Flesch Reading Ease

A readability score from 0–100; higher is easier. 60–70 is recommended for most online writing.

The Flesch Reading Ease score, developed by Rudolf Flesch in 1948, ranges from 0 (very difficult) to 100 (very easy). The formula is 206.835 − 1.015 × (words/sentences) − 84.6 × (syllables/words).

For most online writing, target 60–70. See Flesch Reading Ease explained.

Related terms

  • Readability — How easy a text is to read, typically measured by sentence length and word complexity.
  • Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level — A readability formula expressed as a US school grade — grade 8 means an eighth-grader could read it.
  • Syllable — A unit of pronunciation containing exactly one vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants.