One of the 21st century skills is the mathematical literacy ability. The aim of this research was to describe the mathematical literacy ability student based on mathematical ability. This was qualitative descriptive research. The subjects of this research were three 8th grade students an Islamic secondary school at Yogyakarta. The data collection was by test and interview methods. The research instruments was mathematical literacy test used 4 PISA questions and semi-structured interview guidelines. To determine students' mathematical literacy based on students mathematical ability, first step is grouping the students mathematical ability. There are 3 type of mathematical ability, high, average, and low mathematical ability. One subject from every group were chosen namely S1 (students with high mathematical ability), S2 (students with average mathematical ability), and S3 (students with low mathematical ability). Mathematical literacy test and interview were given and analyzed. The analysis result showed that students with high mathematical ability can reach level 2 and level 4 mathematical literacy PISA, students with average mathematical ability can reach level 2 Mathematical Literacy PISA, and students with low mathematical ability can't reach mathematical literacy level 2, 3 or level 4 PISA.