About the Readability Checker
This readability checker scores your text with four widely used formulas: Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid grade level, Gunning Fog and SMOG. Each estimates how difficult text is from sentence length and word complexity. The tool also highlights long sentences, likely passive voice, adverbs and complex words, so you can see where to edit rather than just a number.
Readable writing helps visitors understand and act, especially on mobile and for readers using English as a second language. Google does not use readability formulas as a ranking signal, but clear writing supports the helpful content people stay on. Technical or legal topics will naturally score harder; aim for the simplest wording that stays accurate. Text is checked in your browser.
How to use it
- Paste your draft or page copy.
- Review the four readability scores and grade levels.
- Edit the highlighted long sentences, passive phrases and complex words.
- Re-check until the text reads clearly for your audience.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Flesch Reading Ease score?
Higher scores mean easier text. Scores around 60–70 are often described as plain English that most adults can read comfortably, while scores below 30 are considered very difficult. A suitable target depends on your audience, so compare with pages your readers already find easy to use.
Is readability a Google ranking factor?
Google has not said it uses readability scores for ranking. However, content that is easy to understand is more likely to satisfy visitors, and Google's guidance encourages helpful, people-first content. Treat readability as a quality check, not a ranking lever.
Why do different formulas give different grades?
Each formula weights sentence length and word complexity differently. Flesch-Kincaid uses syllables per word, Gunning Fog counts words of three or more syllables, and SMOG focuses on polysyllables across sentences. Look for agreement across scores rather than relying on one.