Understanding Readability Scores

Readability scores help you understand how easy your writing is to read. The Flesch Reading Ease score is one of the most widely used metrics.

What is Flesch Reading Ease?

The Flesch Reading Ease score ranges from 0 to 100:

**90-100**: Very easy (5th grade level)

**80-89**: Easy (6th grade level)

**70-79**: Fairly easy (7th grade level)

**60-69**: Plain English (8th-9th grade level)

**50-59**: Fairly difficult (10th-12th grade level)

**30-49**: Difficult (College level)

**0-29**: Very difficult (College graduate level)

Aim for 15-20 words per sentence

Break up long, complex sentences

Use periods instead of semicolons when possible

Replace complex words with simpler alternatives

Avoid unnecessary jargon

Use active voice instead of passive voice

One main idea per paragraph

Use transition words

Keep paragraphs to 3-5 sentences

**High scores (70-100)**: Blog posts, marketing content, general audience

**Medium scores (50-69)**: Professional articles, educational content

**Lower scores (30-49)**: Academic papers, technical documentation

Readability scores are tools to help you communicate more effectively. Aim for clarity and accessibility while maintaining your unique voice.