Check the word count and readability score of your content and metadata for free. Simply copy your text into the box below and press ‘Analyze Text’. Then copy and paste the result to your work sheet or report. Simple and straightforward.
Important Information and FAQs about Readability Scores
Readability tests, like the Flesch Reading Ease, provide a general indication of text complexity by measuring word and sentence length. However, they don’t account for word familiarity or sentence clarity. Scores should be interpreted broadly: 4th-6th grade is easy, 7th-9th is average, and 10th grade and above is difficult. They serve as diagnostic tools rather than definitive measures of comprehension.
Microsoft Word uses the Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level to assess readability. The Flesch Reading Ease score is based on syllables per word and words per sentence, with a scale from 0 (difficult) to 100 (easy). The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level indicates the U.S. school grade needed to understand the text. Word also provides statistics on sentence length and passive voice usage.
Readability tools evaluate text complexity using metrics like sentence count, word count, syllable count, and sentence length. They apply formulas such as Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level to generate scores. These tools help writers tailor content to their audience by highlighting areas for simplification.
Readability scores are influenced by text presentation (font, spacing, colors) and context (word choice, sentence length, structure). Shorter sentences and simpler words improve readability. The average U.S. adult reads at a 7th/8th-grade level, so content should be accessible to this demographic. Legal requirements, like the Plain Writing Act, emphasize clear communication.
To ensure your content is at the correct reading level, use readability tools to check scores and adjust accordingly. Aim for a Flesch Reading Ease score of 60-70 for general audiences. Simplify vocabulary, shorten sentences, and use active voice. Consider your audience’s reading ability and legal guidelines for clear communication.t