Legal Document Plain-Language Scorer
Paste a clause or paragraph to see its reading level, average sentence length, and the legalese worth simplifying — a readability check for plainer legal writing.
Readability score
How the score works
The scorer counts words, sentences, and estimated syllables in the text you paste, then applies the Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch–Kincaid grade-level formulas. Shorter sentences and shorter words raise the reading-ease score and lower the grade level, which is generally what plain-language drafting aims for.
Alongside the readability numbers it flags common legalese terms that usually have a plainer equivalent, so you can decide whether to rewrite them. The syllable count is a heuristic estimate, and the tool makes no judgement about whether the wording is legally correct — treat it purely as a writing aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the readability score mean?
The tool reports a Flesch Reading Ease score (higher is easier) and a Flesch–Kincaid grade level (the US school grade needed to read it comfortably). Both come from the average sentence length and the average number of syllables per word — long sentences and long words push a document toward 'difficult'.
What counts as legalese here?
The scorer flags a set of archaic or wordy legal terms — such as 'heretofore', 'hereinafter', 'notwithstanding', 'pursuant', and 'indemnify' — that usually have a plainer everyday equivalent. Spotting them is a prompt to consider rewriting, not a rule that they must be removed.
Does a good score mean my document is legally sound?
No. Readability and legal effect are completely different things. A clause can be easy to read and still be unenforceable, or dense and perfectly valid. This tool measures how a passage reads, not whether it says the right thing or protects you. For that, you need a licensed attorney.
Is my text sent anywhere?
No. The analysis runs entirely in your browser. The text you paste is never uploaded, stored, or seen by us, so you can check sensitive wording privately.
This tool is general information, not legal advice. It scores readability, not legal effect — have any document that matters reviewed by a licensed attorney.