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Literacy rate is the literate population as a percentage of population aged seven and above — the age cut-off matters, because including infants would understate literacy. Disaggregating by sex reveals the gender gap, which is the more actionable statistic in most policy contexts.
Literacy rate
Literacy % = Literate population aged 7+ / Population aged 7+ x 100
Gender gap
Gap = Male literacy rate - Female literacy rate
Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.
Because formal schooling typically starts around age six, so children below seven have not yet had the opportunity to become literate.
Usually not. Census literacy is self-reported ability to read and write with understanding, which is a much lower bar than functional literacy assessments.