Use these charts to calculate birth year for each U.S. Census.
As you track an individual through the U.S. Federal Population Censuses, I have often used the age to help me
-
- Identify individual members of the family
- Provide clues to confirm I have the suitable person/family unit as you search each census
- Provide clues as to relationship in the family
- Provide clues if I have the right female when surnames change through marriage
- Provide clues when people use nicknames and other name variations from one census to the next
Table of Contents
U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
The following provides links to each of the U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart.
| 1790 Birth Year Chart |
1800 Birth Year Chart |
1810 Birth Year Chart |
1820 Birth Year Chart |
| 1830 Birth Year Chart |
1840 Birth Year Chart |
1850 Birth Year Chart |
1860 Birth Year Chart |
| 1870 Birth Year Chart |
1880 Birth Year Chart |
1890 Birth Year Chart |
1900 Birth Year Chart |
| 1910 Birth Year Chart |
1920 Birth Year Chart |
1930 Birth Year Chart |
1940 Birth Year Chart |
When you are working with age in the census, you still have to be careful. The age/birth year provided on the census is not a primary source like a birth certificate or church record. It is one individual telling you the ages of the household. If I were to answer the census question today on the age of my family, I would be close but not exact. I would start with how old my oldest daughter is and then subtract two years for each child. Now, if you were to ask my wife the same question, she would have no problem giving you the age of every member of our family right down to the month. My point is simple: the census taker’s information varies from household to household, and it’s also about the quality of the census taker hearing and writing down what they heard correctly.
I have found it essential to use the census age information to calculate the range of possible birth dates and years of the people listed in the family unit I am researching. I have prepared a birth year reference chart for each census to help you identify an estimated birth year for each individual. See below for links to various census charts.
But you can manually do it also. Let’s say the Census Taker dropped by the John Stewart home in June 1910. On that date, John was 69 years old. Simply subtract the age of the person from the census year. The subtraction problem would be 1920-68=John was born in about 1851. Notice I said that John was born about 1851. From the time each census begins and ends, there is a lag time, birth dates of individuals, competency of the person giving the answers to know the birth age, which I don’t have I am not accounting for in my calculation. This means I will say that John could have been born based on the 1920 census between 1850 and 1852, with 1851 being the target year. As I research another census, I concluded that 1851 was the most likely year of his birth.
How truthful were people about their age? I have researched 1,000’s of family members through the census years and found them to be 99.8 percent truthful, providing the same ages variances from one census to the next. The following example shows how the age was used to help identify the John Isaac Stewart through 1860-1930 U.S. Federal Population Censuses.
| John Isaac Stewart Household | ||
| 1860 Census | 1870 Census | 1880 Census |
| James Stewart 43 (Male) | J M Stewart 52 (Male) | John Stewart 29 (Head) |
| Susanah 42 (Female) | Susanah 51 (Female) | Nolie 28 (Wife) |
| Daniel 20 (Male) | Marten 22 (Male) | Guy 2 (Son |
| Archibald 16 (Male) | John 19 (Male) | |
| Amos 14 (Male) | Frances 14 (Female) | |
| Mortin 12 (Male) | Jane 11 (Female) | |
| John 10 (Male) | Bell 9 (Female) | |
- 1860 John is age 10 and the fifth son of James M. and Susanah Stewart.
- 1870 John is age 19. His older brothers Daniel, Archibald, and Amos have left home. Three sisters are added Frances, Jane, and Bell.
- 1880 John is age 29. He has married Nolie, and they have a son Guy, age 2.
- 1890 Census destroyed.
| John Isaac Stewart Household | |||
| 1900 Census | 1910 Census | 1920 Census | 1930 Census |
| J I Steward 49 (Head) | J I Stewart 59 (Head) | John I Stewart 69 (Head) | Panola Stewart (78 Head) |
| Panola 48 (Wife) | Penola 58 (Wife) | Panola 68 (Wife) | |
| Frank 19 ( Son) | Blanchard 26 (Son) | Blanchard 35 (Son) | |
| Blanchard 16 (Son) | Percy 23 (Son) | Robert P 33 (Son) | |
| Percy 13 (Son) | Clarence P 20 (Son) | Clarence J 30 (Son) | |
| Clarence 11 (Son) | Jay 13 (Son) | Jay 23 (Son) | |
| Thomas 3 (Son) | Harold A Mason 20 (Son) | ||
| F A Miller 26 (Boarder) | |||
- 1900 John is age 49. Nolie is now referred to as Penola, is age 58. Children at home are the sons Frank 19, Blanchard 16, Percy 13, Clarence 11, and Thomas 3. Guy has not age 22 has left home. Age was essential to confirm I had the right family. Nollie was the nickname of Panola could have been either a new wife or the same person. The age of Nolie and Panola was the same, so I used that as a clue to make sure I was working with the right group of people.
- 1910 John is age 59, and Penola is 58. Sons that are home are Blanchard 26, Percy 23, Clarence 20, Harold 20, Thomas is now referred to as Jay 13
- 1920 John is age 69, and Panola is 68. Son that is home is Blanchard 35, Robert 33, Clarence 30, and Jay 23.
- 1930 John has died, and Panola 78 is the only member of the household.
I have prepared a birth year reference chart for each census to help you identify an estimated birth year for each individual.
1790 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In the 1790 US Population Census, learn the approximate corresponding birth years associated with the age groupings provided. This census allowed 9 months to be completed. The first family would have been recorded on August 2, 1790, and the last Family on May 1, 1791. In the 1790 Census, we only have age groupings for “For Free White Males.” There are columns for females and slaves to be counted. Slaves were to be counted as 3/5th of person. We are not sure that the number in the slave’s category is actual slaves or the addition of 3/5th for each slave. Numbers shown in the categories include all persons in the home, such as family, relatives, friends, employees, visitors, and boarders.
