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Reading level and time

One of our core content principles is “keep it simple.” That means we aim for a low reading level and quick read time so people can get what they need fast. Plain language, short sentences, and clear structure reduce cognitive load and help more users succeed on the 1st try. If it takes too long to read or feels dense, we rewrite it until it's easy, scannable, and actionable.

Read time

Estimated read time is automatically calculated like this:
  • Average reading speed is 230 words per minute.
  • Read time = total words / 230, plus 12 seconds per image.
  • Round up to the nearest minute.
Showing the read time gives an expectation and helps people decide. They can choose short articles for quick answers, or longer ones for deeper dives.
We aim for 3 minutes or less, but up to 5 minutes is ok.

Reading level

We don't require a specific reading level, but aim to make our content easy to understand.
The WCAG Level AAA guidelines say we should target an 8th grade reading level. If it's higher, it requires that we provide supplemental materials (like a simpler version, explanation, or glossary).
note
As of June 2025, Thomson Reuters complies with WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
Sometimes our jargon or proper names can contribute to a higher reading level score. Remove those items when considering reading level.
It's OK to use a tool to calculate reading level, but they all evaluate differently. Microsoft Word has a built in Editor tool. Hemingway app is also a popular tool that is free and easy to use.

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