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Age · born in 1978
Born in 1978 — how old are they?
Someone born in 1978 turns 48 on their birthday in 2026; before it they are 47. Enter the exact date below for the age in years, months and days.
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=Age
48yrs
Breakdown (y/m/d)48 yrs · 6 mo · 14 days
Total days17,727 days
Total weeks2,532 wks + 3 days
Total hours425,448 hrs
Day of weekSunday
Next birthday1 January 2027 · 170 days
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People born in 1978 are Gen Xs (the 1965–1980 cohort), and in the Chinese zodiac 1978 is the year of the Earth Horse. 12 leap years have passed since 1978.
They turned 18 in 1996 and could first drive in 1995; the next round birthday is 50, in 2028. Their UK State Pension age is 68, reached around 2046 (legislation under review for later cohorts). They saw in the new millennium (2000) aged 22 and were 29 when the first iPhone launched (2007).
Back in 1978: globally, the first IVF baby was born. (A selection of 1978's landmark events.)
Milestones for someone born in 1978
| Year of birth | 1978 |
| Started school (approx.) | 1982 |
| Could drive (17) | 1995 |
| Turned 18 | 1996 |
| Turns 30 | 2008 |
| Turns 40 | 2018 |
| Turns 50 | 2028 |
| State Pension age (68) | 2046 |
| Turns 100 | 2078 |
How old is someone born in…
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?Frequently asked questions
How old is someone born in 1978, in 2026?
They turn 48 on their 2026 birthday; before it they are 47. Use the calculator above for the exact age in years, months and days.
What generation is someone born in 1978?
Gen X — the 1965–1980 cohort.
What Chinese zodiac year is 1978?
1978 is the year of the Earth Horse (the Chinese New Year falls in January–February, so January babies may belong to the previous animal).
When did / will they turn 18?
In 1996, on their birthday.
When does someone born in 1978 reach State Pension age?
Their State Pension age is 68, reached around 2046. The exact date depends on the day of birth — check the retirement-age calculator.
What happened in 1978?
Among the landmark events: globally, the first IVF baby was born.
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