Check the reading level of content
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How to use reading level results
Check reading level scores throughout your writing process. Use the score as a guide to help you check if your content is too wordy or complex. You can check the reading level by using readability tools.
A reading level above grade 8 can make it difficult for many people to understand or complete their task. Aim for your content to be no higher than grade 8.
Readability tools
Flesch-Kincaid tool
Use a Flesch-Kincaid readability tool to check the reading level of your content. Flesch-Kincaid uses a formula to determine the number of years of education needed to understand the text. In Microsoft Word, use the Editor tool under the Review tab to access the Document stats that will give you the Flesch-Kincaid result for your document.
Flesch-Kincaid evaluates English content only. French content uses the Kandel-Moles readability formula.
Hemingway app
The Hemingway app is an online tool that highlights lengthy and complex sentences and provides a reading level for your content. Use the Hemingway app to check the sentence length and reading levels of your content.
Usability Performance Dashboard (UPD)
For content that is already published on Canada.ca, you can use the Usability Performance Dashboard (UPD) to check the reading level of any CRA web page. Use the UPD to assess the current readability of your pages and to help inform you where plain language and other changes are needed.
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