Free Reading Level Analyzer
A reading level analyzer scores how difficult a text is to read using formulas like Flesch-Kincaid, SMOG, and Coleman-Liau. Paste any text below to get all five standard scores instantly - no signup, fully private, and the text never leaves your browser.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good Flesch Reading Ease score?
A score of 60-70 (8th-9th grade) is the sweet spot for general adult content - easy enough for most readers without sounding patronising. Government and journalism guidelines often target this range. Below 30 is academic/technical; above 80 is suitable for children.
How is the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level calculated?
Flesch-Kincaid Grade = 0.39 × (words/sentences) + 11.8 × (syllables/words) − 15.59. The output is the US school grade level needed to comprehend the text. A score of 8.0 means an average eighth-grader can read it without difficulty.
Which readability formula is most accurate?
No single formula is universally best - they each weight sentence length and word complexity differently. SMOG is most accurate for healthcare and academic content; Flesch-Kincaid is the US government standard; Coleman-Liau handles digital text well. Average all four for a robust estimate.
Is my text sent to a server?
No. The reading level analyzer runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. The text you paste never leaves your device, never touches our servers, and is not stored anywhere. Close the tab and the text is gone.
Why does my score differ from Microsoft Word?
Word's Flesch readability scores use the same formula but slightly different syllable counting and sentence detection. Differences of 1-3 points on Flesch Reading Ease and 0.5 grade levels on Flesch-Kincaid are normal and expected.
How can I improve a difficult readability score?
Three changes move the score the most: (1) shorten long sentences (aim for 15-20 words average), (2) replace 3-syllable words with 1-2-syllable alternatives where possible, (3) cut filler words and passive constructions. Re-run the score after edits to see the impact.