How to View Readability Statistics in Word for Mac 2021
Question details
Users want to know how to enable and view readability statistics, such as Flesch-Kincaid scores, in Microsoft Word for Mac 2021, and are specifically wondering if it can be applied to a highlighted selection of text.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac 2021
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Reviewing a document's spelling, grammar, and readability scores to evaluate the reading level.
- Observed behavior
- The Editor provides readability statistics for the entire document under Document Stats, but it fails to calculate or display scores for a specific selected portion of text.
Ensure you have completed a full spelling and grammar check in your document, as Word typically requires this process to finish before calculating and displaying readability scores.
View Readability via the Editor Task Pane
Use the built-in Editor tool to generate document-wide readability statistics, including Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level.
In Word for Mac 2021 (including the one-time purchase version), readability statistics are accessible through the Editor pane. Note that these statistics will evaluate the text of the entire document.
Go to the top menu bar, click on 'Tools', select 'Spelling and Grammar', and then click on 'Editor'.
In the Editor task pane that opens on the right side of your screen, scroll down to find and click on 'Document Stats' (or 'Insights').
A prompt may appear asking you to complete the grammar check. Once finished, a dialog box will display the readability statistics and reading level for your entire document.
Workaround: Check Readability for Specific Text Only
Since Word for Mac does not support analyzing selected text, you can use a temporary document to check the readability of specific paragraphs.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Writing Experience
If you are frustrated by missing features in standalone versions of Office for Mac or want a lightweight, full-featured writing suite without an expensive subscription, WPS Office is an excellent alternative.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free Mac version and complete the installation.
- 2. Open your Word Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly, without worrying about formatting loss.
- 3. Edit and Review: Use the built-in Review tab to check spelling, track word counts, and edit your document seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Document Stats option missing in my Word for Mac?
If you are using an older version or a specific volume-licensed one-time purchase version of Office 2021, it may not include the Microsoft Editor feature. Ensure your application is fully updated via Microsoft AutoUpdate.
Can I get Flesch-Kincaid scores without a Microsoft 365 subscription?
Yes, the one-time purchase version of Office 2021 for Mac does include basic readability statistics under Tools > Spelling and Grammar > Editor. However, it may lack some of the premium, cloud-based stylistic suggestions found in Microsoft 365.
How do I turn on readability statistics in Word's preferences?
In many versions of Word for Mac, you can enable this feature by going to Word > Preferences > Spelling & Grammar, and checking the box for 'Show readability statistics'. After running a full spell check, the statistics box will appear.
What is considered a good Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score?
Generally, a score between 60 and 70 is considered standard and easily understood by 13- to 15-year-old students. Higher scores indicate easier readability, while lower scores indicate more complex language.
