Word count and readability analyzer

A readability score measures how easy a piece of text is to read and understand. This tool uses the Flesch Reading Ease formula, which scores text from 0 to 100 based on average sentence length and average number of syllables per word. Higher scores mean the text is easier to read.

For most web content, aim for a Flesch score between 60 and 70 — roughly 8th to 9th grade reading level. This is considered plain English and is easily understood by the majority of adult readers. Blog posts and landing pages benefit from scoring 60 or above, while highly technical content may naturally score lower.

The formula is: 206.835 − 1.015 × (words ÷ sentences) − 84.6 × (syllables ÷ words). Shorter sentences and simpler words produce a higher (easier) score. Longer, complex sentences with multi-syllable vocabulary produce a lower (harder) score.

Google aims to surface content that matches the reading level of the searcher. Content that is too dense or complex tends to have higher bounce rates, which can signal poor quality to search engines. Readable, well-structured content also tends to earn more backlinks and engagement — both positive signals for rankings.

It depends on your audience. General marketing content and blog posts typically work best at a 7th to 9th grade level (scores 60–80). Academic, legal, or highly technical content may need a lower score. Tools like this analyzer help you find the right balance for your specific audience.

Word count alone is not a ranking factor, but comprehensive content that thoroughly covers a topic tends to rank better. That said, there's no magic number — a 500-word page that fully answers a query can outrank a 3,000-word page that doesn't. Focus on covering the topic completely rather than hitting a word count target.