Free Readability Checker
Paste your content and instantly get a Flesch Reading Ease score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and actionable suggestions to make your writing clearer. Ideal for blog posts, landing pages, emails, and B2B marketing copy.
Flesch Score
Get a 0-100 readability score with colour-coded grading and grade level
Detailed Analysis
Word count, sentence length, syllable analysis, and complex word detection
Actionable Tips
Get specific suggestions to shorten sentences and simplify complex words
Enter your blog post, email, landing page copy, or any text you want to analyse.
Try a Sample Text
Click any example to see how different writing styles score.
How to Improve Your Content's Readability
Follow these practical techniques to make your writing clearer, more engaging, and easier to scan.
1. Shorten Your Sentences
Aim for an average of 15-20 words per sentence. Long sentences force readers to hold too much information in working memory, which increases cognitive load and reduces comprehension. If a sentence has more than 25 words, look for a natural break point and split it into two.
2. Replace Complex Words
Swap multi-syllable words for simpler alternatives wherever possible. Use “use” instead of “utilise”, “help” instead of “facilitate”, and “start” instead of “commence”. Your readers will thank you, and your readability score will improve immediately.
3. Use Active Voice
Active voice (“We launched the campaign”) is shorter and more direct than passive voice (“The campaign was launched by us”). Active sentences are typically 20-30% shorter and significantly easier to parse. They also create a stronger, more confident tone in marketing copy.
4. Break Up Long Paragraphs
Online readers scan rather than read word-by-word. Keep paragraphs to 2-3 sentences maximum. Use subheadings every 200-300 words and bullet points for lists. White space is not wasted space — it makes your content feel more approachable and less intimidating.
5. Cut Jargon and Filler Words
Remove words that do not add meaning: “very”, “really”, “basically”, “in order to”, “it is important to note that”. Industry jargon is fine when your audience expects it, but always ask: would a simpler word work just as well?
6. Vary Your Sentence Length
A mix of short and medium sentences creates rhythm and keeps readers engaged. Short sentences punch. Longer sentences allow you to develop an idea with nuance and supporting detail. Alternating between the two prevents monotony and improves the overall flow of your writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about readability scores and how to use them
What is the Flesch Reading Ease score?
The Flesch Reading Ease score rates text on a scale of 0 to 100, where higher scores mean easier-to-read content. The formula considers average sentence length and average syllables per word. A score of 60-70 is considered plain English that most adults can read comfortably. Scores below 30 indicate academic or professional-level writing.
What is a good readability score for B2B content?
For B2B marketing content, aim for a Flesch Reading Ease score of 50-60 (10th-12th grade level). This balances professional tone with clarity. Blog posts and emails should target 60-70 for broader accessibility. Technical whitepapers can go lower, but landing pages and B2B sales copy should always prioritise simplicity.
How is the Flesch Reading Ease formula calculated?
The formula is: 206.835 - 1.015 x (total words / total sentences) - 84.6 x (total syllables / total words). It penalises long sentences and multi-syllable words. Shorter sentences and simpler words produce higher scores. The formula was developed by Rudolf Flesch in 1948 and remains one of the most widely used readability tests.
What is the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level?
The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level translates readability into a US school grade. A score of 8.0 means the text is understandable by an average 8th grader. Most popular online content is written at a 7th-9th grade level. The formula uses the same inputs as the Flesch Reading Ease score but produces a grade-level output instead of a 0-100 scale.
How can I improve the readability of my content?
Shorten sentences to 15-20 words on average, replace multi-syllable words with simpler alternatives, use active voice, break long paragraphs into 2-3 sentences, and cut unnecessary jargon and filler words. Even small changes can dramatically improve your Flesch score and make your content more engaging.
What reading level should I target for web content?
Most successful web content targets a 7th-9th grade reading level (Flesch score of 60-70). This is the level used by major publications like the BBC and top blogs. Even highly educated readers prefer simpler content online because they scan rather than read word-by-word. Simpler content leads to lower bounce rates and higher conversions.
Does readability affect SEO?
Readability is not a direct Google ranking factor, but it strongly influences user engagement metrics that impact SEO performance. Easy-to-read content leads to longer time on page, lower bounce rates, and more social shares — all positive signals for search engines. Google also favours content that satisfies user intent, and readable content does this more effectively.
What are complex words and why do they hurt readability?
Complex words are words with three or more syllables (e.g. “implementation”, “methodology”). They increase cognitive load, slow reading speed, and reduce comprehension. In readability formulas, more syllables per word directly lower your score. Replace complex words with simpler alternatives when possible — for example, “use” instead of “utilise”, “start” instead of “commence”.
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