Readability score

Readability formulas estimate how easy a text is to read based on sentence length and word length. They are widely used by content writers, UX teams, educators and government agencies to keep text accessible. This calculator computes the two best-known scores, Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level.

How to use it

1. Paste your text, ideally at least a few paragraphs.
2. Read the scores and the counts of sentences, words and syllables.
3. Edit long sentences and complex words, then check again.

The formulas

• Flesch Reading Ease = 206.835 - 1.015 × (words / sentences) - 84.6 × (syllables / words). Higher is easier.
• Flesch-Kincaid Grade = 0.39 × (words / sentences) + 11.8 × (syllables / words) - 15.59. The result is roughly a US school grade.

Interpreting Reading Ease

• 90 to 100: very easy, understood by an 11-year-old.
• 60 to 70: plain English, suitable for most web content.
• 30 to 50: difficult, typical of academic writing.
• Below 30: very difficult, such as legal text.

Example

The cat sat on the mat. It was warm. has 2 sentences, 9 words and 9 syllables, giving a Reading Ease near 116 (very easy). A sentence like Comprehensive organisational restructuring necessitates stakeholder consultation. scores far below zero.

How to improve your score

• Keep average sentence length around 15 to 20 words.
• Replace long words with short ones: use instead of utilise.
• Split sentences joined by and, which or semicolons.
• Use active voice.

Formulas do not measure meaning or structure, so treat them as a guide, not a goal.