What Is Chinese Lunar Age?
Chinese Lunar Age is a traditional age-counting system used in China for centuries. Unlike the international (Gregorian) system, where your age starts at zero at birth and increases on your birthday, the Chinese system counts you as one year old at birth. Your age then increases by one year every Chinese New Year, not on your actual birthday.
Why Is It Different?
The difference comes from:
- Counting time in the womb as part of your age.
- Using the Chinese lunar calendar, which follows the moon’s cycles instead of the sun’s.
- Age changes for everyone on the same day — the Lunar New Year — which usually falls between late January and mid-February.
How to Calculate Your Chinese Lunar Age?
- Start with your international age (the one you use daily).
- Add 1 year (because you’re considered 1 at birth).
- If the Chinese New Year has already passed in the current year, add another year.
Example:
- Born: August 2000
- Today: March 2025 (Chinese New Year already passed)
- International age: 24
- Chinese Lunar Age: 24 + 1 + 1 = 26 years old
💡 Want to skip the math? Use our Chinese Age Calculator to get your result instantly.
Cultural Importance
Astrology & Zodiac: Your Chinese age is often used to determine your zodiac animal and for fortune-telling.
Traditions: In some customs, milestones like a baby’s first month or 100th day are calculated using lunar age.
Pregnancy Calendar: The famous Chinese Gender Prediction Chart uses the mother’s lunar age at conception.
Chinese Lunar Age vs International Age
| Feature | Chinese Lunar Age | International Age |
|---|---|---|
| Age at birth | 1 year | 0 years |
| Increases on | Chinese New Year | Birthday |
| Calendar type | Lunar (moon cycles) | Solar (Gregorian) |
FAQs
Why am I 1 or 2 years older in Chinese age?
Because the system counts your time in the womb and adds another year at Lunar New Year.
Does everyone’s age change on the same day?
Yes — on Chinese New Year, everyone’s age increases together.