Reliability of the original and the simplified Flesch reading ease formulas

Abstract

Two reliability comparisons of the original Flesch formula and the Farr, Jenkins, and Paterson simplification are reported: (1) 13 pairs of inexperienced analysts applied both methods to materials drawn from house organs. Reliabilities for original and simplified methods were .96 and .93. (2) Samples from books were analyzed using a single experienced analyst; reliability of the original method was .99, and of the simplified method, .97. Intercorrelations between the two methods ranged from .84 to .97 depending upon the sample and subjects used. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)