Enter the number of lexical items and the total number of clauses into the Lexical Density Calculator. The calculator will evaluate and display the Lexical Density. 

Lexical Density Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Lexical Density. 

LD = I / C * 100
  • Where LD is the Lexical Density (%)
  • #I is the number of lexical items 
  • #C is the total number of clauses 

To calculate the lexical density, divide the number of lexical items by the number of clauses, then multiply by 100.

How to Calculate Lexical Density?

The following example problems outline how to calculate Lexical Density.

Example Problem #1:

  1. First, determine the number of lexical items.
    1. The number of lexical items is given as: 45.
  2. Next, determine the total number of clauses.
    1. The total number of clauses is provided as: 100.
  3. Finally, calculate the Lexical Density using the equation above: 

LD = #I / #C * 100

The values given above are inserted into the equation below:

LD = 45 / 100 * 100 = 45 (%)

Example Problem #2: 

For this problem, the variables needed are provided below:

number of lexical items = 12

total number of clauses = 523

This example problem is a test of your knowledge on the subject. Use the calculator above to check your answer. LD = #I / #C * 100 = ?