Readability Score Checker
Paste your text to estimate readability, grade level, sentence length, word complexity and simple ways to make the writing clearer.
Check your readability
How the readability score works
This checker uses sentence length and estimated syllables per word to calculate a readability score. The main score is based on Flesch Reading Ease, where higher numbers usually mean easier reading.
Flesch Reading Ease =
206.835 - 1.015 × (words ÷ sentences)
- 84.6 × (syllables ÷ words)A score can help you spot difficult writing, but it cannot understand meaning, accuracy, emotion, brand tone or whether your explanation is actually helpful.
What the score means
| Flesch score | Typical label | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 | Very easy | Short, simple writing that most readers should understand quickly. |
| 70–89 | Easy | Generally clear and suitable for a broad audience. |
| 50–69 | Plain to moderate | Readable, but may benefit from shorter sentences and simpler wording. |
| 30–49 | Difficult | Likely to feel dense or formal unless the audience expects technical writing. |
| 0–29 | Very difficult | Usually needs editing for general readers. |
How to improve readability
- Shorten long sentences: break one overloaded sentence into two or three clearer ones.
- Use simpler words where possible: choose “use” instead of “utilise” if the meaning is the same.
- Make paragraphs scannable: one idea per paragraph is easier to follow.
- Use active voice: “We sent the form” is usually clearer than “The form was sent”.
- Remove filler: cut repeated phrases, vague qualifiers and unnecessary introductions.
For basic counts before editing, use the Word Counter to check words, sentences, paragraphs and reading time.
Important limitations
The syllable count is estimated, so the result is approximate. Readability formulas can also penalise necessary technical language, names, legal terms or academic wording. Use the score as a warning light, not as proof that the writing is good or bad.
Need to rewrite casing?
Use the Case Converter to quickly change text into sentence case, title case, uppercase or lowercase.
Readability score FAQs
What is a good readability score?
For general web content, a higher score is usually better because it suggests the text is easier to read. However, the right level depends on your audience and topic.
Does a high score mean my writing is good?
No. A high score can mean the text is simple, but it does not prove the writing is accurate, persuasive, complete or useful.
Why does technical writing score lower?
Technical writing often uses longer words and longer sentences, which lowers readability scores even when the wording is appropriate for experts.
Is my pasted text stored?
This page is designed to process text in your browser and does not need to store pasted text to produce the readability estimate.