Basic (09-15)

NL 10605.105 What is the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test?

The Flesch-Kincaid readability test has two parts. They are the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Test and the Flesch Reading Ease Score. Both parts can help you determine the readability of your written material. In general, we use the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Test to check notices for readability.

The Flesch-Kincaid readability test is a standard part of Microsoft Word. See NL 10605.110 for information on how to use the test.

A. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Test

The Flesch-Kincaid grade level readability formula analyzes and rates text based on a U.S. grade school educational level. The formula uses the average number of words per sentence and the average number of syllables per word to generate a result. A grade level score of 8.0 means that an eighth grader can understand the text.

We aim for a grade level of sixth- to eighth-grade level for our notices.

B. The Flesch Reading Ease Score

The Flesch Reading Ease Score also uses the average number of words per sentence and the number of syllables per word to generate a result. A higher Flesch Reading Ease score means that the material is easier to read; a lower score indicates that the text is more difficult to read. 

Although we do not have a notice standard for the Flesch Reading Ease Score, you should always try to maximize the reading ease.  Aim for a minimum score of at least 50%-60% whenever possible.


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http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0910605105
NL 10605.105 - What is the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test? - 09/28/2015
Batch run: 08/14/2017
Rev:09/28/2015