Calculator Form
Example Data Table
| Article Type | Raw Words | Readable Words | References | Result Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short draft | 980 | 430 | 8 | Needs more explanatory prose. |
| Developing article | 2,900 | 1,750 | 34 | Good body size with markup support. |
| Long article | 7,800 | 4,600 | 96 | Large prose base needing structure review. |
Formula Used
Readable prose words are counted after selected non-prose elements are removed from the pasted text.
Readable prose percentage = readable prose words ÷ raw words × 100.
Markup ratio = raw characters minus readable characters ÷ raw characters × 100.
Reading time = readable prose words ÷ selected words per minute.
Average sentence length = readable prose words ÷ sentence count.
Reference density = reference count ÷ readable prose words × 1000.
Link density = total counted links ÷ readable prose words × 1000.
Flesch reading ease = 206.835 - 1.015 × words per sentence - 84.6 × syllables per word.
How to Use This Calculator
- Copy article text, wiki markup, or a draft section.
- Paste it into the main text area.
- Choose which elements should be excluded from readable prose.
- Set your reading speed and target prose count.
- Press the calculate button.
- Review the result, detailed metrics, and cleaned preview.
- Use CSV or PDF export for records or editorial reports.
About the Wikipedia Readable Prose Calculator
Readable Prose Meaning
Readable prose is the part of an article that a reader can actually read as normal text. On Wikipedia, this usually excludes references, templates, tables, categories, file captions, and heavy markup. Editors often use readable prose size to judge article depth, review balance, and plan cleanup work. This calculator gives a practical estimate from pasted article text.
Why Readable Prose Matters
A page can look large because it contains notes, infobox code, navigation templates, and table data. Those parts help the page, but they do not always show how much explanation exists for readers. A prose estimate separates article body from support material. This helps compare drafts, find thin sections, and prepare expansion targets.
What the Tool Checks
The calculator counts raw words, readable words, sentences, paragraphs, references, links, templates, tables, headings, lists, categories, and files. It also estimates reading time and a readability score. The options let you choose which markup is removed. This makes the result useful for draft reviews, copy editing, and content audits.
Good Editing Practice
Use the output as a guide, not as a final ruling. Wiki markup can be complex, and pages may contain unusual templates. Review the cleaned preview before making decisions. A strong article needs clear prose, reliable sources, useful structure, and neutral wording. Counts are only one signal.
Improving Article Prose
If readable prose is low, add sourced explanation instead of padding. Expand lead context, background, history, reception, features, or impact where relevant. Split long sentences. Remove repeated claims. Keep tables for data, but summarize important patterns in prose. Good prose makes the page easier for visitors and reviewers.
Interpreting the Numbers
A small article may still be complete when the subject is narrow. A large count can still be weak when paragraphs repeat facts or depend on unsourced claims. Compare the count with topic scope. Also compare section balance. One section should not carry the whole article unless the topic naturally demands it.
When to Recheck
Recheck the page after major edits, template changes, or table removals. Save a CSV when you need a simple audit record. Save a PDF when you want to share the result with another editor. Keep the pasted text private when reviewing drafts. This tool runs the calculation on the submitted page and shows a cleaned preview for checking. Use judgment with every final count.
FAQs
What is readable prose?
Readable prose is normal article text that readers see as sentences and paragraphs. It usually excludes references, tables, templates, categories, and other support markup.
Does this match Wikipedia exactly?
It gives a practical estimate. Wiki markup can be complex, so exact counts may vary. Always review the cleaned preview before using the result.
Why are references excluded?
References support claims, but they are not usually counted as article body prose. Excluding them helps show how much explanatory text exists.
Should headings count as prose?
Usually no. Headings organize content, but they are not full prose. You can include or exclude them using the form option.
Why is my prose percentage low?
A low percentage means the page has a lot of markup, tables, references, templates, or link code compared with normal text.
Can I use this for draft reviews?
Yes. Paste a draft, check readable words, review warnings, and compare the count with your target article size.
What reading speed should I use?
Two hundred words per minute is a common default. Use a lower value for dense topics and a higher value for simple pages.
What does Flesch reading ease mean?
It estimates reading difficulty from sentence length and syllables. Higher values are easier. Use it as a rough guide only.