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The index combines openness, which is one hundred minus the block density, with average answer length, since both longer answers and fewer blocks reduce the crossing help available. American-style grids run about 16% blocks with heavy interlock while British cryptics use closer to 25%, which is why the two feel so different to solve.
Block density
density % = blocked squares / total squares x 100
Answer count
answers = fillable squares x 2 / average answer length
density % = blocked squares / total squares x 100. The index combines openness, which is one hundred minus the block density, with average answer length, since both longer answers and fewer blocks reduce the crossing help available.
American-style grids run about 16% blocks with heavy interlock while British cryptics use closer to 25%, which is why the two feel so different to solve.
Enter grid size, blocked squares, average answer length. The defaults shown are a realistic worked example — swap in your own figures to get a result you can use.