What Is the Difference Between a Smog Check & a Smog Test?

No difference exists between a SMOG check and SMOG test. They refer to the same testing method. You use a SMOG test to discover a piece of writing's readability.

History

SMOG, which stands for Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, was first published in 1969 by G. Harry McLaughlin. It was created as a replacement for the Gunning-Fog Index.

Function

You use SMOG to measure readability of a text. SMOG's formula provides an estimated required number of years of education needed to read the sampled text.

The Formula

The SMOG formula involves using a number of sentences, 10 sentences away from the start, middle and end. You count the sentences' polysyllables (words with three or more syllables) and divide that number by the number of sentences. Then you multiply that by 30 and add 3.1291. Dividing 1.043 by the result gives you the number of years of education necessary to read the text.

Online SMOG Calculator

You can use an online SMOG calculator, such as the SMOG Readability Calculator, which is linked to in the References section.

Other Readability Tests

You also may use alternative formulas to discover your text's readability. Other popular choices include the Gunning Fog Index, the Coleman-Liau Index and the Automated Readability Index.

References

• HarryMcLaughlin.com: SMOG Readability Calculator

Resources

• "Journal of Reading;" SMOG Grading--a New Readability Formula; G. Harry McLaughlin; May 1969