Readability Score Calculator

What is the Flesch Reading Ease score?

The Flesch Reading Ease score (0–100) measures how easy a text is to read. Scores above 70 are easy to read (suitable for the general public). Scores below 50 are difficult (better suited for professionals or academics). Most websites and blogs should aim for 60–70. The formula penalises long sentences and multi-syllable words.

What is a good readability score for a blog?

For a general-audience blog: aim for a Flesch score of 60–70 (grade 8–10 level). For email marketing: 60–80 (grade 6–8). For legal or medical content: 30–50 is acceptable. For children's content: 80–90. Most successful online content, including major newspapers, writes at a grade 7–9 level.

How do I improve my readability score?

Five ways to improve readability: (1) Break long sentences into two. (2) Use shorter, simpler words (use instead of utilise; help instead of facilitate). (3) Use active voice (we completed the project vs the project was completed by us). (4) Break up paragraphs — 2–3 sentences max for web. (5) Use bullet points for lists instead of comma-separated sentences.

What is Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level?

The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) estimates the US school grade level needed to understand the text. A score of 8 means an 8th-grader could read it. A score of 12 means a high school senior. A score of 16+ means college level. Most readability experts recommend grade 8 as a target for general web content.