Skip to main content

Welcome to our new website! The content and organization have been heavily redone and we want to hear from you! 
Submit feedback

Readability Scorer

Use this tool to check whether campus writing is easy to read. It can help you review emails, web pages, policies, instructions, syllabi, forms, announcements, and other public-facing content.
 

Paste any text to see its reading level, word count, and plain-language tips. Aim for grade 8 or below to reach the widest audience.

The score is a guide. It is not a complete accessibility test. Use the results to find places where your writing may be too long, too complex, or too difficult for a broad audience.

What this tool does

The Readability Scorer estimates reading grade level, word count, sentence length, and plain-language suggestions. It can help you decide where to revise first.

For broad campus audiences, aim for grade 8 or below when possible. Some academic, legal, medical, or technical content may need specialized terms. When you use specialized terms, define them clearly.

Before you paste text

Do not paste confidential, student, personnel, medical, disability-related, legal, or other sensitive information. Use sample text or remove names, ID numbers, and private details first.

Check your text

Paste at least one full paragraph. Complete sentences give better results than headings, labels, or short phrases.

Privacy reminder: Do not paste private or sensitive information.

Try a sample

Use these samples to see how the tool works. After a sample loads, select Score readability.

Results

Results will appear here after you select Score readability.

What your score means

  • Grade 8 or below: Easier for a broad campus audience to read.
  • Grade 9 to 12: May need revision if the content is for students, employees, visitors, or the general public.
  • College level or higher: May be appropriate for specialized readers, but it should still be organized clearly.

Readability scores are not perfect. A lower score does not automatically make content accessible, accurate, respectful, or useful. Always consider your audience.

How to improve readability

  • Put the most important information first.
  • Use short sentences when possible.
  • Use common words instead of jargon.
  • Define acronyms the first time you use them.
  • Use headings to organize long content.
  • Use lists for steps, requirements, or groups of related items.
  • Use active voice when it makes the sentence clearer.
  • Remove words that do not help the reader understand the message.

What this tool does not check

This tool does not check full accessibility or WCAG conformance. It does not test headings, links, images, alternative text, tables, forms, keyboard access, screen reader behavior, color contrast, PDFs, videos, or document structure.

Use this tool as one part of your accessibility review.

Need help?

For help with digital accessibility, contact the Digital and Physical Access Team at accessibility@arizona.edu.