Fry readability formula

A rendition of the Fry Graph.

The Fry readability formula (or Fry readability graph) is a readability 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, to ensure publications have a level of readability that is understandable and accessible by a wider portion of the population.

Formula

To calculate a grade level score:

1. Randomly select three separate 100 word passages. (Count every word including proper nouns, initializations, and numerals.)
2. Count the number of sentences in each 100 word sample (estimate to nearest tenth).
3. Count the number of syllables in each 100 word sample. (Each numeral is a syllable. For example, 2007 counts as 1 word with 4 syllables.)
4. Plot the average sentence length and the average number of syllables on the graph.
5. The area in which it falls is the approximate grade

References

• Gunning, T. G. (2003). Building Literacy in the Content Areas. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

External links

• California State University: Online Fry Graph tool
• Discovery Education: Fry Graph overview