PROS:
Readability formulas:
- measure what grade level a person must have in order to read a text.
- are text-based.
- are easy to use.
- do not need real readers to measure.
- can first identify if a text will be too complex for your reader.
In summary, readability formulas provide a yes or no answer to, "Will I be able to read this text if I have an X grade reading level?"
CONS:
Readability formulas CANNOT:
- tell you if a person will understand the text.
- measure the complexity of a word or phrase.