Enter the total words, total sentences, and total syllables into the calculator to determine the Flesch Kincaid Readability Score.

Flesch Kincaid Readability Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Flesch Kincaid Readability Score.

FKRS = 0.39 * (Total Words / Total Sentences) + 11.8 * (Total Syllables / Total Words) – 15.59

Variables:

  • FKRS is the Flesch Kincaid Readability Score
  • Total Words is the total number of words in the text
  • Total Sentences is the total number of sentences in the text
  • Total Syllables is the total number of syllables in the text

To calculate the Flesch Kincaid Readability Score, first divide the total number of words by the total number of sentences, then multiply the result by 0.39. Next, divide the total number of syllables by the total number of words, then multiply the result by 11.8. Add these two results together, then subtract 15.59 from the sum.

What is a Flesch Kincaid Readability?

The Flesch Kincaid Readability is a test designed to assess the readability level of English text. It provides a score based on the average number of syllables per word and words per sentence, indicating the level of education a reader would need to understand the text on first reading. A lower score indicates the text is easier to read, while a higher score suggests it is more complex. This test is commonly used in the fields of education and publishing.

How to Calculate Flesch Kincaid Readability?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Flesch Kincaid Readability Score (FKRS).


  1. First, determine the total number of words in the text.
  2. Next, determine the total number of sentences in the text.
  3. Next, determine the total number of syllables in the text.
  4. Next, use the formula: FKRS = 0.39 * (Total Words / Total Sentences) + 11.8 * (Total Syllables / Total Words) – 15.59
  5. Finally, calculate the Flesch Kincaid Readability Score.
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Total Words = 250

Total Sentences = 10

Total Syllables = 500