Quick facts if you are 47
| Born in | 1978 or 1979 |
| Generation | Generation X |
| Chinese zodiac | Horse (1978) or Goat (1979) |
| Days old (approximately) | 17,166 to 17,531 |
How to work it out
Subtract your age from the current year: 2026 − 47 = 1979. That is your birth year if your birthday has already happened this year. If it hasn’t, subtract one more year: 1978. The same rule works for any age, and you can check the result the other way round with our born in 1979 page.
Milestones
Milestones you have already reached:
- 16 (1994 or 1995): Full driver’s license possible in many US states
- 18 (1996 or 1997): Voting age in US elections
- 21 (1999 or 2000): Legal drinking age in the US
- 25 (2003 or 2004): Car rental usually without a young-driver fee
- 26 (2004 or 2005): Coverage on a parent’s health plan ends (Affordable Care Act)
- 35 (2013 or 2014): Old enough to be President of the United States
Milestones still ahead:
- 62 (2040 or 2041): Earliest age to claim (reduced) Social Security benefits
- 65 (2043 or 2044): Medicare eligibility
If you were born in 1979, your Social Security full retirement age is 67; for 1978 it is 67.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m 47, what year will I turn 57?
In 2036 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 2035.
What year did I turn 18 if I’m 47?
In 1997 if your birthday has passed this year, otherwise in 1996.