What is the Flesch Reading Ease score?

The Flesch Reading Ease score rates text on a 0-100 scale. Higher scores mean easier reading. 90-100 is very easy (5th grade), 60-70 is standard (8th-9th grade), and 0-30 is very difficult (graduate level). It uses average sentence length and syllables per word in its formula.

What is a good readability score?

For general audiences, aim for a Flesch Reading Ease of 60-70 (standard difficulty) or a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 7-8. For web content and marketing, aim for grade 6-8. Academic writing typically scores grade 12-16. Legal and medical texts often score grade 14+.

What is the difference between Flesch-Kincaid and Gunning Fog?

Both estimate the US grade level needed to understand text, but use different methods. Flesch-Kincaid uses sentence length and syllables per word. Gunning Fog uses sentence length and percentage of complex words (3+ syllables). They often give similar results but can differ on texts with many short complex words.

How can I improve my text readability?

Use shorter sentences (15-20 words average). Choose simpler words with fewer syllables. Replace jargon with plain language. Use active voice instead of passive. Break long paragraphs into shorter ones. Use bullet points and headings for scannability.

How many sentences do I need for accurate results?

Most formulas work with any text length, but accuracy improves with more text. The SMOG Index specifically requires at least 30 sentences for its intended accuracy. We calculate SMOG with 3+ sentences as an estimate. For best results, analyze at least 100 words.

What is the Coleman-Liau Index?

The Coleman-Liau Index estimates grade level using character count rather than syllables. It calculates based on average letters per 100 words and average sentences per 100 words. This makes it faster to compute and avoids the subjectivity of syllable counting. It correlates well with other readability formulas.

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Readability Score Calculator

Readability scores measure how easy text is to read. The Flesch Reading Ease score rates text 0-100 (higher = easier). A score of 60-70 is standard (8th-9th grade). Other formulas like Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, Coleman-Liau, SMOG, and ARI estimate the US grade level needed to understand text. For web content, aim for grade 6-8.

Analyze text readability with multiple formulas: Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning Fog Index, Coleman-Liau Index, SMOG Index, and Automated Readability Index. See word count, sentence count, syllable count, grade level interpretation, color-coded difficulty meter, and suggestions for improving readability. Real-time analysis as you type.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Flesch Reading Ease score?: The Flesch Reading Ease score rates text on a 0-100 scale. Higher scores mean easier reading. 90-100 is very easy (5th grade), 60-70 is standard (8th-9th grade), and 0-30 is very difficult (graduate level). It uses average sentence length and syllables per word in its formula.
What is a good readability score?: For general audiences, aim for a Flesch Reading Ease of 60-70 (standard difficulty) or a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 7-8. For web content and marketing, aim for grade 6-8. Academic writing typically scores grade 12-16. Legal and medical texts often score grade 14+.
What is the difference between Flesch-Kincaid and Gunning Fog?: Both estimate the US grade level needed to understand text, but use different methods. Flesch-Kincaid uses sentence length and syllables per word. Gunning Fog uses sentence length and percentage of complex words (3+ syllables). They often give similar results but can differ on texts with many short complex words.
How can I improve my text readability?: Use shorter sentences (15-20 words average). Choose simpler words with fewer syllables. Replace jargon with plain language. Use active voice instead of passive. Break long paragraphs into shorter ones. Use bullet points and headings for scannability.
How many sentences do I need for accurate results?: Most formulas work with any text length, but accuracy improves with more text. The SMOG Index specifically requires at least 30 sentences for its intended accuracy. We calculate SMOG with 3+ sentences as an estimate. For best results, analyze at least 100 words.
What is the Coleman-Liau Index?: The Coleman-Liau Index estimates grade level using character count rather than syllables. It calculates based on average letters per 100 words and average sentences per 100 words. This makes it faster to compute and avoids the subjectivity of syllable counting. It correlates well with other readability formulas.

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