Dog Age Calculator
Dog age calculator: convert your dog's age to human years by size, with the AVMA method and the newer DNA-based formula.
Editorial review: Farrow (pseudonym; identity and professional credentials are not disclosed). This page is for educational purposes, not professional advice.
Updated
Your inputs
Results update as you type. Nothing you enter leaves your device.
Results
- Human years (DNA formula)
- 57
- Life stage
- Adult
Example with the starting values
These results use the calculator's initial inputs. Change the values above to calculate your own estimate.
Inputs
- Dog's age
- 5 years
- Size
- Medium (21-50 lb)
Results
- Human years (AVMA)
- 39
- Human years (DNA formula)
- 57
- Life stage
- Adult
How does the Dog Age Calculator work?
The AVMA guide counts the first year as 15 human years, the second as 9 more, then 4, 5 or 6 per year for small, medium or large dogs.
A 2019 UCSD study of DNA methylation gave 16 x ln(dog age) + 31 as a closer match for all breeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is one dog year really 7 human years?
No. That is a myth. Dogs mature fast early on and then age slower.
Why does size matter?
Large breeds age faster and have shorter lives, so each later year counts for more.
Which result should I trust?
Both are estimates. The DNA-based formula is newer; the AVMA method is the common chart.
How long do dogs live?
Small breeds often live 12 to 16 years. Large breeds average 8 to 12 years.