Readability scores tell you how easy a text is to read. But how do these scores work? And can they help you improve your writing? In this post, we answer your questions and look at your options.
Readability refers to how easy text is to understand. And a readability test is an algorithm that scores a text on its readability.
These scores are usually based on the number and length of the words and sentences in the text. In most cases, they will suggest a reading level based on the school year, age, or status of the person who is reading it.
The Flesch–Kincaid test, for example, gauges reading levels based on educational level. This ranges from year five (10–11 years old) through to university graduates and professionals. You can see these scores below:
Score
School Level
Notes
100–90
Year 5 (10–11 years old)
Very easy to read.
90–80
Year 6 (11–12 years old)
Easy to read.
80–70
Year 7 (12–13 years old)
Quite easy to read.
70–60
Years 8 to 9 (13–15 years old)
Plain English. Easy to read for most people.
60–50
Years 10 to 12 (15–18 years old)
Quite difficult to read.
50–30
Undergraduate students
Difficult to read.
30–10
University graduates
Very difficult to read.
10–0
Postgraduates/Professionals
Extremely difficult to read.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
Many word processors, including Microsoft Word, feature a tool to check the readability of a document. You can also download dedicated readability test software or use an online tool to check a text.
But why would you want to use one? Especially if you’re a confident writer?
Well, every writer needs to write at a level their audience can understand. Readability tests can help you do this by giving you an objective score for how easy your work is to follow. In addition, they can identify issues in your writing that you may miss otherwise, such as excessive use of passive voice.
As such, readability scores can give you a sense of whether your work is suitable for its intended audience, as well as highlighting bad writing habits. But are readability scores trustworthy? And how do they compare to having your work proofread by an expert? Let’s take a look.
Readability scores can provide helpful information that you can use to improve your writing, but there are some clear shortcomings:
This last point is vital. A readability score does not look at what a text means. You could write 10,000 words of nonsense and still get a good readability score as long as you used short, simple sentences! Thus, while these scores can be helpful for writers, they do not guarantee good writing.
To get a sense of whether your work reads smoothly in real life, you still need to ask a human editor or proofreader. And with our professional services, you can be sure your work will be clear, concise, and error free.
Δ
3-minute read
Google Docs is a powerful collaborative tool, and mastering its features can significantly enhance your...
2-minute read
If you’re writing about health issues, you might need to reference the Centers for Disease...
5-minute read
Introduction If you’re involved with ecommerce, you’re likely familiar with the often painstaking process of...
Are you interested in learning more about the role of a content editor and the...
4-minute read
Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...
Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...