The SMOG Index, or Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, is a readability formula used to assess the complexity of English texts. It estimates the years of education needed to understand a piece of writing by analyzing the number of polysyllabic words (words with three or more syllables) in a sample. This index helps writers gauge the accessibility of their content for different audiences. To calculate the SMOG Index, one counts the number of polysyllabic words in a 30-sentence passage, then applies a specific formula. The resulting score indicates the minimum education level required for comprehension, making it a useful tool for educators, authors, and content creators aiming to communicate effectively.