Quick facts if you are 38
| Born in | 1987 or 1988 |
| Generation | The Millennials (Generation Y) |
| Chinese zodiac | Rabbit (1987) or Dragon (1988) |
| Days old (approximately) | 13,879 to 14,243 |
How to work it out
Subtract your age from the current year: 2026 − 38 = 1988. That is your birth year if your birthday has already happened this year. If it hasn’t, subtract one more year: 1987. The same rule works for any age, and you can check the result the other way round with our born in 1988 page.
Milestones
Milestones you have already reached:
- 16 (2003 or 2004): Full driver’s license possible in many US states
- 18 (2005 or 2006): Voting age in US elections
- 21 (2008 or 2009): Legal drinking age in the US
- 25 (2012 or 2013): Car rental usually without a young-driver fee
- 26 (2013 or 2014): Coverage on a parent’s health plan ends (Affordable Care Act)
- 35 (2022 or 2023): Old enough to be President of the United States
Milestones still ahead:
- 62 (2049 or 2050): Earliest age to claim (reduced) Social Security benefits
- 65 (2052 or 2053): Medicare eligibility
If you were born in 1988, your Social Security full retirement age is 67; for 1987 it is 67.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m 38, what year will I turn 48?
In 2036 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2035.
What year did I turn 18 if I’m 38?
In 2006 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2005.