spring NWEA MAP Reading Scores by Grade Level — All Percentiles 1st–99th

Spring scores (April–May) reflect a full year of reading growth and are the highest of the three seasons.

↑ Back to top of Spring table  Fall Winter Spring

How to Read This NWEA Reading Score Chart

Match your child’s test season using the three sections above, find their grade column, then read down the percentile column on the left until you find the RIT score closest to theirs — that row’s number is their national percentile rank among all students who took the NWEA MAP Reading test in the same grade and season. The 50th percentile row (dark green) is the national average: scores above it are above average, scores below it are below average.

Unlike most reading map test scores charts that show only five or six data points, this chart shows all 99 percentile ranks so you can pinpoint your child’s exact standing. An important note on Reading growth: gains are largest in Kindergarten through Grade 3 (often 10–14 RIT points per year) and slow significantly from Grade 4 onwards, with high school students typically gaining just 1–3 RIT points per year. This is normal and is visible in the NWEA MAP reading scores by grade level shown above.

NWEA MAP Reading Scores: Frequently Asked Questions

What are NWEA MAP Reading scores by grade level for 2026 and 2027?

NWEA MAP Reading scores by grade level for 2026 and 2027 use the 2025 NWEA norms, the most recently published national averages and the current official benchmark for MAP Growth assessments in both school years. The nwea reading score chart at the top of this page shows all 99 percentiles for every grade K–12 across Fall, Winter, and Spring, making it the most complete reference for 2026–2027 reading map test scores available online.

How many questions are on the NWEA MAP Reading test?

The NWEA MAP Reading test contains approximately 40 to 43 questions for most students, though the exact number varies because the test is adaptive and adjusts question count and difficulty based on each student’s responses in real time. Unlike a standard test, every student receives different reading passages and questions calibrated to their individual level. This adaptive design is why NWEA MAP reading scores by grade level reliably reflect each child’s true reading ability rather than simple grade-level mastery.

What is the highest NWEA MAP Reading score?

There is no fixed ceiling on the NWEA MAP Reading RIT scale, but in practice the highest NWEA MAP Reading scores fall between 260 and 280 RIT even for exceptional high school students. Based on 2025 NWEA norms, the 99th percentile for Grade 12 Reading in Spring is approximately 264 RIT, visible in the Spring table above. Scores above 260 are extremely rare and represent reading achievement well beyond what the standard curriculum addresses at any grade level.

How long does the NWEA MAP Reading test take?

The NWEA MAP Reading test typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes for most students, with no strict time limit so students can work through each reading passage at their own pace. Because the test is adaptive, some students may take slightly longer when encountering many challenging passages near their ceiling level. Schools generally schedule the reading map test within a single class period and the vast majority of students complete it comfortably in the time available.

What does the NWEA MAP Reading test measure?

The NWEA MAP Reading test measures student achievement across three primary domains: Literary Text (fiction, poetry, and drama), Informational Text (non-fiction and academic articles), and Language and Writing Conventions. At the earliest grades, Foundational Skills including phonics and print concepts are also assessed. The test uses the same continuous RIT scale from Kindergarten through Grade 12, making the NWEA MAP reading scores by grade level chart above a true cross-grade comparison tool.

How often do students take the NWEA MAP Reading test?

Most schools administer the NWEA MAP Reading test two to three times per year, typically in Fall, Winter, and Spring, though some districts test only in Fall and Spring. The three testing windows are why this nwea reading score chart provides separate seasonal tables — comparing a score to the wrong seasonal norm produces a misleading picture of where a student stands nationally. Growth between testing windows is as informative as the absolute score when evaluating reading development.

What is a RIT score on the NWEA MAP Reading test?

A RIT score on the NWEA MAP Reading test is a number on the Rasch Unit scale representing a student’s current reading achievement level, independent of grade. RIT scores range from around 100 in early Kindergarten to over 250 for advanced high school students, and the same scale applies across all grades. A student who scores 185 in Grade 2 and 185 in Grade 5 is at the same reading level regardless of grade. Every cell in the reading map test scores chart above shows the exact RIT score at that percentile rank for that grade and season.

Why do NWEA MAP Reading scores grow more slowly in high school?

