Table 1.

Readability Indices

Readability Index	Formula	Disadvantages	Recommended For PEM Analysis By
Flesch–Kincaid		Underestimates actual grade reading level34	Health Literacy Advisor,34 Meade et al.33
Gunning Fog		Cannot measure readability of text in boxes or tables	Health Literacy Advisor,34 Meade et al.33
SMOG		Does not discriminate well below a 6th grade level35	Health Literacy Advisor,34 Meade et al.,33 National Cancer Institute, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services35