Free author tool
Reading level checker
Paste a sample of your writing and this free checker gives its Flesch reading ease score, its approximate school grade level, the average sentence length and how long it takes to read. Use it to see whether your writing suits your readers, whether that is a young audience or busy professionals. The text stays in your browser.
Your text
Result Browser only
Grade level
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- Flesch reading ease
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- How hard to read
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- Words
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- Average sentence length
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- Syllables per word
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- Reading time
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How to Use the Reading Level Checker
- Paste 100 words or more into the box.
- Press Check reading level.
- Read the score, the grade level and the label.
- Shorten sentences or simplify words if the level is higher than your readers need.
How the Reading Level Checker Works
The Flesch reading ease score is 206.835 minus 1.015 times the average sentence length minus 84.6 times the average number of syllables per word. Higher scores are easier to read. The Flesch-Kincaid grade level is 0.39 times the average sentence length plus 11.8 times the average syllables per word, minus 15.59.
Syllables are counted by a simple rule that groups vowels, so a few words will be off by one. That is enough for a reliable overall picture.
Things to Know Before You Rely on the Result
- A low grade level is not always better. Literary fiction and technical books can sit higher and still suit their readers.
- Dialogue, lists and headings change the numbers, so test prose passages on their own.
- The score measures sentence and word length, not quality, clarity or voice.
Reading Level Checker FAQs
What reading level should my book be?
Most general adult fiction and nonfiction reads well at grade 6 to 9. Children's books are lower, and academic or technical books can be higher.
What is a good Flesch score?
Scores between 60 and 70 are plain English that most adults follow easily. Scores above 80 are very easy, and scores below 30 are very hard.
Does this store my writing?
No. The calculation happens in your browser only.
Related Free Utilities
These free utilities from SEO Site Checker, a separate site, pair well with this tool: Online Text Editor, Word Combiner. Check their terms before uploading anything private.
More Free Author Tools
Use the tools together, starting with word count and ending with keywords. See every tool on our free author tools page.
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