Chinese age calculator (nominal age)
Last checked · New Year dates checked against the Hong Kong Observatory tables
Traditional Chinese age, called nominal age or xusui (虚岁), starts at 1 at birth and goes up by one at every Chinese New Year. Enter a birth date to see the nominal age next to the international age. The calculation uses the exact Chinese New Year of each year, for example Feb 6, 2027 in 2027.
Worked example
A baby born on December 1, 2026 is 1 at birth. At Chinese New Year on Feb 6, 2027 the baby turns 2 in nominal age, though only about two months old, and reaches international age 1 on December 1, 2027.
FAQ
How is Chinese age calculated?
In the traditional nominal age (虚岁, xusui) a baby is 1 at birth, and everyone gains a year at each Chinese New Year rather than on their birthday. Nominal age is therefore 1 or 2 years more than international age.
Why is my Chinese age two years more than my real age?
When you were born you already counted as 1, and if a Chinese New Year has passed since your last birthday (for example, between New Year and your birthday later in the year), you gain another year before your birthday comes round.
Is this the same as Korean age?
Korean age used the same idea but changed on January 1 instead of the lunar New Year. Since June 28, 2023, South Korea uses international age for legal and administrative purposes.
Chinese New Year dates are calculated and checked against the Hong Kong Observatory, Gregorian-Lunar Calendar Conversion Table. See also Chinese zodiac by birth date.