Skip to main content

Reading Level Calculator

Quick answer

Score any text for reading grade level and readability with Flesch formulas.

  • Enter words per sentence and syllables per word for instant results.

Figures are estimates from this calculator’s standard formula — adjust the inputs in the tool below for your exact number.

How the Reading Level Calculator Works

grade = 0.39 x words/sentence + 11.8 x syllables/word - 15.59; ease = 206.835 - 1.015 x words/sentence - 84.6 x syllables/word

The Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid grade formulas combine sentence length with word difficulty. Short sentences of simple words score easiest.

  1. 1

    Measure sentences

    Count average words per sentence, like 12.

  2. 2

    Measure words

    Estimate average syllables per word, like 1.5.

  3. 3

    Read the scores

    See the US grade level and reading ease number.

FAQs

What grade level is 12 words per sentence at 1.5 syllables?

Grade = 4.68 + 17.7 - 15.59 = 6.8, with reading ease 67.8 — plain English for a broad audience.

How do I hit an 8th grade reading level?

Keep sentences near 15 words with 1.6 syllables per word: 5.85 + 18.88 - 15.59 = 9.1 is close; trim sentences to land at 8.

What does the reading ease score mean?

It runs to 100: 60-70 suits general audiences while 30 or below reads like academic prose.

Why do long words hurt so much?

Each syllable adds 11.8 grade points while each extra word per sentence adds only 0.39 — swap complex words first.

Related tools

Pick another tool to continue your calculation.

🎓

Student Loan Calculator

Calculate monthly student loan payment.

🧠

Spaced Repetition Planner

Plan review schedule using spaced repetition.

📅

Spaced Repetition Interval Calculator

Calculate spaced repetition review schedule.

📝

Test Score Percentage

Calculate your test score percentage.

📈

Test Score Percentile Calculator

Calculate percentile for your test score.

📖

Reading Duration Calculator

Calculate estimated reading duration.