Free Readability Checker
Paste any text and get instant readability scores from six proven formulas — Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning Fog Index, SMOG Index, Coleman-Liau Index, and Automated Readability Index (ARI). See exactly which grade level your writing targets, sentence by sentence.
Check Readability Now — FreeWhy six formulas instead of one?
Every readability formula measures something slightly different. Flesch-Kincaid is the standard for US education and pairs syllable counts with sentence length. Gunning Fog punishes complex words harder, making it stricter for business writing. SMOG is the go-to for healthcare and safety content. Coleman-Liau and ARI use character counts instead of syllables, so they stay accurate on technical terms. When all six agree, you can trust the score.
What scores should you aim for?
| Audience | Target grade | Flesch Ease |
|---|---|---|
| General web / blog readers | Grade 6–8 | 60–70 |
| Business / professional | Grade 8–10 | 50–60 |
| Academic / technical | Grade 10–12 | 30–50 |
How to improve a low score
Shorten sentences first — it moves every formula at once. Then swap long Latinate words for short Anglo-Saxon ones ("use" instead of "utilize"). Break up paragraphs over 4 lines. Our text summarizer can also help you spot the densest passages.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good readability score?
For general web content, aim for Flesch-Kincaid grade 6–8 (Flesch Ease 60–70).
Which readability formula is most accurate?
None alone — compare all six. Flesch-Kincaid suits education, Gunning Fog suits business, SMOG suits healthcare.
Is my text sent to a server?
No. The checker runs 100% in your browser; your text never leaves your device.
Last updated: October 2026. Also try our AI content detector, keyword density checker, and word counter.