Quick facts if you are 42
| Born in | 1983 or 1984 |
| Generation | The Millennials (Generation Y) |
| Chinese zodiac | Pig (1983) or Rat (1984) |
| Days old (approximately) | 15,340 to 15,704 |
How to work it out
Subtract your age from the current year: 2026 − 42 = 1984. That is your birth year if your birthday has already happened this year. If it hasn’t, subtract one more year: 1983. The same rule works for any age, and you can check the result the other way round with our born in 1984 page.
Milestones
Milestones you have already reached:
- 16 (1999 or 2000): Full driver’s license possible in many US states
- 18 (2001 or 2002): Voting age in US elections
- 21 (2004 or 2005): Legal drinking age in the US
- 25 (2008 or 2009): Car rental usually without a young-driver fee
- 26 (2009 or 2010): Coverage on a parent’s health plan ends (Affordable Care Act)
- 35 (2018 or 2019): Old enough to be President of the United States
Milestones still ahead:
- 62 (2045 or 2046): Earliest age to claim (reduced) Social Security benefits
- 65 (2048 or 2049): Medicare eligibility
If you were born in 1984, your Social Security full retirement age is 67; for 1983 it is 67.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m 42, what year will I turn 52?
In 2036 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2035.
What year did I turn 18 if I’m 42?
In 2002 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2001.