Flesch Reading Ease Score: What Is It & Why Should I Care?

The Flesch Reading Ease Score...it’s a mouthful, eh? Which makes it quite contradictory for the reason we should care about it! It's is a key tool I use to ensure my content easy to read and understand. The score ranges from 0 to 100, and is based on the average sentence length (ASL) and average syllables per word (ASW).

Here’s how you calculate it:

Flesh Reading Ease Score = 206.835 − (1.015 × ASL) − (84.6 × ASW)

And before you panic – no, you do not have to count the number of syllables and sentence length in your content😉

Microsoft Word has this feature seamlessly built into its Editor tool. Simply go to the Review tab, select 'Editor,' and then choose 'Document Stats.' This will open a new window displaying Readability Statistics, including both the Flesch Reading Ease Score and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, which translates the score into a U.S. school grade level.

And here’s how you interpret it:

• 90-100: Very easy to read (suitable for an average 11-year-old)

• 80-89: Easy to read (suitable for almost all English speakers)

• 70-79: Fairly easy to read

• 60-69: Plain English (suitable for most 13- to 15-year-olds)

• 50-59: Fairly difficult to read

• 30-49: Difficult to read (suitable for most high school graduates)

• 0-29: Very confusing (suitable for most university graduates)

Why Should I Care About This?

As Instructional Designers, our mission is to turn complex information into content that's easy to digest. No matter the age, everyone appreciates simplicity in learning. We don't need paragraphs that sound like they were written by the producers of Bridgerton when a single sentence will do the job just fine.

Sure, it might feel a bit strange at first. We've all been taught to use long, fancy words to impress our teachers. Unlearning that habit can be tough. But transforming complicated, expert-level content into something your audience can easily understand? Now, that's a real skill. And trust me, it's worth mastering!

What Score Should I Aim For?

Well, the answer is – it depends on your audience. But let's keep it practical. Most of the visitors to my site and my colleagues create content for the general public. With that in mind, I aim for a score of 60 to 70 for written content, or 70+ for narrated content. This way, it's easily understood by adults with average reading skills.

Now, my audience often includes university graduates who can handle more complex content. But if we can teach the same concepts using simpler language, why not? Why make their learning experience harder with more difficult content?

Of course, there will always be exceptions, so take these numbers with a pinch of salt. They're not strict rules – just use your common sense!

What Are Some Ways to Meet That Score?

• Avoid passive language, and use the active voice.

• Use shorter sentences and simpler words.

• Use visual aids to support your content.

• Remove unnecessary words.

• Use lists/bullet points.
  

I am always one to practice what I preach. Here’s the reading score for my few articles:

• Flesch Reading Ease Score: 68.6

• Mastering the Art of Voiceover: 66.2

• How to Thrive in Your Instructional Design Career: 63.5

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And now it’s your turn. Here’s a challenge for you. Transform the following content to a reading score suitable for your audience. When you’re ready, check out the simplified version in the Comments section and compare it to your attempt! Shout-out to ChatGPT for generating this great example challenge.

"The consumption of tea, a beverage enjoyed globally, entails an appreciation for its multifaceted nature and the diverse methods of preparation that vary significantly across different cultures. The intricate process of harvesting, drying, and brewing tea leaves requires a deep understanding of both the botanical aspects and the traditional practices associated with its consumption. Furthermore, the health benefits attributed to tea are numerous, ranging from antioxidant properties to potential reductions in the risk of chronic diseases, necessitating a comprehensive approach to its study and enjoyment."

Reading Score: 7.8 (oh boy)

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