Readability Score

A readability score is a quantitative measure of how easy a piece of text is to read and understand, calculated using formulas like Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, or SMOG. These formulas typically consider factors such as average sentence length, average word length, and syllable count to produce a grade-level or 0–100 score. Higher Flesch scores indicate easier reading; most general web content should target a score between 60–70 (roughly 8th grade level).

For SEO purposes, readability matters because it directly affects user engagement metrics. Content that is too dense or complex leads to higher bounce rates and shorter dwell times, while overly simple content may underserve expert audiences. Matching the readability level to the target audience's expectations is the key calibration.