Flesch Reading Ease explained
Rudolf Flesch published the Reading Ease formula in 1948. It only looks at two ratios: words per sentence, and syllables per word. The result is usually between 0 and 100. Higher is easier.
The formula this tool uses is the standard one: 206.835 − 1.015 × (words ÷ sentences) − 84.6 × (syllables ÷ words). The Flesch–Kincaid grade estimate is 0.39 × (words ÷ sentences) + 11.8 × (syllables ÷ words) − 15.59. A score of 60–70 is often called plain English. A grade of about 8 means a typical 13–14 year old could follow it.
Syllables here are counted with a small spelling heuristic, not a dictionary, so unusual names can be a little off. The formulas also ignore meaning: a short sentence can still be confusing. Treat the number as a hint, not a verdict. Checked against the published formulas, 12 November 2026.