Reading level checker
Analyze the readability of your text. Get Flesch-Kincaid grade level, reading ease score and more.
What readability scores measure
Readability scores estimate how difficult a piece of text is to read. They analyze factors like sentence length and word complexity to predict what level of education a reader needs to understand the content comfortably. They are widely used by content writers, educators, journalists, UX writers, and SEO professionals to ensure their content is accessible to their target audience.
Flesch Reading Ease explained
The Flesch Reading Ease score ranges from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate easier reading. A score of 90 to 100 is very easy — understood by an average 11-year-old. A score of 60 to 70 is standard — appropriate for 13 to 15 year olds and the target for most web content. A score of 30 to 50 is difficult — college level reading. A score below 30 is very confusing — suitable only for academic journals and legal documents. The formula combines average sentence length and average number of syllables per word.
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level explained
The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level translates readability into the US school grade system. A score of 8 means an eighth grader can understand the text. Most newspapers target grades 6 to 8. Plain language guidelines for government documents often specify grade 8 or below. Technical documentation and academic papers commonly score at grade 12 or above. The formula uses the same inputs as Flesch Reading Ease but produces a grade level rather than a 0-100 scale.
Gunning Fog Index explained
The Gunning Fog Index estimates the years of formal education required to understand text on first reading. It weights heavily toward complex words — those with three or more syllables. A score of 12 corresponds to a US high school senior. A score of 17 corresponds to a college graduate. The Wall Street Journal targets a Fog Index of around 11. Time magazine aims for 10. If your Fog Index is above 12 for general web content, reducing complex words will have the biggest impact.
How to improve your readability score
The most effective changes are shortening sentences and replacing complex words with simpler alternatives. Aim for an average sentence length of 15 to 20 words. Replace multi-syllable words with shorter synonyms — use "use" instead of "utilize", "show" instead of "demonstrate", "buy" instead of "purchase". Break long paragraphs into shorter ones. Use active voice. Avoid nominalization — turning verbs into nouns like "make a decision" instead of "decide".
Frequently asked questions
What is the Flesch-Kincaid reading level?
The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level estimates the US school grade required to understand a text. A score of 8 means an 8th grader can read it. Most web content targets grade 6 to 8.
What is a good Flesch Reading Ease score?
60 to 70 is standard and readable by most adults. Above 70 is easy. Below 30 is very difficult and suited to academic or professional audiences only.
What reading level should my blog post be?
Most successful blogs target grade 6 to 8 with a Flesch Reading Ease of 60 to 70. This is accessible to the widest audience while still appearing professional.
How do I improve my reading ease score?
Use shorter sentences, choose simpler words with fewer syllables, break up long paragraphs, use active voice, and replace complex jargon with plain alternatives.
What is the Gunning Fog index?
The Gunning Fog Index estimates years of formal education required to understand a text. A score of 12 is high school senior level. Most web content should aim for 10 to 12.