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Readability Checker

Check text readability with the Flesch Reading Ease score and other metrics to see how easy your writing is to understand. Free, instant.

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Why readability matters

Readable content keeps visitors on the page longer, reduces bounce rate, and improves comprehension. Studies show that even highly educated readers prefer simpler text — it processes faster and reduces cognitive load. Clear writing is not dumbed-down writing; it is respectful of the reader's time.

Six readability formulas explained

  • Flesch Reading Ease: The most widely cited metric. Based on average sentence length and average syllables per word. Scale 0–100; higher = easier.
  • Flesch-Kincaid Grade: Same variables as Flesch but outputs a US school grade level.
  • Gunning Fog: Emphasises “complex words” (3+ syllables) as a proxy for difficulty.
  • SMOG Index: Strong predictor of comprehension. Requires 30+ sentences for accuracy; skipped otherwise.
  • Automated Readability Index (ARI): Uses character count per word instead of syllable count — fast and consistent.
  • Coleman-Liau Index: Also character-based, designed for computer analysis of large texts.

Practical targets by content type

  • Landing pages / marketing: Flesch 70–80, Grade 6–8
  • Blog posts / news: Flesch 60–70, Grade 8–10
  • Technical docs: Flesch 40–60, Grade 10–12
  • Academic papers: Flesch 20–40, Grade 12–College

Common use cases

Content marketers paste landing page copy here to confirm it scores above Flesch 70 before handing it off to the dev team — dense copy on conversion pages measurably reduces sign-up rates. Government communications teams run citizen-facing documents through the checker to meet the Grade 8 readability requirement mandated by many public sector accessibility policies. Writing coaches use the six-formula breakdown with students to show concretely how shortening sentences and replacing polysyllabic words lifts every score simultaneously. SEO writers use the Gunning Fog score to benchmark their draft against competitor articles and identify whether simplifying language could improve dwell time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Flesch Reading Ease score?
The Flesch Reading Ease score (0–100) measures how easy text is to read. Higher scores mean easier reading: 90–100 is very easy (5th grade); 60–70 is standard (8th grade, appropriate for most web content); below 30 is very difficult (academic/professional). Most readability guidelines recommend a score of 60+ for general audiences.
What Flesch score should I target for my blog?
For general web content and blogs: aim for 60–70 (standard, 8th–9th grade). For marketing or landing pages: 70–80 (easy). For technical documentation aimed at professionals: 40–60 is acceptable. Most popular news sites score 60–70. Academic journals typically score 20–40.
What is the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level?
The FK Grade Level converts the Flesch formula into a US school grade equivalent. Grade 8 means the text can be comfortably read by an average 8th grader. For most public-facing content, targeting grade 8–10 is appropriate. Government agencies often require grade 8 or below for citizen-facing communications.
What is the Gunning Fog Index?
The Gunning Fog Index also produces a grade level, with an emphasis on 'complex words' (3+ syllables). A score of 12 corresponds to high school senior level. Most business writing targets 10–12. The New York Times averages about 11. Comic books and pulp fiction are around 6.
How can I improve my readability score?
Use shorter sentences (aim for 15–20 words average). Replace multi-syllable words with simpler alternatives. Use active voice instead of passive. Break up long paragraphs. Use bullet points and subheadings. Avoid jargon when writing for general audiences.

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