Note: No matter when the census taker came, he recorded who was in the house as of August 2, 1790. If a child was born after this date, they were not to be counted. If a person died before this date, they were not to be counted. It is very probable the census taker just recorded who was there the day he arrived.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1790 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of August 2, 1790, and does not allow for the 9-month variance.
| 1790 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |
| Free White Males | |
| Age Category | Born Between Years |
| Under 16 (0-15) | 1775-1790 |
| 16 and over (16+) | 1774 and Before |
1800 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In the 1800 US Population Census, learn the approximate corresponding birth years associated with the age groupings provided. This census allowed 9 months to be completed. The first family would have been recorded on August 4, 1800, and the last family on May 4, 1801. The age groupings were for “For Free White Males and Females.” There are columns for all other free persons and slaves to be counted. Numbers shown in the age categories include all persons in the home, such as family, relatives, friends, employees, visitors, and boarders.
Note: No matter when the census taker came, he was to record who was in the house as of August 4, 1800. If a child was born after this date, they were not to be counted. If a person died before this date, they were not to be counted. It is very probable the census taker just recorded who was there the day he arrived.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1800 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of August 4, 1800, and does not allow for the 9-month variance.
| 1800 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |
| Age Category | Born Between Years |
| 10 & under (0-9) | 1800-1790 |
| 10 & under 16 (10-15) | 1790-1785 |
| 16 & under 25 (16-18) | 1784-1775 |
| 26 & under 45 (26-44) | 1774-1756 |
| 45 & up (45+) | 1755 and Before |
1810 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In the 1810 US Population Census, learn the approximate corresponding birth years associated with the age groupings provided. This census allowed 10 months to be completed. The first family would have been recorded on August 6, 1810, and the last family on June 6, 1811. The age groupings were for “For Free White Males and Females.” There are columns for all other free persons and slaves to be counted. Numbers shown in the age categories include all persons in the home, such as family, relatives, friends, employees, visitors, and boarders.
Note: No matter when the census taker came, he recorded who was in the house as of August 6, 1810. If a child was born after this date, they were not to be counted. If a person died before this date, they were not to be counted. It is very probable the census taker just recorded who was in the home the day he arrived.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1810 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of August 6, 1820, and does not allow for the 10-month variance.
| 1810 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |
| Age Category | Born Between Years |
| 10 & under (0-9) | 1800-1810 |
| 10 & under 16 (10-15) | 1795-1800 |
| 16 & under 25 (16-18) | 1794-1785 |
| 26 & under 45 (26-44) | 1784-1766 |
| 45 & up (45+) | 1765 and Before |
1820 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In the 1820 US Population Census, learn the approximate corresponding birth years associated with the age groupings provided. This census allowed 12 months to be completed. The first family would have been recorded on August 7, 1820, and last on September 7, 1821. The numbers shown in the categories did not distinguish between family and any others in the household, such as relatives, friends, employees, visitors, boarders, and servants.
Note: No matter when the census taker came, he recorded who was in the house as of August 7, 1820. If a child was born after this date, they were not to be counted. If a person died before this date, they were not to be counted. It is very probable the census taker just recorded who was there the day he arrived.
Important: Note the age column heading for males 16-18 and 16 & under 26. Any male listed in the 16-18 would also appear in the 16 & under 26. Do not double count males. There was even a 16-18 category because the U.S. Government wanted to see how many males would be available for military service.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1820 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of August 7, 1820, and does not allow for the 13-month variance.
| 1820 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |
| Free White Males | |
| Age Category | Born Between Years |
| 10 and under (0-9) | 1810-1820 |
| 10 & under 16 (10-15) | 1810-1805 |
| 16-18 (16-18) | 1804-1802 |
| 16 & under 26 (16-25) | 1804-1795 |
| 26 & under 45 (26-44) | 1794-1776 |
| 45 & up (45+) | 1775 & before |
| Free White Females | |
| Age Category | Born Between Years |
| 10 and under (0-9) | 1810-1820 |
| 10 & under 16 (10-15) | 1810-1805 |
| 16 & under 26 (16-25) | 1804-1795 |
| 26 & under 45 (26-44) | 1794-1776 |
| 45 & up (45+) | 1775 & before |
| Slaves (Male and Female) | |
| Age Category | Born Between Years |
| 14 & under (0-13) | 1807-1820 |
| 14 & under 26 (14-25) | 1806-1795 |
| 26 & under 45(26-44) | 1794-1776 |
| 45 & up (45+) | 1775 & before |
| Free Colored Persons (Male and Female) | |
| Age Category | Born Between Years |
| 14 & under (0-13) | 1807-1820 |
| 14 & under 26 (14-25) | 1806-1795 |
| 26 & under 45(26-44) | 1794-1776 |
| 45 & up (45+) | 1775 & before |
1830 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In the 1830 US Population Census, learn the approximate corresponding birth years associated with the age groupings provided. This census allowed 12 months to be completed. The first family would have been recorded on June 1, 1830, and the last on June 1.1831. The numbers shown in the categories did not distinguish between family and any others in the household, such as relatives, friends, employees, visitors, boarders, and servants.
