Readability Score Calculator

Analyze text readability. Enter your content and get scores from Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, SMOG, and more. Improve your writing for your audience. Informational only—consult a style guide.

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Published: October 23, 2025 | Updated: October 23, 2025 | Reviewed by: Language/Linguistic Editor

Text Input

Enter text to analyze its readability

Preset Texts

Readability Guide

ScoreReading Level
90-1005th grade (Very easy)
80-896th grade (Easy)
70-797th grade (Fairly easy)
60-698th-9th grade (Plain English)
50-5910th-12th grade (Fairly difficult)
30-49College (Difficult)
0-29College graduate (Very difficult)

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How it works

We parse the text to count words, sentences, and syllables, then apply formulas like Flesch-Kincaid (0.39 × ASL + 11.8 × ASW - 15.59) to calculate the scores.

Different algorithms emphasize different aspects of readability, from sentence length to word complexity.

Inputs explained

  • Text Input: The content you want to analyze
  • Algorithms: Various formulas that measure different aspects of readability

Example

Text: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."

  • Words: 9
  • Sentences: 1
  • Syllables: ~12
  • Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: ~3rd Grade

Tips & notes

  • Lower scores indicate easier-to-read text
  • Aim for a score that matches your target audience's reading level
  • Short sentences and simple words improve readability
  • Different industries have different readability standards
  • Technical content naturally scores higher (more difficult)

FAQs

It depends on your audience. For general audiences, a score around 8th grade (Flesch-Kincaid) is good.

A formula that estimates the US school grade level required to understand a text based on sentence length and word complexity.

Using algorithmic estimation based on vowel patterns and word structure.

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Disclaimer

Informational tool based on standard readability formulas. Readability is subjective. Consult a style guide for professional writing advice.

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