Text Readability Checker

Analyze text complexity, grade level, and reading age

Fast Analysis
Multiple Formulas
Detailed Metrics

About This Tool

The Text Readability Checker analyzes your text and calculates various readability scores to help you determine the complexity level and appropriate audience. This tool is especially valuable for educators, content creators, and anyone wanting to ensure their text is appropriate for their target audience.

Enter your text below to get instant readability metrics, including grade level estimates and reading age assessments.

Text Analyzer

Characters: 0 Words: 0 Sentences: 0

Understanding Readability

Readability refers to how easy a piece of text is to read and understand. It's determined by many factors including:

  • Sentence length
  • Word length and complexity
  • Syllable count
  • Use of familiar words
  • Paragraph structure

Readability formulas provide objective measurements that predict the reading level required to comprehend a text.

Several formulas have been developed to measure readability:

  • Flesch Reading Ease: Scores from 0-100, higher scores mean easier reading. 60-70 is considered plain English, suitable for 13-15 year-olds.
  • Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: Indicates the U.S. school grade level needed to understand text. E.g., a score of 8.0 means an eighth-grader can understand it.
  • SMOG Index: Estimates the years of education needed to understand a text, focusing on polysyllabic words.
  • Coleman-Liau Index: Based on characters rather than syllables. It approximates the U.S. grade level needed to comprehend the text.

Here are some strategies to make your text more readable:

  1. Use shorter sentences: Aim for an average of 15-20 words per sentence.
  2. Choose simpler words: Use familiar, everyday language when possible.
  3. Break up long paragraphs: Keep paragraphs focused on a single idea.
  4. Use active voice: Active voice is typically clearer and more direct.
  5. Add headings and lists: Structure helps readers navigate your content.
  6. Avoid jargon and technical terms: Unless writing for a specialized audience.
  7. Use transitions: Guide readers smoothly between ideas.
Quick Tips
  • Enter at least 100 words for accurate analysis
  • Choose plain text without excessive formatting
  • Use complete sentences for best results
  • Compare multiple readability scores
Reading Level Guide
1-6
Elementary School

Simple sentences, common words, basic concepts. Appropriate for young readers (ages 6-11).

7-9
Middle School

Longer sentences, expanded vocabulary, more complex ideas. Suitable for ages 12-14.

10-12
High School

Complex sentences, specialized vocabulary, abstract concepts. Appropriate for ages 15-18.

13+
College/Professional

Sophisticated language, technical terminology, intricate concepts. College level and beyond (age 18+).

Educational Uses
  • Selecting Appropriate Texts

    Ensure reading materials match your students' abilities by analyzing their readability levels.

  • Crafting Assessments

    Create age-appropriate tests and assignments with consistent reading difficulty.

  • Simplifying Materials

    Revise complex texts to make them more accessible for struggling readers.

  • Tracking Progress

    Monitor students' writing development by measuring the readability of their work over time.

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