Note: No matter when the census taker came, he recorded who was in the house as of June 1, 1830. If a child was born after this date, they were not to be counted. If a person died before this date, they were not to be counted. It is very probable the census taker just recorded who was there the day they arrived.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1830 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of June 1, 1830, and does not allow for the 12-month variance.
| 1830 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |
| Age Category | Born Between Years |
| Under 5 years (0-4) | 1826-1830 |
| 5 & under 10 (5-9) | 1821-1825 |
| 10 & under 15 (10-14) | 1816-1820 |
| 15 & under 20 (15-19) | 1811-1815 |
| 20 & under 30 (20-29) | 1801-1810 |
| 30 & under 40 (30-39) | 1791-1800 |
| 40 & under 50 (40-49) | 1781-1790 |
| 50 & under 60 (50-59) | 1771-1780 |
| 60 & under 70 (60-69) | 1761-1770 |
| 70 & under 80 (70-79) | 1751-1760 |
| 80 & under 90 (80-89) | 1741-1750 |
| 90 & over 100 (90 to 99) | 1731-1740 |
| 100 & over (100+) | 1730 and Before |
1840 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In the 1840 US Population Census, learn the approximate corresponding birth years associated with the age groupings provided. The 1840 census allowed 18 months to be completed. The first family would have been recorded on June 1, 1840, and last on December 1, 1841. The numbers shown in the categories did not distinguish between family and any others in the household, such as relatives, friends, employees, visitors, boarders, and servants.
Note: No matter when the census taker came, he recorded who was in the house as of June 1, 1840. If a child was born after this date, they were not to be counted. If a person died before this date, they were not to be counted. It is very probable the census taker just recorded who was there the day they arrived.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1840 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of June 1, 1840, and does not allow for the 18-month variance.
| 1840 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |
| Age Category | Born Between Years |
| Under 5 years (0-4) | 1836-1839 |
| 5 & under 10 (5-9) | 1835-1829 |
| 10 & under 15 (10-14) | 1830-1826 |
| 15 & under 20 (15-19) | 1825-1821 |
| 20 & under 30 (20-29) | 1820-1811 |
| 30 & under 40 (30-39) | 1810-1801 |
| 40 & under 50 (40-49) | 1800-1791 |
| 50 & under 60 (50-59) | 1790-1781 |
| 60 & under 70 (60-69) | 1780-1871 |
| 70 & under 80 (70-79) | 1770-1761 |
| 80 & under 90 (80-89) | 1760-1751 |
| 90 & over 100 (90 to 99) | 1750-1759 |
| 100 & over (100+) | 1740 and before |
1850 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In Column 4 of the 1850 US Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1850 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of June 1, 1850.
| 1850 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| May 0/12 | 1850 | 28 | 1822 | 67 | 1783 |
| Apr 1/12 | 1850 | 29 | 1821 | 68 | 1782 |
| Mar 2/12 | 1850 | 30 | 1820 | 69 | 1781 |
| Feb 3/12 | 1850 | 31 | 1819 | 70 | 1780 |
| Jan 4/12 | 1850 | 32 | 1818 | 71 | 1779 |
| Dec 5/12 | 1849 | 33 | 1817 | 72 | 1778 |
| Nov 6/12 | 1849 | 34 | 1816 | 73 | 1777 |
| Oct 7/12 | 1849 | 35 | 1815 | 74 | 1776 |
| Sep 8/12 | 1849 | 36 | 1814 | 75 | 1775 |
| Aug 9/12 | 1849 | 37 | 1813 | 76 | 1774 |
| Jul 10/12 | 1849 | 38 | 1812 | 77 | 1773 |
| Jun 11/12 | 1849 | 39 | 1811 | 78 | 1772 |
| 1 | 1849 | 40 | 1810 | 79 | 1771 |
| 2 | 1848 | 41 | 1809 | 80 | 1770 |
| 3 | 1847 | 42 | 1808 | 81 | 1769 |
| 4 | 1846 | 43 | 1807 | 82 | 1768 |
| 5 | 1845 | 44 | 1806 | 83 | 1767 |
| 6 | 1844 | 45 | 1805 | 84 | 1766 |
| 7 | 1843 | 46 | 1804 | 85 | 1765 |
| 8 | 1842 | 47 | 1803 | 86 | 1764 |
| 9 | 1841 | 48 | 1802 | 87 | 1763 |
| 10 | 1840 | 49 | 1801 | 88 | 1762 |
| 11 | 1839 | 50 | 1800 | 89 | 1761 |
| 12 | 1838 | 51 | 1799 | 90 | 1760 |
| 13 | 1837 | 52 | 1798 | 91 | 1759 |
| 14 | 1836 | 53 | 1797 | 92 | 1758 |
| 15 | 1835 | 54 | 1796 | 93 | 1757 |
| 16 | 1834 | 55 | 1795 | 94 | 1756 |
| 17 | 1833 | 56 | 1794 | 95 | 1755 |
| 18 | 1832 | 57 | 1793 | 96 | 1754 |
| 19 | 1831 | 58 | 1792 | 97 | 1753 |
| 20 | 1830 | 59 | 1791 | 98 | 1752 |
| 21 | 1829 | 60 | 1790 | 99 | 1751 |
| 22 | 1828 | 61 | 1789 | 100 | 1750 |
| 23 | 1827 | 62 | 1788 | 101 | 1749 |
| 24 | 1826 | 63 | 1787 | 102 | 1748 |
| 25 | 1825 | 64 | 1786 | 103 | 1747 |
| 26 | 1824 | 65 | 1785 | 104 | 1746 |
| 27 | 1823 | 66 | 1784 | 105 | 1745 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1850 Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
4. Under heading 4, entitled “Age,” insert in figures what was the specific age of each person at his or her last birthday previous to the 1st of June, opposite the name of such person. If the exact age in years can not be ascertained, insert a number which shall be the nearest approximation to it.
The age, either exact or estimated, is to be inserted.
