The Automated Readability Index (ARI) is a readability test designed to gauge the understandability of a text. Like the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning-Fog Index, SMOG Index, Fry Readability Formula, and Coleman-Liau Index, its output is an approximate representation of the U.S. grade level needed to comprehend the text.
Unlike the other indices, the ARI, along with the Coleman-Liau, relies on a factor of characters per word, instead of the usual syllables per word. Although opinion varies on its accuracy as compared to the syllables/word and complex words indices, characters/word is often easier to calculate, as the number of characters is more readily and accurately counted by computer programs than syllables.
Formula
To calculate the Automated Readability Index:
- Divide the number of characters by the number of words, and multiply by 4.71.
- Divide the number of words by the number of sentences, and multiply by 0.5.
- Add #1 and #2 together, and subtract 21.43.
The output approximates the minimum grade level needed to comprehend the text. A score of 8.2, for instance, should easily be understood by the average 14-year-old.
References
- Senter, R.J. (1967). "Automated Readability Index". Retrieved 2008-01-10.
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External links
- Online readability tests - finds ARI and other indices, suggestions how to improve readability
- Readability calculators - six readability statistics