The Fry readability formula (or Fry readability graph) is a
readability
Readability is the ease with which a reader can understand a written text. In natural language, the readability of text depends on its content (the complexity of its vocabulary and syntax) and its presentation (such as typographic aspects that a ...
metric for
English texts, developed by Edward Fry.
The
grade reading level (or reading difficulty level) is calculated by the average number of sentences (y-axis) and syllables (x-axis) per hundred words. These averages are plotted onto a specific graph; the intersection of the average number of sentences and the average number of syllables determines the reading level of the content.
The formula and graph are often used to provide a common standard by which the readability of documents can be measured. It is sometimes used for regulatory purposes, such as in
healthcare
Health care or healthcare is the improvement of health via the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, amelioration or cure of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in people. Health care is delivered by health profe ...
, to ensure publications have a level of readability that is understandable and accessible by a wider portion of the population.
References
* Gunning, T. G. (2003). Building Literacy in the Content Areas. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
External links
California State University: Online Fry Graph toolvia Archive.org
The Fry Graph Readability Formula
Readability tests
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