If the person be a child under 1-year-old, the entry is to be made by the fractional parts of a year, thus: one month, one-twelfth; two months, two-twelfths; three months, three-twelfths, and so on to eleven months, eleven-twelfths.
1860 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In Column 4 of the 1860 US Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1860 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of June 1, 1860.
| 1860 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| May 0/12 | 1860 | 28 | 1832 | 67 | 1793 |
| Apr 1/12 | 1860 | 29 | 1831 | 68 | 1792 |
| Mar 2/12 | 1860 | 30 | 1830 | 69 | 1791 |
| Feb 3/12 | 1860 | 31 | 1829 | 70 | 1790 |
| Jan 4/12 | 1860 | 32 | 1828 | 71 | 1789 |
| Dec 5/12 | 1859 | 33 | 1827 | 72 | 1788 |
| Nov 6/12 | 1859 | 34 | 1826 | 73 | 1787 |
| Oct 7/12 | 1859 | 35 | 1825 | 74 | 1786 |
| Sep 8/12 | 1859 | 36 | 1824 | 75 | 1785 |
| Aug 9/12 | 1859 | 37 | 1823 | 76 | 1784 |
| Jul 10/12 | 1859 | 38 | 1822 | 77 | 1783 |
| Jun 11/12 | 1859 | 39 | 1821 | 78 | 1782 |
| 1 | 1859 | 40 | 1820 | 79 | 1781 |
| 2 | 1858 | 41 | 1819 | 80 | 1780 |
| 3 | 1857 | 42 | 1818 | 81 | 1779 |
| 4 | 1856 | 43 | 1817 | 82 | 1778 |
| 5 | 1855 | 44 | 1816 | 83 | 1777 |
| 6 | 1854 | 45 | 1815 | 84 | 1776 |
| 7 | 1853 | 46 | 1814 | 85 | 1775 |
| 8 | 1852 | 47 | 1813 | 86 | 1774 |
| 9 | 1851 | 48 | 1812 | 87 | 1773 |
| 10 | 1850 | 49 | 1811 | 88 | 1772 |
| 11 | 1849 | 50 | 1810 | 89 | 1771 |
| 12 | 1848 | 51 | 1809 | 90 | 1770 |
| 13 | 1847 | 52 | 1808 | 91 | 1769 |
| 14 | 1846 | 53 | 1807 | 92 | 1768 |
| 15 | 1845 | 54 | 1806 | 93 | 1767 |
| 16 | 1844 | 55 | 1805 | 94 | 1766 |
| 17 | 1843 | 56 | 1804 | 95 | 1765 |
| 18 | 1842 | 57 | 1803 | 96 | 1764 |
| 19 | 1841 | 58 | 1802 | 97 | 1763 |
| 20 | 1840 | 59 | 1801 | 98 | 1762 |
| 21 | 1839 | 60 | 1800 | 99 | 1761 |
| 22 | 1838 | 61 | 1799 | 100 | 1760 |
| 23 | 1837 | 62 | 1798 | 101 | 1759 |
| 24 | 1836 | 63 | 1797 | 102 | 1758 |
| 25 | 1835 | 64 | 1796 | 103 | 1757 |
| 26 | 1834 | 65 | 1795 | 104 | 1756 |
| 27 | 1833 | 66 | 1794 | 105 | 1755 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1860 Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
7. Ages.– Under heading 4, entitled “Age,” insert in figures what was the specific age of each person at his or her last birthday previous to the 1st day of June, opposite the name of such person. Where the exact age cannot be ascertained, insert a number which shall be the nearest approximation thereto. The exact or estimated age of every individual is to be recorded. If the person be a child under one-year-old, born previous to the 1st day of June, the entry is to be made by the fractional parts of a year, thus: one month, 1/12; two months, 2/12; and so on to eleven months, 11/12. Omit months in all cases where the person is of one year and upwards.
1870 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In Column 6 of the 1870 US Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1870 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of June 1, 1870.
| 1870 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| May 0/12 | 1870 | 28 | 1842 | 67 | 1803 |
| Apr 1/12 | 1870 | 29 | 1841 | 68 | 1802 |
| Mar 2/12 | 1870 | 30 | 1840 | 69 | 1801 |
| Feb 3/12 | 1870 | 31 | 1839 | 70 | 1800 |
| Jan 4/12 | 1870 | 32 | 1838 | 71 | 1799 |
| Dec 5/12 | 1869 | 33 | 1837 | 72 | 1798 |
| Nov 6/12 | 1869 | 34 | 1836 | 73 | 1797 |
| Oct 7/12 | 1869 | 35 | 1835 | 74 | 1796 |
| Sep 8/12 | 1869 | 36 | 1834 | 75 | 1795 |
| Aug 9/12 | 1869 | 37 | 1833 | 76 | 1794 |
| Jul 10/12 | 1869 | 38 | 1832 | 77 | 1793 |
| Jun 11/12 | 1869 | 39 | 1831 | 78 | 1792 |
| 1 | 1869 | 40 | 1830 | 79 | 1791 |
| 2 | 1868 | 41 | 1829 | 80 | 1790 |
| 3 | 1867 | 42 | 1828 | 81 | 1789 |
| 4 | 1866 | 43 | 1827 | 82 | 1788 |
| 5 | 1865 | 44 | 1826 | 83 | 1787 |
| 6 | 1864 | 45 | 1825 | 84 | 1786 |
| 7 | 1863 | 46 | 1824 | 85 | 1785 |
| 8 | 1862 | 47 | 1823 | 86 | 1784 |
| 9 | 1861 | 48 | 1822 | 87 | 1783 |
| 10 | 1860 | 49 | 1821 | 88 | 1782 |
| 11 | 1859 | 50 | 1820 | 89 | 1781 |
| 12 | 1858 | 51 | 1819 | 90 | 1780 |
| 13 | 1857 | 52 | 1818 | 91 | 1779 |
| 14 | 1856 | 53 | 1817 | 92 | 1778 |
| 15 | 1855 | 54 | 1816 | 93 | 1777 |
| 16 | 1854 | 55 | 1815 | 94 | 1776 |
| 17 | 1853 | 56 | 1814 | 95 | 1775 |
| 18 | 1852 | 57 | 1813 | 96 | 1774 |
| 19 | 1851 | 58 | 1812 | 97 | 1773 |
| 20 | 1850 | 59 | 1811 | 98 | 1772 |
| 21 | 1849 | 60 | 1810 | 99 | 1771 |
| 22 | 1848 | 61 | 1809 | 100 | 1770 |
| 23 | 1847 | 62 | 1808 | 101 | 1769 |
| 24 | 1846 | 63 | 1807 | 102 | 1768 |
| 25 | 1845 | 64 | 1806 | 103 | 1767 |
| 26 | 1844 | 65 | 1805 | 104 | 1766 |
| 27 | 1843 | 66 | 1804 | 105 | 1765 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1870 Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
Ages.-The exact age, in figures, will be inserted in column 4, wherever the same can be obtained; otherwise, the nearest approximation thereto. Where the age is a matter of considerable doubt, the assistant marshal may make a note to that effect. Children, who, on the 1st of June, 1870, were less than a year old, will have their age stated by the fractional part of the year, as (one month) 1-12, (three months) 3-12, (nine months) 9-12, etc. In all other cases, months will be omitted. The age taken is the age at last birthday.
