Why does readability matter?

If your content is too complex, readers drop off. Simpler writing improves comprehension, engagement, and conversion—especially in cold emails.

What is Flesch Reading Ease?

Flesch Reading Ease is a 0–100 score (higher = easier). It’s calculated from average sentence length and average syllables per word.

What is Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level?

Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level estimates the U.S. school grade level needed to understand the text.

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Readability Checker - Test Your Content's Reading Level

Free readability checker using Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level. Paste your text to get instant scores and suggestions to improve clarity.

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flesch reading ease

Readability checker

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Flesch Reading Ease

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Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level

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Words

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Sentences

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Syllables

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Characters

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Avg sentence length

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Avg syllables / word

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Complex words

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This tool estimates syllables using a heuristic. Use the result as a directional signal, not a definitive score.

Why readability matters

The average reader is around an 8th-grade level. If your content is too complex, you lose readers—and customers. Studies consistently show simpler writing leads to better engagement, comprehension, and conversion.

For cold emails specifically, keeping your message at an 8th-grade reading level (or lower) can materially improve response rates.

How this readability checker works

Flesch Reading Ease (0–100, higher = easier)

Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (U.S. school grade)

Average sentence length

Average syllables per word

Complex word percentage

Understanding Flesch Reading Ease scores

Score	Difficulty	Grade level	Example
90–100	Very easy	5th grade	Children’s books
80–89	Easy	6th grade	Conversational
70–79	Fairly easy	7th grade	Consumer content
60–69	Standard	8th–9th grade	News articles
50–59	Fairly difficult	10th–12th grade	Academic
30–49	Difficult	College	Technical writing
0–29	Very difficult	Graduate	Legal/scientific

The Flesch–Kincaid formula

Reading Ease = 206.835 − (1.015 × ASL) − (84.6 × ASW)

ASL = average sentence length (words per sentence)

ASW = average syllables per word

How to improve your readability score

Shorten sentences. Aim for 15–20 words max.

Use simple words. “Use” not “utilize.” “Help” not “facilitate.”

Break up paragraphs. 2–3 sentences per paragraph for digital content.

Cut filler words. Remove “very,” “really,” “actually,” “basically.”

Use active voice. “We shipped your order” not “Your order was shipped.”

Readability for cold emails

Flesch Reading Ease: 60+ (ideally 70+)

Grade level: 8th grade or below

Sentence length: under 20 words

Total email length: under 100 words

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