How do you find out the reading level of you Microsoft Word Document?

Question

My english teacher assigned a research paper. She said that it had to be at least written on a ninth grade level. My computer crashed and I am using a friend's computer. On my computer it would tell me how many words, the reading level, and all that after spell check was done. My friend's doesn't do that. How can I find out?

Answer 1

Here's how:

With Word versions prior to Word 2007 (Vista):

1. Click the Tools->Options menu item.

2. Click the Spelling & Grammar tab.

3. Check the Show Readability Statistics check box.

4. Click OK.

With Word 2007:

1. Click the Office button in the upper-left corner of the window.

2. Click the Word Options button.

3. Click the Proofing item.

4. Check the Show Readability Statistics check box.

5. Click OK.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Microsoft Word uses something called the "Flesch-Kincaid Reading Level". Basically it measures the readability grade level for the document as well as the reading ease for the document.

Go into the tab labeled "Tools" and then click "Options". A new window should open. Click "Spelling and Grammar" and then click "Show Readability Statistics". Click "Ok" and your done.  

Answer 3

Quoting the source below:

"Simply type the document, essay or handout as usual.  From the menu bar, click on “Tools” and then choose “Spelling and Grammar.”  A “Spelling and Grammar” window will appear where you will then click on “Options.”  At the bottom of the window, click in the square beside “Show Readability Statistics”.  It will add a check in the small box.  Click on “OK.”  Then click on Tools and Spelling and Grammar.  When the spell check is complete, a window will appear that will show the Flesh-Kincaid grade level readability.  The window will also show the number of words, paragraphs and sentences in the document."  

End quote.

At the bottom of the readability statistics is the flesch-Kincaid Grade level. Use that to determine the grade level of readability.