Select three 100-word portions of the text in question. Using three different pieces allows for readability differences throughout the text. Highlight or underline the passages.
Count the number of sentences in each passage. If a passage ends with a partial sentence, round the number to the nearest tenth.
Add these three numbers together and divide by three to determine the average number of sentences per passage in the text.
Count the number of syllables in each passage. You might find it easier to put a check mark over each syllable in a word or slashes between syllables and then go back and count.
Add the numbers of syllables from each of the three samples together and divide by three to determine the average number of syllables for each passage.
Use a copy of the Fry Graph to pinpoint the reading level. Find the average number of sentences along the up-and-down left margin, the average number of syllables along the left-to-right bottom of the graph and plot where the two lines meet.
Establish what grade level the resulting point falls within. The curved line on the graph is where typical readings for that age group fall. Points below the arc indicate easier texts and those above indicate more difficult texts.