How to use the syllable counter
- Type one word in the top box to see its syllable count straight away.
- Paste a sentence, paragraph or poem in the big box to count the whole text.
- Each line is counted on its own, so you can check the rhythm of a poem or song.
- Paste exactly three lines to get a haiku check (5-7-5).
- With 30 words or more you also get a Flesch reading ease score and a grade level.
Syllable examples
| Word | Syllables | Split |
|---|---|---|
| cat | 1 | cat |
| water | 2 | wa-ter |
| beautiful | 3 | beau-ti-ful |
| education | 4 | ed-u-ca-tion |
| imagination | 5 | i-mag-i-na-tion |
What the readability score means
The Flesch reading ease score uses average sentence length and average syllables per word. Higher is easier. A score of 60 to 70 is plain English that most adults read comfortably. The Flesch-Kincaid grade level turns the same numbers into a US school grade. Both are rough guides for English text, not a judgement of quality.
| Reading ease | How it reads |
|---|---|
| 90 to 100 | Very easy, short words and sentences |
| 60 to 70 | Plain English |
| 30 to 50 | Difficult, typical of academic writing |
| Below 30 | Very difficult |
Frequently asked questions
Why do dictionaries disagree on some words?
Many words have more than one normal pronunciation. "Every" is often said as "ev-ry" (2) but can be "ev-er-y" (3). "Family" and "different" are similar. This tool follows the first pronunciation in the CMU Pronouncing Dictionary, so it gives 3 for "every", "family" and "different". If you say them the shorter way, take one off.
How do I count syllables for a haiku?
Write the poem on three lines and paste it. The tool shows the count for each line and says whether it fits 5-7-5.
Can it count Hindi syllables?
Not yet. Syllable rules for Hindi are different, so the counter only reads English words written in A to Z.
Does it work for song lyrics and rap?
Yes. Paste the lyrics line by line to compare the syllables in each line. Sung words are sometimes stretched or squeezed, so trust your ear for the final fit.
Is my text stored?
No. The counting runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.