Quick facts if you are 46
| Born in | 1979 or 1980 |
| Generation | Generation X |
| Chinese zodiac | Goat (1979) or Monkey (1980) |
| Days old (approximately) | 16,801 to 17,165 |
How to work it out
Subtract your age from the current year: 2026 − 46 = 1980. That is your birth year if your birthday has already happened this year. If it hasn’t, subtract one more year: 1979. The same rule works for any age, and you can check the result the other way round with our born in 1980 page.
Milestones
Milestones you have already reached:
- 16 (1995 or 1996): Full driver’s license possible in many US states
- 18 (1997 or 1998): Voting age in US elections
- 21 (2000 or 2001): Legal drinking age in the US
- 25 (2004 or 2005): Car rental usually without a young-driver fee
- 26 (2005 or 2006): Coverage on a parent’s health plan ends (Affordable Care Act)
- 35 (2014 or 2015): Old enough to be President of the United States
Milestones still ahead:
- 62 (2041 or 2042): Earliest age to claim (reduced) Social Security benefits
- 65 (2044 or 2045): Medicare eligibility
If you were born in 1980, your Social Security full retirement age is 67; for 1979 it is 67.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m 46, what year will I turn 56?
In 2036 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2035.
What year did I turn 18 if I’m 46?
In 1998 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 1997.