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Use this result
Share the current inputs or ask ChatGPT to explain the calculation in context.
What does this calculator estimate?
A passage with 15 words, 2 sentences, and 22 syllables scores about 75 on the Flesch Reading Ease scale: 206.835 - 1.015 x (words/sentences) - 84.6 x (syllables/words). Scores above 90 are very easy; below 30 are very difficult.
- Flesch Reading Ease = 206.835 - 1.015 x (words / sentences) - 84.6 x (syllables / words) (Wikipedia).
- Scores of 60-70 approximate plain English.
- The Flesch-Kincaid grade level converts the same measures to a US school grade.
What readability scores tell you
Readability formulas estimate how hard text is to process from sentence length and word complexity (syllables). The Flesch Reading Ease score is widely used for web content, documents, and plain-language requirements.
Limitations to watch for
The score is a mechanical proxy — short sentences and simple words score 'easy' even if the ideas are hard, and technical terms inflate difficulty. The syllable estimate is a heuristic. Scores guide, they don't judge quality.
How to use it in practice
Paste a draft and check the score: aim for 60+ for general web audiences. If it's low, shorten sentences and swap long words. Keep it as a diagnostic — natural voice beats chasing a number.
['Paste the text.', 'Read the Flesch score and level label.', 'Shorten sentences and simplify words to raise it.']
How this calculator works
Formula
Flesch Reading Ease = 206.835 − 1.015 × (words ÷ sentences) − 84.6 × (syllables ÷ words). Score 90+ = very easy (children's text); 60–70 = plain English; below 30 = very difficult.
Worked example
A passage with 15 words, 2 sentences, and 22 syllables scores ≈ 75 — 'fairly easy' reading, typical of conversational writing.
Assumptions to verify
- English-language text with standard syllable patterns.
- The syllable-count heuristic is reasonable.
- The score is a readability guide, not a quality metric.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Flesch Reading Ease score?
A 0–100 readability score: 206.835 − 1.015×(words/sentences) − 84.6×(syllables/words). 90+ is very easy, 60–70 plain English, below 30 very difficult.
What score should my web content target?
60+ is a good target for general audiences — roughly a 9th-grade reading level or below.
How is it calculated?
The formula uses average sentence length and average syllables per word. Longer sentences and bigger words lower the score.
Is a high score always better?
No — short sentences and simple words score easy even for complex topics, and some content needs precise vocabulary. Use it as a guide.
What is the grade level?
The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level converts the score to a US school grade; Reading Ease is the 0–100 form.
Does it work for technical text?
It scores it — but technical terms and long words will show as 'difficult'. That's often appropriate for expert audiences.
How do I improve my score?
Split long sentences, cut unnecessary clauses, and replace multi-syllable words with simpler alternatives.
Cite this tool
BoringToolsKit. “Readability Calculator.” boringtoolskit.com/readability/ (reviewed 2026-08-25). Free to reference in articles, syllabi, and answer posts with a link.
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