Flesch Reading Ease Score
The Flesch Reading Ease score is one of the most widely used readability formulas. It rates text on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating content that's easier to read.
The Formula
The Flesch Reading Ease formula considers two main factors: average sentence length and average syllables per word.
206.835 - 1.015 × (words/sentences) - 84.6 × (syllables/words)
Shorter sentences and words with fewer syllables produce higher scores. The formula was developed by Rudolf Flesch in 1948 and remains a standard for measuring readability.
Score Ranges
Each score range corresponds to a different reading level and typical audience:
What Score to Aim For
The ideal score depends on your audience and content type:
- •General web content: 60-70 (accessible to most readers)
- •Marketing copy: 70+ (quick to scan and understand)
- •Technical documentation: 40-60 (complexity may be necessary)
- •Academic writing: 30-50 (specialized vocabulary expected)
For more guidance, see Ideal Reading Level for Content.
Improving Your Score
To increase your Flesch Reading Ease score:
- •Shorten your sentences—break long ones into two
- •Use simpler words when possible
- •Replace multi-syllable words with shorter alternatives
- •Avoid unnecessary jargon and technical terms
For detailed techniques, read How to Improve Readability.
Check Your Flesch Score
Paste your content into the Readability Checker to get your Flesch Reading Ease score instantly.
Open Readability Checker