1880 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In Column 6 of the 1880 US Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1880 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of June 1, 1880.
| 1880 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| May 0/12 | 1880 | 28 | 1852 | 67 | 1813 |
| Apr 1/12 | 1880 | 29 | 1851 | 68 | 1812 |
| Mar 2/12 | 1880 | 30 | 1850 | 69 | 1811 |
| Feb 3/12 | 1880 | 31 | 1849 | 70 | 1810 |
| Jan 4/12 | 1880 | 32 | 1848 | 71 | 1809 |
| Dec 5/12 | 1879 | 33 | 1847 | 72 | 1808 |
| Nov 6/12 | 1879 | 34 | 1846 | 73 | 1807 |
| Oct 7/12 | 1879 | 35 | 1845 | 74 | 1806 |
| Sep 8/12 | 1879 | 36 | 1844 | 75 | 1805 |
| Aug 9/12 | 1879 | 37 | 1843 | 76 | 1804 |
| Jul 10/12 | 1879 | 38 | 1842 | 77 | 1803 |
| Jun 11/12 | 1879 | 39 | 1841 | 78 | 1802 |
| 1 | 1879 | 40 | 1840 | 79 | 1801 |
| 2 | 1878 | 41 | 1839 | 80 | 1800 |
| 3 | 1877 | 42 | 1838 | 81 | 1799 |
| 4 | 1876 | 43 | 1837 | 82 | 1798 |
| 5 | 1875 | 44 | 1836 | 83 | 1797 |
| 6 | 1874 | 45 | 1835 | 84 | 1796 |
| 7 | 1873 | 46 | 1834 | 85 | 1795 |
| 8 | 1872 | 47 | 1833 | 86 | 1794 |
| 9 | 1871 | 48 | 1832 | 87 | 1793 |
| 10 | 1870 | 49 | 1831 | 88 | 1792 |
| 11 | 1869 | 50 | 1830 | 89 | 1791 |
| 12 | 1868 | 51 | 1829 | 90 | 1790 |
| 13 | 1867 | 52 | 1828 | 91 | 1789 |
| 14 | 1866 | 53 | 1827 | 92 | 1788 |
| 15 | 1865 | 54 | 1826 | 93 | 1787 |
| 16 | 1864 | 55 | 1825 | 94 | 1786 |
| 17 | 1863 | 56 | 1824 | 95 | 1785 |
| 18 | 1862 | 57 | 1823 | 96 | 1784 |
| 19 | 1861 | 58 | 1822 | 97 | 1783 |
| 20 | 1860 | 59 | 1821 | 98 | 1782 |
| 21 | 1859 | 60 | 1820 | 99 | 1781 |
| 22 | 1858 | 61 | 1819 | 100 | 1780 |
| 23 | 1857 | 62 | 1818 | 101 | 1779 |
| 24 | 1856 | 63 | 1817 | 102 | 1778 |
| 25 | 1855 | 64 | 1816 | 103 | 1777 |
| 26 | 1854 | 65 | 1815 | 104 | 1776 |
| 27 | 1853 | 66 | 1814 | 105 | 1775 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1880 Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
Ages.-The exact age in figures will be inserted in column 6 whenever the same can be obtained; otherwise, the nearest approximation thereto. Children who, on the 1st day of June 1880, were less than a year old will have their age stated by the fractional part of the year, as (one month), 1/12; (three months), 3/12; (nine months), 9/12, etc. In all other cases, months will be omitted.
