Chinese Gender Calendar
Use the traditional Chinese Gender Prediction Chart (清宫图) to predict baby gender based on mother's lunar age and conception month.
Used to calculate lunar age (虚岁)
Approximate lunar month when conception occurred
Enter information to see the prediction
| Age | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ |
| 19 | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ |
| 20 | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ |
| 21 | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ |
| 22 | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ |
| 23 | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♀ |
| 24 | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ |
| 25 | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♂ |
| 26 | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ | ♀ |
| 27 | ♀ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♀ | ♂ | ♀ | ♂ | ♂ |
Showing ages 18-27. Full chart covers ages 18-45.
Complete Guide to Chinese Gender Prediction
"The Chinese Gender Calendar (清宫图) is a 700-year-old tradition that claims to predict baby gender based on the mother's lunar age and conception month. While it's a fascinating cultural artifact, modern science tells a different story."
How the Chinese Gender Chart Works
The chart is a simple grid where the mother's lunar age (虚岁) intersects with the lunar month of conception. The Chinese lunar age system adds one year at birth and another year at each Lunar New Year, making it different from Western age calculation.
According to legend, the chart was discovered in a royal tomb near Beijing and was used by the Qing Dynasty imperial family. The chart covers ages 18-45 and all 12 lunar months, creating a 28×12 matrix of predictions.
Accuracy & Scientific Evidence
Despite claims of 90%+ accuracy, scientific studies consistently show the Chinese Gender Calendar performs no better than random chance.
| Method | Claimed Accuracy | Scientific Accuracy | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Gender Calendar | 90% | ~50% | Folklore, no scientific basis |
| Ultrasound (20 weeks) | 95-99% | 95-99% | Visual anatomy scan |
| NIPT Blood Test | 99%+ | 99%+ | Fetal DNA analysis |
| Random Guess | 50% | 50% | Coin flip |
The Science of Gender Determination
Chromosomes, Not Calendars
Baby gender is determined at the moment of conception by the sperm cell, not the mother's age or the month. Sperm cells carry either an X chromosome (girl) or Y chromosome (boy). The egg always carries an X chromosome.
- XX = Girl: When an X-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg
- XY = Boy: When a Y-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg
- 50/50 Probability: Each pregnancy has an independent ~50% chance of either gender
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Chinese Gender Calendar accurate?
No. Multiple scientific studies (including a 2010 study of 2.8 million births) show it performs at ~50% accuracy—the same as random guessing. Gender is determined by chromosomes, not lunar calendars.
Q: How old is the Chinese Gender Chart?
Legend claims it's over 700 years old from the Qing Dynasty, but there's no historical evidence to verify this. The chart likely emerged in the 20th century as a folk tradition.
Q: What is lunar age (虚岁)?
In Chinese tradition, you are 1 year old at birth, and you gain a year at each Lunar New Year (not your birthday). So a baby born in December might be "2 years old" by February.
Q: Can I use this to plan my baby's gender?
No. Gender is determined randomly at conception by which sperm fertilizes the egg. No calendar, diet, or timing method can influence this biological process.
Q: What's the most accurate way to know baby gender?
NIPT blood tests (99%+ accurate from 10 weeks) and ultrasound scans (95-99% accurate from 18-20 weeks) are the only reliable methods. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Q: Why do people still use it?
It's a fun cultural tradition and conversation starter during pregnancy. Many use it for entertainment while waiting for their ultrasound, understanding it's not scientific.