Readability Tools
You can check what grade level you are writing at with various readability calculators, however, feedback from readers is by far the most effective assessment tool for readability! Use a participatory approach by involving the intended audience at all stages.
- Flesch-Kincaid
- Fry Formula (see Chapter 5 of Pfizer Principles for Clear Health Communication )
- SMOG
- WordsCount (new SMOG)
When calculating grade level, it is considered standard in the industry to omit the following:
- Title
- Subtitle
- Byline
- Resources
- References
Note: Flesch-Kincaid is typically 1.5 to 2 or more grade levels below other readability calculators.
Readability tools do not measure:
- Clarity of writing
- Familiarity of language in the text
- New concepts introduced in the text
- Influence of format and design
- Cultural sensitivity or relevance
- Credibility or believability
