Target grade 7–8 for most web content
Research from Nielsen Norman Group and others consistently shows that web users — regardless of education level — prefer content written at a 7th–8th grade level. This is not because readers are not smart; it is because they are skimming, distracted, and reading on small screens. Simpler language gets the message across faster.
Sentence length is the biggest lever
Of all the variables that affect readability scores, average sentence length has the strongest impact. Aim for an average of 15–20 words per sentence. Vary the length — some short punchy sentences, some medium, occasional longer ones — but watch the average. When the scorer flags a high average, find your longest sentences and split them.
Do not chase low scores for technical content
A high Fog Index in a technical API documentation or a scientific paper is not always a problem. The readability scores assume a general audience. If your actual audience is cardiologists reading a clinical study, a grade 16 score is appropriate. Readability scores are a tool to flag potential mismatch, not a universal target to minimise.
The complex words panel identifies specific targets
The "complex words" percentage in the stats panel tells you what fraction of your words have three or more syllables. Click through your text looking for these words and ask whether a simpler synonym exists. Technical terms often have no simpler alternative — that is fine. But words like "subsequently", "demonstrate", "approximately", and "initiate" all have simpler alternatives.
Use active voice to reduce sentence length
Passive voice constructions consistently add words and complexity. "The report was completed by the team on Friday" → "The team finished the report on Friday." Active voice is shorter, clearer, and scores better on every readability metric. The readability scorer does not directly measure active/passive, but reducing passive constructions shortens sentences and reduces syllable count, improving all scores.
Check readability before publishing SEO content
Google has stated that readability is not a direct ranking factor, but user engagement metrics — time on page, bounce rate, scroll depth — are influenced by how easy content is to read. Content that matches its audience's reading level keeps people on the page longer. Aim for a Flesch-Kincaid grade level 2–3 grades below your audience's average education level.