NWEA MAP Reading scores slow dramatically after Grade 3 because early reading involves learning to decode and build fluency — skills with rapid, measurable RIT gains — while later reading involves increasingly subtle comprehension, inference, and vocabulary skills that develop more gradually. The nwea reading score chart above shows this clearly: Kindergarten through Grade 3 students gain 12–16 RIT points per year on average, while Grades 9–12 students gain just 1–2 points annually. This deceleration is developmentally normal and expected.

What is the difference between Fall, Winter, and Spring NWEA MAP Reading scores?

NWEA MAP Reading scores are highest in Spring because students build reading skills across the school year. Typical growth from Fall to Spring ranges from around 14 RIT points in Kindergarten down to just 1–2 points in high school. This seasonal variation is why this reading map test scores page shows three separate tables: comparing a child’s Fall score against Spring norms would make them appear below average even if they are perfectly on track. Always match the test date to the correct seasonal table when interpreting NWEA MAP reading scores by grade level.

How do I find my child’s exact reading percentile from this chart?

To find an exact national percentile for any NWEA MAP Reading RIT score, use the free NWEA MAP score calculator for an instant result. To use this chart manually, select the correct season table, find your child’s grade column, then scan down the percentile rows until the RIT value matches or is closest to your child’s score — that row’s label is their national percentile rank. The 50th percentile row in dark green is the national average and the single most useful reference point on the page.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score by grade level?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score by grade level — the 50th percentile in the Fall nwea reading score chart above — ranges from 138 RIT in Kindergarten to 218 RIT in Grade 12, based on 2025 NWEA national norms. Full Fall national averages: Kindergarten 138, Grade 1 155, Grade 2 170, Grade 3 185, Grade 4 196, Grade 5 204, Grade 6 209, Grade 7 212, Grade 8 216, Grade 9 216, Grade 10 218, Grade 11 218, Grade 12 218. Reading growth slows considerably after Grade 3, which is why the national averages plateau through high school.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Kindergarten?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Kindergarten is 138 RIT in Fall, 146 in Winter, and 152 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Kindergarten column of the nwea reading score chart above. A Kindergarten student at the 25th percentile scores around 132 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 150, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Kindergarten is the entry point for MAP Reading testing. Scores vary widely because children arrive with very different literacy experiences, but growth across the year is typically the largest of any grade.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 1?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 1 is 155 RIT in Fall, 163 in Winter, and 168 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 1 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 1st grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 146 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 172, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 1 is when most students develop phonics fluency. Growth in RIT points per year is among the highest of any grade, and a score above the 75th percentile in Grade 1 is a strong indicator of early reading development.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 2?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 2 is 170 RIT in Fall, 177 in Winter, and 182 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 2 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 2nd grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 159 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 192, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 2 reading MAP scores reflect growing fluency and early comprehension skills. Students who score above the 75th percentile in Grade 2 are building the strong foundation needed for the more complex reading of Grades 3 and 4.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 3?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 3 is 185 RIT in Fall, 190 in Winter, and 194 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 3 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 3rd grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 173 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 208, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 3 is widely regarded as the most critical year in reading development — the shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Students below the 25th percentile in Grade 3 reading may benefit from targeted intervention.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 4?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 4 is 196 RIT in Fall, 199 in Winter, and 202 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 4 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 4th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 184 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 219, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. By Grade 4, reading growth begins to slow on the RIT scale as skills shift toward deeper comprehension and vocabulary. Scores above the 75th percentile indicate the student is well prepared for the increasing complexity of upper elementary content.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 5?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 5 is 204 RIT in Fall, 206 in Winter, and 208 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 5 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 5th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 193 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 226, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 5 reading MAP scores reflect comprehension of complex informational and literary texts. A score at or above the 50th percentile in Grade 5 indicates the student is on track for the transition to middle school reading demands.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 6?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 6 is 209 RIT in Fall, 211 in Winter, and 212 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 6 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 6th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 198 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 231, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 6 marks the transition to middle school, where reading expectations increase significantly in both complexity and volume. Students scoring below the 25th percentile in Grade 6 may struggle with content-area reading across subjects.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 7?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 7 is 212 RIT in Fall, 214 in Winter, and 215 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 7 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 7th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 201 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 234, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 7 reading MAP scores continue a gradual upward trend. Growth in RIT points per year is smaller than in elementary school but still meaningful, and a score at the 75th percentile or above in Grade 7 indicates strong reading readiness for high school.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 8?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 8 is 216 RIT in Fall, 217 in Winter, and 218 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 8 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 8th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 205 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 238, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 8 reading is a key preparation point for high school. Students scoring at or above the 75th percentile are well positioned for the rigorous reading demands of high school English, history, and science courses.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 9?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 9 is 216 RIT in Fall, 217 in Winter, and 217 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 9 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 9th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 204 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 239, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 9 reading MAP scores show that national averages have largely plateaued compared to middle school, reflecting the shift to more specialised course-based reading. A score above the 75th percentile in Grade 9 is a strong indicator of college-track reading readiness.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 10?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 10 is 218 RIT in Fall, 218 in Winter, and 218 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 10 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 10th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 206 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 241, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 10 reading scores are among the most stable on the RIT scale year to year. Students at this level who score above the 75th percentile demonstrate the analytical reading skills typically associated with advanced coursework.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 11?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 11 is 218 RIT in Fall, 218 in Winter, and 218 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 11 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 11th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 206 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 241, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 11 is one of the last years most students take the MAP Reading assessment. High scores in Grade 11 strongly correlate with readiness for college-level reading, and a score at the 90th percentile or above represents exceptional achievement.

