NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW vs NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3

What is the difference between NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW and NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3?

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW is a information security framework applying in the United States, with 173 controls across 20 domains. NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 is a information security framework applying in the United States, with 97 controls across 34 domains. Both govern the same subject, so their requirements overlap; the mapping below shows which controls carry across and which are asked for by only one of them.

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW173 controls

NIST SP 800-171 Rev 397 controls

Measured coverage between these frameworks

We map controls between these two frameworks in a knowledge graph and have a person review every mapping before it is published. Below is what that review found. The figures are read live from the graph, not written by hand.

NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 into NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

34%

102 of 300 NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls carry evidence from NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3, leaving 198 to satisfy separately.

141 candidate mappings were examined and 0 were rejected on review, signed off 2026-08-19.

Read the full crosswalk, including every rejected mapping →

Coverage is directional. Mapping A into B is a different measurement from B into A, because the two standards do not carry the same depth on the same subjects.

Questions people ask about NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW and NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3

What is the difference between NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW and NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3?

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW has 173 controls while NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 has 97 controls. Both frameworks address compliance requirements but differ in scope, focus, and applicability. Use our platform to explore the exact control-to-control mappings.

Do I need both NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW and NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3?

Whether you need both depends on your industry, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. Many organizations implement multiple frameworks simultaneously. Our compliance platform helps you map controls between NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW and NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 so you can identify shared requirements and avoid duplicate effort.

How do NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW and NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 controls map to each other?

Our platform maps controls between NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW and NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3 at a granular level. Each mapping shows whether controls are fully aligned, partially aligned, or represent gaps. This helps you prioritize implementation when pursuing both frameworks.

Which framework should I implement first, NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 LOW or NIST SP 800-171 Rev 3?

The best starting point depends on your specific regulatory requirements, industry, and customer demands. Consider which framework is most urgently required by your stakeholders or regulators. Use our free compliance platform to run a gap analysis and determine the optimal implementation sequence.

Each framework on its own