1890 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In the 1890 US Population Census, learn the age of each member of the household. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1890 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of June 1, 1890.
| 1890 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| May 0/12 | 1890 | 28 | 1862 | 67 | 1823 |
| Apr 1/12 | 1890 | 29 | 1861 | 68 | 1822 |
| Mar 2/12 | 1890 | 30 | 1860 | 69 | 1821 |
| Feb 3/12 | 1890 | 31 | 1859 | 70 | 1820 |
| Jan 4/12 | 1890 | 32 | 1858 | 71 | 1819 |
| Dec 5/12 | 1889 | 33 | 1857 | 72 | 1818 |
| Nov 6/12 | 1889 | 34 | 1856 | 73 | 1817 |
| Oct 7/12 | 1889 | 35 | 1855 | 74 | 1816 |
| Sep 8/12 | 1889 | 36 | 1854 | 75 | 1815 |
| Aug 9/12 | 1889 | 37 | 1853 | 76 | 1814 |
| Jul 10/12 | 1889 | 38 | 1852 | 77 | 1813 |
| Jun 11/12 | 1889 | 39 | 1851 | 78 | 1812 |
| 1 | 1889 | 40 | 1850 | 79 | 1811 |
| 2 | 1888 | 41 | 1849 | 80 | 1810 |
| 3 | 1887 | 42 | 1848 | 81 | 1809 |
| 4 | 1886 | 43 | 1847 | 82 | 1808 |
| 5 | 1885 | 44 | 1846 | 83 | 1807 |
| 6 | 1884 | 45 | 1845 | 84 | 1806 |
| 7 | 1883 | 46 | 1844 | 85 | 1805 |
| 8 | 1882 | 47 | 1843 | 86 | 1804 |
| 9 | 1881 | 48 | 1842 | 87 | 1803 |
| 10 | 1880 | 49 | 1841 | 88 | 1802 |
| 11 | 1879 | 50 | 1840 | 89 | 1801 |
| 12 | 1878 | 51 | 1839 | 90 | 1800 |
| 13 | 1877 | 52 | 1838 | 91 | 1799 |
| 14 | 1876 | 53 | 1837 | 92 | 1798 |
| 15 | 1875 | 54 | 1836 | 93 | 1797 |
| 16 | 1874 | 55 | 1835 | 94 | 1796 |
| 17 | 1873 | 56 | 1834 | 95 | 1795 |
| 18 | 1872 | 57 | 1833 | 96 | 1794 |
| 19 | 1871 | 58 | 1832 | 97 | 1793 |
| 20 | 1870 | 59 | 1831 | 98 | 1792 |
| 21 | 1869 | 60 | 1830 | 99 | 1791 |
| 22 | 1868 | 61 | 1829 | 100 | 1790 |
| 23 | 1867 | 62 | 1828 | 101 | 1789 |
| 24 | 1866 | 63 | 1827 | 102 | 1788 |
| 25 | 1865 | 64 | 1826 | 103 | 1787 |
| 26 | 1864 | 65 | 1825 | 104 | 1786 |
| 27 | 1863 | 66 | 1824 | 105 | 1785 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1890 Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
6. Age at nearest birthday. If under one year, give an age in months.-Write the age in figures at nearest birthday in whole years, omitting months and days, for each person of one year of age or over. For children who, on the 1st of June, 1890, were less than one year of age, give the age in months, or twelfths of a year, thus: 3/12, 7/12, 10/12. For a child less than one-month-old, state the age as follows: 0/12. The exact years of age for all persons, one year old or over, should be given whenever it can be obtained. In any event, do not accept the answer “Don’t know,” but ascertain as nearly as possible the approximate age of each person. The general tendency of persons in giving their ages is to use the round numbers, as 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, etc. It the age is given as “about 25,” determine, if possible, whether the age should be entered as 24, 25, or 26. Particular attention should be paid to this, otherwise it will be found when the results are aggregated in this office that a much more than normal number of persons have been reported as 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, etc., years of age, and a much less than normal at 19, 21, 24, 26, 29, 31, etc.
1900 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In Column 8 of the 1900 U.S. Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1900 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of June 1, 1900.
| 1900 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| May 0/12 | 1900 | 28 | 1872 | 67 | 1833 |
| Apr 1/12 | 1900 | 29 | 1871 | 68 | 1832 |
| Mar 2/12 | 1900 | 30 | 1870 | 69 | 1831 |
| Feb 3/12 | 1900 | 31 | 1869 | 70 | 1830 |
| Jan 4/12 | 1900 | 32 | 1868 | 71 | 1829 |
| Dec 5/12 | 1899 | 33 | 1867 | 72 | 1828 |
| Nov 6/12 | 1899 | 34 | 1866 | 73 | 1827 |
| Oct 7/12 | 1899 | 35 | 1865 | 74 | 1826 |
| Sep 8/12 | 1899 | 36 | 1864 | 75 | 1825 |
| Aug 9/12 | 1899 | 37 | 1863 | 76 | 1824 |
| Jul 10/12 | 1899 | 38 | 1862 | 77 | 1823 |
| Jun 11/12 | 1899 | 39 | 1861 | 78 | 1822 |
| 1 | 1899 | 40 | 1860 | 79 | 1821 |
| 2 | 1898 | 41 | 1859 | 80 | 1820 |
| 3 | 1897 | 42 | 1858 | 81 | 1819 |
| 4 | 1896 | 43 | 1857 | 82 | 1818 |
| 5 | 1895 | 44 | 1856 | 83 | 1817 |
| 6 | 1894 | 45 | 1855 | 84 | 1816 |
| 7 | 1893 | 46 | 1854 | 85 | 1815 |
| 8 | 1892 | 47 | 1853 | 86 | 1814 |
| 9 | 1891 | 48 | 1852 | 87 | 1813 |
| 10 | 1890 | 49 | 1851 | 88 | 1812 |
| 11 | 1889 | 50 | 1850 | 89 | 1811 |
| 12 | 1888 | 51 | 1849 | 90 | 1810 |
| 13 | 1887 | 52 | 1848 | 91 | 1809 |
| 14 | 1886 | 53 | 1847 | 92 | 1808 |
| 15 | 1885 | 54 | 1846 | 93 | 1807 |
| 16 | 1884 | 55 | 1845 | 94 | 1806 |
| 17 | 1883 | 56 | 1844 | 95 | 1805 |
| 18 | 1882 | 57 | 1843 | 96 | 1804 |
| 19 | 1881 | 58 | 1842 | 97 | 1803 |
| 20 | 1880 | 59 | 1841 | 98 | 1802 |
| 21 | 1879 | 60 | 1840 | 99 | 1801 |
| 22 | 1878 | 61 | 1839 | 100 | 1800 |
| 23 | 1877 | 62 | 1838 | 101 | 1799 |
| 24 | 1876 | 63 | 1837 | 102 | 1798 |
| 25 | 1875 | 64 | 1836 | 103 | 1797 |
| 26 | 1874 | 65 | 1835 | 104 | 1796 |
| 27 | 1873 | 66 | 1834 | 105 | 1795 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1900 Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
131. Column 8. Age at last birthday.-The object of this question is to get the age of each person in completed years, or in the case of a child under one year, the age in completed months.
