HSK Level Checker
Paste Chinese text to see the HSK level of every word, an estimated level for the whole text, and the words above the level you're studying for.
- HSK 1
- HSK 2
- HSK 3
- HSK 4
- HSK 5
- HSK 6
- HSK 7–9
- Not on the list
Your text, word by word
Words above your level show their HSK level as a small number. Tap any word to see its pinyin and meaning.
The right words still need the right grammar
Writing for the HSK or for real life? Check your Chinese for grammar mistakes, wrong characters and punctuation, for free.
Check your grammar freeHow to use it
- Paste or type your Chinese text, or tap “Try an example”.
- Choose the HSK level you're preparing for and the word list (HSK 3.0 or HSK 2.0).
- Press “Check HSK level”. Every word is colored by level; tap a word to see its pinyin and meaning.
What do the HSK levels mean?
The HSK (汉语水平考试, Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the standard Chinese proficiency test. Each level comes with an official vocabulary list, so the words in a text tell you a lot about how hard it is to read.
The 2021 standard, usually called HSK 3.0, has nine levels. Levels 7 to 9 share one advanced list. The older HSK 2.0 has six levels and about 5,000 words in total. The table shows how many new words each level adds in the lists this tool uses.
| Level | HSK 3.0 new words | HSK 2.0 new words |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 506 | 150 |
| HSK 2 | 750 | 147 |
| HSK 3 | 953 | 298 |
| HSK 4 | 972 | 598 |
| HSK 5 | 1,059 | 1,298 |
| HSK 6 | 1,123 | 2,500 |
| HSK 7–9 | 5,606 | – |
How the level is estimated
Reading research suggests you need to know roughly 95–98% of the words in a text to read it comfortably. This checker finds the lowest HSK level whose words cover at least 95% of your text. Names, numbers, punctuation and Latin letters are not counted.
How to use it for HSK preparation
- Graded reading: paste an article and keep it if it is at or just above your level.
- Writing practice: check your own essay to see whether you use the vocabulary expected at your level.
- Word lists: copy the words above your level and add them to your flashcards.
Frequently asked questions
How does the HSK Level Checker estimate the level?
It splits your text into words, looks each one up in the HSK list you chose, and finds the lowest level that covers at least 95% of the words. Words not on the list count as harder than every level, so a text full of rare words is rated higher.
Should I choose HSK 3.0 or HSK 2.0?
Choose the list that matches your course or exam. HSK 3.0 (the 2021 standard, nine levels) is the newer one, and many textbooks still follow HSK 2.0 (six levels). You can switch between them at any time.
Why are some words gray?
Gray words are not on the HSK list you chose. They are usually names of people and places, very rare or specialised words, or words written in traditional characters. Sometimes the automatic word splitting groups characters differently from the list.
Does this tool check grammar?
No, it only looks at vocabulary. To find grammar mistakes, wrong characters and punctuation errors, use our free Chinese Grammar Checker.
Is my text saved or sent anywhere?
No. The check runs entirely in your browser. Your text is not uploaded or stored.
More free Chinese tools
-
Chinese to Pinyin Converter
Turn Chinese characters into pinyin with tone marks, shown above the characters, with tone colors and audio.
Check your Chinese grammar for free
Write in Chinese and get every grammar mistake, wrong character and punctuation error marked, with a clear explanation of each correction.
Open the Grammar Checker