Reading Glasses Test
en

Printable reading glasses test chart

The same chart on paper. Print it, check the scale bar with a ruler, and read it from 14 inches.

To save it as a PDF, choose “Save as PDF” as the printer.

Screen size not set. Print sizes are approximate.

Match a card to set your screen size

Hold any bank card, ID card or driver's license flat against the screen. Drag the slider until the outline is exactly as wide as the card. Nothing about the card is read or stored.

Card

Reading glasses test chart

Check the scale: this bar should measure exactly 2 inches (50.8 mm).

Hold the chart 14 in (35 cm) from your eyes, without reading glasses. Find the smallest line you can read clearly. The strength beside it is your starting point.

  1. The morning train leaves from platform nine. +3.50
  2. She keeps a spare key under the blue flower pot. +3.25
  3. Fresh bread and coffee were waiting on the table. +3.00
  4. The museum is closed on the first Monday of the month. +2.75
  5. He wrote the phone number on the back of an envelope. +2.50
  6. Take two tablets with a full glass of water after meals. +2.25
  7. The ferry crosses the bay every forty minutes in summer. +2.00
  8. Please check the expiry date printed under the barcode. +1.75
  9. Our garden has tomatoes, basil, mint and three apple trees. +1.50
  10. Turn left at the old stone bridge and follow the river path. +1.25
  11. The small print says the offer ends at midnight on Friday. +1.00

This is a screening aid, not an eye exam. It cannot detect eye disease. readingglassestest.com

How to print it at the right size

  1. Press the print button. In the print window, set the scale to 100% or “Actual size”. Do not use “Fit to page”.
  2. Print on letter or A4 paper.
  3. Measure the scale bar at the top with a ruler. It should be exactly 2 inches (50.8 mm). If it is not, the print sizes are wrong: check the scale setting and print again.

How to use it

  1. Take off your reading glasses. Keep contacts or distance glasses on.
  2. Hold the page 14 in (35 cm) from your eyes in good light.
  3. Read down the page. The lines get smaller.
  4. Find the smallest line you can read clearly without squinting. The strength printed beside it is your starting point.
  5. Cover each eye in turn and repeat. If your eyes give different results, see an eye doctor.

If you can read every line, you may not need readers yet. If you cannot read the top line, see an eye doctor.

No printer? Take the test on this screen instead.