Reading Level Calculator
Find the Flesch reading ease of a text.
Results update as you type.
How it works
Readability measures how easy a text is to understand, and this calculator computes the widely used Flesch Reading Ease score. You enter the number of words, sentences, and syllables in a passage, and it returns the Flesch score and a plain-language reading level. The formula combines two factors: average sentence length (words divided by sentences) and average word length (syllables divided by words). Both longer sentences and longer, multi-syllable words make text harder, so they lower the score. Scores typically range from 0 to 100, where 90 to 100 is very easy (around 5th grade), 60 to 70 is standard (8th to 9th grade, the level recommended for most general audiences), and below 30 is very difficult (college graduate level). Writers, editors, teachers, and content creators use readability scores to match writing to their audience — plain-language guidelines, marketing copy, and instructions usually aim for a Flesch score around 60 or higher so most readers can follow easily. To use this calculator, count the words, sentences, and syllables in a representative sample; many word processors and online tools count these automatically. Lowering sentence length and choosing shorter words are the most effective ways to improve readability. Enter the counts to find the reading ease and level.
Score = 206.835 − 1.015 × (words/sentences) − 84.6 × (syllables/words)
The Flesch Reading Ease formula scores text from about 0 to 100 using average sentence length (words per sentence) and average word length (syllables per word). Longer sentences and longer words lower the score, indicating harder text; shorter ones raise it, indicating easier reading.
Source:Flesch Reading Ease formula
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter number of words, number of sentences and number of syllables.
- 2
Adjust the options
Fine-tune any options to match your situation.
- 3
Read your result
Flesch Reading Ease updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Flesch Reading Ease score?
The Flesch Reading Ease is a readability score, typically 0 to 100, that measures how easy a text is to read based on average sentence and word length. Higher scores mean easier reading: 90 to 100 is very easy, around 60 to 70 is standard, and below 30 is very difficult, suited to college graduates.
How do I count syllables and sentences?
Count sentences by their ending punctuation (periods, question marks, exclamation points) and syllables by the vowel sounds in each word. Doing this by hand is tedious, so most word processors and online readability tools count words, sentences, and syllables automatically. Use a representative sample of the text for an accurate score.
What reading level should I aim for?
For general audiences, aim for a Flesch score around 60 to 70, roughly an 8th- to 9th-grade level, which most adults read comfortably. Plain-language guidelines for public information often target this or higher. Technical or academic writing scores lower and is fine for expert audiences, but broad content is more effective when easier to read.
How can I improve my text's readability?
Shorten sentences by splitting long ones and cutting unnecessary words, and choose shorter, simpler words over long, multi-syllable ones. Both raise the Flesch score. Using active voice, common vocabulary, and clear structure also helps readers, though the formula specifically rewards shorter sentences and words. Rewriting the densest sentences usually gives the biggest improvement.
Is Flesch Reading Ease the same as grade level?
They are related but different. Flesch Reading Ease gives a 0-to-100 score where higher is easier. The related Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level converts readability into a US school grade number instead. Both use sentence and word length. This calculator reports the Reading Ease score plus an approximate grade-level description so you can interpret it either way.