SEO & Marketing
Readability Score Calculator
Calculate text readability using multiple algorithms including Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and SMOG index.
Use Readability Score Calculator to get instant results without uploads or sign-ups. Everything runs securely in your browser for fast, reliable output.
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About this tool
Readability is crucial for user engagement, content effectiveness, and SEO performance. Text that's too complex loses readers, increases bounce rates, and reduces conversions. Studies show that most internet users read at an 8th-grade level, yet many websites publish content at 12th-grade level or higher. Readable content keeps visitors engaged longer, improves comprehension, and encourages social sharing. Search engines like Google consider user engagement metrics, so readable content indirectly improves rankings through better dwell time and lower bounce rates.
Multiple readability formulas measure text complexity from different angles. The Flesch Reading Ease score (0-100, higher is easier) evaluates word and sentence length. Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level estimates U.S. school grade needed to understand the text. SMOG (Simple Measure of Gobbledygook) index focuses on polysyllabic words and is particularly accurate for grades 4-college level. Gunning Fog Index identifies foggy, complex writing. Each formula provides unique insights, and together they give a comprehensive readability assessment.
Our Readability Score Calculator analyzes your text using multiple proven algorithms and provides actionable insights for improvement. The tool calculates Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, SMOG Index, and provides detailed statistics on words, sentences, syllables, and complex words. You'll see your target audience, readability grade, and specific recommendations for simplification. Whether you're writing blog posts, marketing copy, product descriptions, or web content, this tool helps you create clear, engaging content that resonates with your audience and performs well in search engines.
Usage examples
Blog Article Analysis
Check readability of a blog post
Score: 65 (Plain English) | Grade: 8th | Avg sentence: 15 words | Recommendation: Good for general audience
Marketing Copy Check
Analyze landing page copy
Score: 75 (Fairly Easy) | Grade: 6th | Avg sentence: 12 words | Recommendation: Excellent accessibility
Technical Article Review
Evaluate technical documentation
Score: 45 (Difficult) | Grade: College | Avg sentence: 22 words | Recommendation: Simplify for broader reach
Product Description Test
Check e-commerce product copy
Score: 80 (Easy) | Grade: 5th | Avg sentence: 10 words | Recommendation: Ideal for quick scanning
How to use
- Paste your text content into the input field
- Click analyze to calculate readability scores
- Review multiple readability metrics and grade levels
- Check the target audience recommendations
- Identify complex sentences that need simplification
- Review word and sentence statistics
- Use suggestions to improve readability
- Reanalyze after making improvements to track progress
Benefits
- Improve user engagement by matching content to audience reading level
- Reduce bounce rates with clearer, more accessible content
- Increase conversions by removing comprehension barriers
- Enhance SEO through better user engagement metrics
- Identify specific sentences and words that need simplification
- Compare readability across multiple proven algorithms
- Get actionable recommendations for content improvement
- Track readability improvements over time
FAQs
What is a good readability score?
For general web content, aim for Flesch Reading Ease scores of 60-70 (8th-9th grade level). Marketing copy should be 70-80 (6th-8th grade). Technical content can be 50-60. Higher scores (80-100) are ideal for broad audiences.
What reading level should I target?
Most websites should target 8th-9th grade level (ages 13-15). This is accessible to 80%+ of the population. Marketing and sales copy should aim for 6th-8th grade. Only technical/academic content should exceed 12th grade level.
How do readability scores affect SEO?
Readability isn't a direct ranking factor, but it affects user engagement metrics that Google does measure: bounce rate, time on page, and click-through rate. More readable content keeps visitors engaged, indirectly improving SEO.
What's the difference between Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade?
Flesch Reading Ease is scored 0-100 (higher is easier). Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level shows the U.S. school grade needed to understand the text. Both use similar formulas but present results differently.
How can I improve my readability score?
Use shorter sentences (15-20 words average), choose simpler words over complex ones, break up long paragraphs, use active voice, eliminate jargon, and vary sentence length for rhythm while maintaining simplicity.
Is lower always better for readability?
Not always. Match your reading level to your audience. Technical blogs for developers can be grade 12+. General audience content should be grade 8-9. Marketing copy works best at grade 6-8. Consider who you're writing for.
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