Readability scores

A readability score measures the complexity of words and the sentence structure in a piece of content.^[1] What are the main criteria for readable content?

• Plain, short words: Simple vocabulary ensures familiarity and avoids unnecessary searches for definitions.
• Short sentences: Brief sentences (5-8 words) reduce cognitive load, aiding comprehension.
• Active voice: Direct and clear, active voice specifies who performs an action. Use passive voice only when focusing on results or impacts.
• 8th-grade reading level: Writing at this level broadens accessibility.

Online tools, like Readable.com, Writer app, Readability Formulas, and Hemingway app allow measuring the readability score using readability formulas such as Flesch Reading Ease score, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning Fog, The Coleman-Liau Index, the SMOG Index, etc. Mainly, they all focus on the length of the words and sentences and their complexity, highlighting problematic areas.