132. For each person of one year of age or over, enter the age at last birthday in whole years, omitting months and days for children who, on the first day of June 1900, were less than one year of age, enter the age in months, or twelfths of a year, thus: 3/12, 7/12, 8/12. For a child less than one-month-old, enter the age as follows: 0/12.
133. Endeavor to ascertain in each case the month and year of birth called for in column 7, but where this is impossible, get as nearly as possible the exact years of age. An answer given in round numbers, such as “about 30,” “about 45,” is likely to be wrong. In such cases, endeavor to get the exact age.
1910 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In Column 7 of the 1910 U.S. Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1910 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of April 15, 1910.
| 1910 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| Mar 0/12 | 1910 | 28 | 1882 | 67 | 1843 |
| Feb 1/12 | 1910 | 29 | 1881 | 68 | 1842 |
| Jan 2/12 | 1910 | 30 | 1880 | 69 | 1841 |
| Dec 3/12 | 1909 | 31 | 1879 | 70 | 1840 |
| Nov 4/12 | 1909 | 32 | 1878 | 71 | 1839 |
| Oct 5/12 | 1909 | 33 | 1877 | 72 | 1838 |
| Sep 6/12 | 1909 | 34 | 1876 | 73 | 1837 |
| Aug 7/12 | 1909 | 35 | 1875 | 74 | 1836 |
| Jul 8/12 | 1909 | 36 | 1874 | 75 | 1835 |
| Jun 9/12 | 1909 | 37 | 1873 | 76 | 1834 |
| May 10/12 | 1909 | 38 | 1872 | 77 | 1833 |
| Apr 11/12 | 1909 | 39 | 1871 | 78 | 1832 |
| 1 | 1909 | 40 | 1870 | 79 | 1831 |
| 2 | 1908 | 41 | 1869 | 80 | 1830 |
| 3 | 1907 | 42 | 1868 | 81 | 1829 |
| 4 | 1906 | 43 | 1867 | 82 | 1828 |
| 5 | 1905 | 44 | 1866 | 83 | 1827 |
| 6 | 1904 | 45 | 1865 | 84 | 1826 |
| 7 | 1903 | 46 | 1864 | 85 | 1825 |
| 8 | 1902 | 47 | 1863 | 86 | 1824 |
| 9 | 1901 | 48 | 1862 | 87 | 1823 |
| 10 | 1900 | 49 | 1861 | 88 | 1822 |
| 11 | 1899 | 50 | 1860 | 89 | 1821 |
| 12 | 1898 | 51 | 1859 | 90 | 1820 |
| 13 | 1897 | 52 | 1858 | 91 | 1819 |
| 14 | 1896 | 53 | 1857 | 92 | 1818 |
| 15 | 1895 | 54 | 1856 | 93 | 1817 |
| 16 | 1894 | 55 | 1855 | 94 | 1816 |
| 17 | 1893 | 56 | 1854 | 95 | 1815 |
| 18 | 1892 | 57 | 1853 | 96 | 1814 |
| 19 | 1891 | 58 | 1852 | 97 | 1813 |
| 20 | 1890 | 59 | 1851 | 98 | 1812 |
| 21 | 1889 | 60 | 1850 | 99 | 1811 |
| 22 | 1888 | 61 | 1849 | 100 | 1810 |
| 23 | 1887 | 62 | 1848 | 101 | 1809 |
| 24 | 1886 | 63 | 1847 | 102 | 1808 |
| 25 | 1885 | 64 | 1846 | 103 | 1807 |
| 26 | 1884 | 65 | 1845 | 104 | 1806 |
| 27 | 1883 | 66 | 1844 | 105 | 1805 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1910 Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
110. Column 7. Age at last birthday.-This question calls for the age in completed years at last birthday. Remember, however, that the age question, like all other questions on the schedule, relates to April 15, 1910. Thus a person whose exact age on April 15, the census day, is 17 years, 11 months, and 25 days should be returned simply as 17, because that is his age at last birthday before April 15, although at the time of your visit he may have completed 18 years.
111. Age in round numbers.-In many cases, persons will report the age in round numbers, like 30 or 45, or “about 30” or “about 45,” when that is not the exact age. Therefore, when an age ending in 0 or 5 is reported, your should ascertain whether that is the exact age. If, however, it is impossible to get the exact age, enter the approximate age rather than return the age as unknown.
112. Ages of children.-Take particular pains to get the exact ages of children. In the case of a child not 2 years old, the age should be given in completed months, expressed as twelfths of a year. Thus the age of a child 3 months old should be entered as 3/12, a child 7 months old as 7/12, a child 1 year and 3 months as 1 3/12, etc. If a child is not yet a month old, enter the age as 0/12. But note again that this question should be answered with reference to April 15. For instance, a child who is just a year old on the 17th of April, 1910, should nevertheless be returned as 11/12, because that is the age in completed months on April 15.
