Estimate lexical density: the ratio of content words to total words. Higher density = denser, more academic text.
Use lexical density to compare register or formality across texts. High density (>55%) suggests dense, information-rich writing; low density (<40%) suggests conversational or narrative prose. Especially useful for academic writing coaches and editorial benchmarking.
Density differs from lexical diversity (TTR): density asks "how much information per word?", diversity asks "how varied is your vocabulary?". Report both for a complete vocabulary picture.
Lexical density is the proportion of content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) to total words.
Higher density is typical of formal, academic, or technical text. Lower density indicates more conversational or narrative prose.
This tool approximates content vs. function words using an English stopword list — sufficient for most diagnostic use.
The proportion of content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) to total words. Function words (the, of, and) are excluded.
Speech: 35-45%. Conversational writing: 40-50%. News articles: 50-55%. Academic writing: 55-65%.
Content words are nouns, main verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that carry meaning, while function words are articles, prepositions, conjunctions, pronouns, and auxiliary verbs. Lexical density is the share of content words in the total.
No. High density signals information-packed, formal text but can be harder to read, while lower density with more function words often flows more naturally in speech and conversational writing. Aim for a level that suits your audience, not the highest number.
Input
The careful analysis of dense academic prose reveals striking lexical patterns.
Output
Lexical density: 64% — Academic / formal.
Of 11 words, 7 are content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs). 7/11 = 64% — typical of academic writing.
Vocabulary variety — type‑token ratio.
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