What is the Linsear Write Formula?
The Linsear Write formula is a readability metric developed for the U.S. Air Force to assess the
readability of technical manuals. It was based on John O'Hayre's 1966 work "Gobbledygook Has Gotta Go."
Linsear Write distinguishes between easy words (≤2 syllables) and hard words (3+ syllables).
Easy words count as 1 point each; hard words count as 3 points each. The total is divided by the
number of sentences and adjusted to produce a grade level. The formula is similar to the Fry
readability formula.
How the Linsear Write Formula Works
Linsear Write classifies each word as easy (1–2 syllables) or hard (3+ syllables). Easy words contribute 1 point; hard words contribute 3 points. The raw score is (total points ÷ sentences), then scaled to produce a U.S. grade level. The formula was designed for technical manuals, so it emphasizes the ratio of hard words to sentences. Shorter sentences and fewer polysyllabic words lower the grade.
When to Use Linsear Write
Use Linsear Write when you need a syllable-based grade level that is simple to explain (easy vs. hard words). It is less commonly mandated than Flesch-Kincaid or SMOG, but it appears in some government and technical writing guidelines. Educators and editors sometimes use it alongside other formulas. To compare with all nine formulas at once, use our Combined Readability Checker.
Industry Guidelines and Targets
There is no single widespread Linsear Write target, but the same general principles apply: for broad audiences, aim for 8th grade or lower. Technical or training materials may use Linsear Write to keep hard-word density in check. Use the calculator to see where your text falls and simplify vocabulary or shorten sentences to bring the grade down.
How to Improve Your Linsear Write Score
To lower the grade, reduce the number of hard words (3+ syllables) and shorten sentences. Replace polysyllabic terms with shorter synonyms where possible. Break long sentences into two or three shorter ones. Because hard words count three times as much as easy words, replacing even a few long words can have a noticeable effect. Re-run your text after revisions to see the new grade.
How to Use This Calculator
Paste your text into the box at the top and click analyze. You will see your Linsear Write score and a grade-level interpretation. No signup required. For stable results use at least 100 words. To see how the same text scores on Flesch-Kincaid, SMOG, and seven other formulas, use the Combined Readability Checker.
Other Readability Tools
Get all nine formulas at once: Combined Readability Checker. Or explore individual calculators: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level,
SMOG Index,
Gunning Fog Index,
Dale-Chall Readability,
Automated Readability Index,
Coleman-Liau Index,
Lix,
Rix,
and the full Readability Calculators hub.
