Boneyard Tools

Dog Age Calculator

Find your dog's age in human years. Enter how old your dog is and choose a method: the 2019 epigenetic formula based on DNA, or the traditional rule that adjusts for breed size.

How to convert dog years to human years

  1. Enter your dog's age in years.
  2. Choose a method: epigenetic (DNA based) or traditional.
  3. For the traditional method, pick your dog's size.
  4. Read the equivalent human age.

Examples

1 year old, epigenetic formula

1 dog year
31 human years

5 year old medium dog, traditional

5 dog years, medium breed
39 human years

Frequently asked questions

Is the old 'multiply by 7' rule accurate?

No. Dogs mature fast early on, so the first year alone is about 15 human years. A flat factor of 7 understates a puppy and overstates an old dog.

What is the epigenetic formula?

A 2019 study measured DNA methylation in dogs and humans and produced human age = 16 times the natural log of the dog's age, plus 31. It works for dogs older than zero.

Why does breed size matter?

Small dogs tend to live longer and age more slowly after maturity, while giant breeds age faster. The traditional method adds 4 to 8 human years per dog year by size.

Which method should I trust?

The epigenetic formula is the most research-backed for a single estimate. The size-based method is a useful, easy-to-follow approximation. Both are estimates, not a vet diagnosis.

Does this replace a vet visit?

No. These formulas estimate a typical age. Your vet can assess your individual dog's health, breed and life stage far more accurately.

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