This study estimates and compares different measures of adult literacy rates in South Africa, using information collected in recent nationally representative household surveys. In particular, the study considers adult literacy rates derived from three sets of information: the highest level of educational attainment; whether or not individuals report being able to read and to write in a language; and how individuals rank their ability to read and to write in their home language. The study highlights the considerable variation in adult literacy rates, depending on which information is used; and it considers the implications of these findings for collecting information on literacy ability in household surveys.