What is the average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 12?

The average NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 12 is 218 RIT in Fall, 217 in Winter, and 216 in Spring, based on 2025 NWEA norms at the 50th percentile — the highlighted row in the Grade 12 column of the nwea reading score chart above. A 12th grade student at the 25th percentile scores around 205 in Fall, while a student at the 90th percentile scores around 242, reflecting the spread of reading achievement at this grade level. Grade 12 reading MAP scores represent the culmination of 13 years of literacy development. The 50th percentile for Grade 12 is 218 RIT, and the 99th percentile reaches approximately 264 RIT in Spring, representing the highest reading achievement measured on the NWEA scale.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score by grade level?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score is any score at or above the 50th percentile for your child’s grade and testing season, meaning the student performed at or above the national average for reading map test scores. Scores at the 75th percentile or above are considered well above average, and scores at the 90th percentile represent exceptional performance. Use the per-grade breakdowns below for specific targets, or find the exact percentile for any RIT score using the NWEA MAP score calculator.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Kindergarten?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Kindergarten is 138 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for Kindergarten reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 144 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for Kindergarten, 150 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 153 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Kindergarten students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Kindergarten in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 1?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 1 is 155 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 1st grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 164 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 1st grade, 172 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 176 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 1 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 1 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 2?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 2 is 170 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 2nd grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 181 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 2nd grade, 192 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 198 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 2 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 2 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 3?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 3 is 185 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 3rd grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 197 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 3rd grade, 208 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 215 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 3 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 3 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 4?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 4 is 196 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 4th grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 208 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 4th grade, 219 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 226 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 4 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 4 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 5?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 5 is 204 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 5th grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 215 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 5th grade, 226 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 232 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 5 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 5 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 6?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 6 is 209 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 6th grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 220 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 6th grade, 231 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 237 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 6 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 6 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 7?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 7 is 212 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 7th grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 223 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 7th grade, 234 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 240 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 7 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 7 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 8?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 8 is 216 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 8th grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 227 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 8th grade, 238 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 244 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 8 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 8 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 9?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 9 is 216 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 9th grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 228 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 9th grade, 239 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 246 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 9 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 9 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 10?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 10 is 218 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 10th grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 230 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 10th grade, 241 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 248 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 10 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 10 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 11?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 11 is 218 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 11th grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 230 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 11th grade, 241 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 248 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 11 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 11 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

What is a good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 12?

A good NWEA MAP Reading score for Grade 12 is 218 RIT or higher in Fall, the national average (50th percentile) for 12th grade reading according to 2025 NWEA norms. A score of 231 or above (75th percentile) is well above average for 12th grade, 242 or above (90th percentile) is exceptional, and 249 or above (95th percentile) places the student in the top 5% of all Grade 12 students nationally on the NWEA MAP Reading assessment. Find the full 1st through 99th percentile breakdown for Grade 12 in the Fall reading map test scores table above.

For more on what these reading map test scores mean in practice, read our complete guide to what is a good MAP score by grade, visit our NWEA MAP FAQ, or use the NWEA MAP growth tracker to check whether your child’s reading growth is on track. If scores are below expectations, see our guide on below-grade-level NWEA MAP growth and our article on how to improve NWEA MAP test scores. All subject percentile data is at NWEA MAP test scores and percentile charts.