Free Readability Checker
A readability checker estimates how easy a text is to read. Paste your English copy and this free tool calculates the Flesch reading ease score, the Flesch-Kincaid and Coleman-Liau grade levels and the Gunning fog index, shows sentence and syllable statistics, and lists the longest sentences so you know exactly what to shorten for your audience.
Readability Checker
Text and Content
About this tool
The Flesch reading ease score runs from 0 to 100 and is higher for easier text. Scores of 60 to 70 are generally described as plain English that most adults follow easily, and scores under 30 as very difficult, suited to specialist readers. The grade level scores translate the same word and sentence lengths into a US school grade, so a grade 8 result means the text is readable by someone who has finished about eight years of school. The Gunning fog index adds a count of long words of three or more syllables.
All of these formulas use two simple signals: how long the sentences are and how long the words are. They cannot judge whether your content is accurate, interesting or well organised, and they treat any text the same, so a technical article for engineers will score as difficult even when it is clear to its audience. Use the numbers to compare drafts of the same piece and to find the sentences that make it hard going, not as a target to hit at any cost.
To improve a score, shorten long sentences, replace long words with shorter ones where the meaning stays the same, and break up big paragraphs. The tool lists every sentence over 25 words so you can start there. Readable copy is easier on mobile screens and for readers whose first language is not English, and it tends to be easier for search and answer engines to quote. The syllable count is an estimate, so expect small differences from other tools.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Flesch reading ease score?
For general web copy, a score of 60 to 70 is a common aim, described as plain English. Higher means easier. Scores from 30 to 50 suit specialist or academic topics. There is no single right number: aim for the level your readers can follow without effort.
What does the grade level mean?
The Flesch-Kincaid grade estimates the years of US schooling needed to understand the text. A result of 8 means roughly an eighth grade reader. It is calculated from average sentence length and average syllables per word, so shorter sentences and shorter words lower the grade.
Does it work for Hindi or other languages?
No. The formulas and the syllable estimate are designed for English. Other languages have different word and syllable patterns, so the scores would be misleading. For English text mixed with a few foreign words, the result is still a fair guide.
How can I make my writing easier to read?
Cut long sentences into two, prefer short everyday words, use active verbs, keep paragraphs to a few lines and use lists for steps. Start with the sentences the tool lists as long, because they often hold the most improvement. Re-run the check after editing to see the score change.
Why does the score differ from another tool?
Tools count syllables and split sentences in slightly different ways, especially around abbreviations, numbers, lists and headings. Small gaps of a few points are normal. Use one tool consistently when you compare drafts, so any change in the score comes from your edits.