1920 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In Column 11 of the 1920 U.S. Population Census, learn the age of each member of the household. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1920 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of January 1, 1920.
| 1920 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| Mar 0/12 | 1920 | 28 | 1892 | 67 | 1853 |
| Feb 1/12 | 1920 | 29 | 1891 | 68 | 1852 |
| Jan 2/12 | 1920 | 30 | 1890 | 69 | 1851 |
| Dec 3/12 | 1920 | 31 | 1889 | 70 | 1850 |
| Nov 4/12 | 1919 | 32 | 1888 | 71 | 1849 |
| Oct 5/12 | 1919 | 33 | 1887 | 72 | 1848 |
| Sep 6/12 | 1919 | 34 | 1886 | 73 | 1847 |
| Aug 7/12 | 1919 | 35 | 1885 | 74 | 1846 |
| Jul 8/12 | 1919 | 36 | 1884 | 75 | 1845 |
| Jun 9/12 | 1919 | 37 | 1883 | 76 | 1844 |
| May 10/12 | 1919 | 38 | 1882 | 77 | 1843 |
| Apr 11/12 | 1919 | 39 | 1881 | 78 | 1842 |
| 1 | 1919 | 40 | 1880 | 79 | 1841 |
| 2 | 1918 | 41 | 1879 | 80 | 1840 |
| 3 | 1917 | 42 | 1878 | 81 | 1839 |
| 4 | 1916 | 43 | 1877 | 82 | 1838 |
| 5 | 1915 | 44 | 1876 | 83 | 1837 |
| 6 | 1914 | 45 | 1875 | 84 | 1836 |
| 7 | 1913 | 46 | 1874 | 85 | 1835 |
| 8 | 1912 | 47 | 1873 | 86 | 1834 |
| 9 | 1911 | 48 | 1872 | 87 | 1833 |
| 10 | 1910 | 49 | 1871 | 88 | 1832 |
| 11 | 1909 | 50 | 1870 | 89 | 1831 |
| 12 | 1908 | 51 | 1869 | 90 | 1830 |
| 13 | 1907 | 52 | 1868 | 91 | 1829 |
| 14 | 1906 | 53 | 1867 | 92 | 1828 |
| 15 | 1905 | 54 | 1866 | 93 | 1827 |
| 16 | 1904 | 55 | 1865 | 94 | 1826 |
| 17 | 1903 | 56 | 1864 | 95 | 1825 |
| 18 | 1902 | 57 | 1863 | 96 | 1824 |
| 19 | 1901 | 58 | 1862 | 97 | 1823 |
| 20 | 1900 | 59 | 1861 | 98 | 1822 |
| 21 | 1899 | 60 | 1860 | 99 | 1821 |
| 22 | 1898 | 61 | 1859 | 100 | 1820 |
| 23 | 1897 | 62 | 1858 | 101 | 1819 |
| 24 | 1896 | 63 | 1857 | 102 | 1818 |
| 25 | 1895 | 64 | 1856 | 103 | 1817 |
| 26 | 1894 | 65 | 1855 | 104 | 1816 |
| 27 | 1893 | 66 | 1854 | 105 | 1815 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1930 Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
122. Column 11. Age at last birthday.- This question calls for the age in completed years at last birthday. Remember, however, that the age question, like all other questions on the schedule, relates to January 1, 1920. Thus a person whose exact age on January 1, the census day, is 17 years, 11 months, and 25 days should be returned simply as 17, because that is his age at last birthday before January 1, although at the time of your visit he may have completed 18 years.
123. Age in round numbers.-In many cases person will report the age in round numbers, like 30 or 45, or “about 30” or “about 45,” when that is not the exact age. Therefore, when an age ending in 0 or 5 is reported, you should ascertain whether it is the exact age. If, however, it is impossible to get the exact age, enter the approximate age rather than return the age as unknown.
124. Ages of children.-Take particular pains to get the exact ages of children. In the case of a child not 5 years old, the age should be given in completed months, expressed as twelfths of a year. Thus the age of a child 3 months old would be entered as 3/12, a child 7 months old as 7.12, a child 1 year and 3 months old a 1 3/12, a child exactly 3 years old as 3 0/12, a child 3 years and 1 month old as 3 1/12, etc. If a child is not yet a month old, enter the age as 0/12. But note again that this question should be answered with reference to January 1. For instance, a child who is just a year old on the 5th of January 1920 should nevertheless be returned as 11.12, because that is its age in completed months on January 1.
1930 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In Column 13 of the 1930 U.S. Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
For more information, see the article: Essential 1930 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners.
Age calculated as of April 1, 1930.
| 1930 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| Mar 0/12 | 1930 | 28 | 1902 | 67 | 1863 |
| Feb 1/12 | 1930 | 29 | 1901 | 68 | 1862 |
| Jan 2/12 | 1930 | 30 | 1900 | 69 | 1861 |
| Dec 3/12 | 1930 | 31 | 1899 | 70 | 1860 |
| Nov 4/12 | 1930 | 32 | 1898 | 71 | 1859 |
| Oct 5/12 | 1929 | 33 | 1897 | 72 | 1858 |
| Sep 6/12 | 1929 | 34 | 1896 | 73 | 1857 |
| Aug 7/12 | 1929 | 35 | 1895 | 74 | 1856 |
| Jul 8/12 | 1929 | 36 | 1894 | 75 | 1855 |
| Jun 9/12 | 1929 | 37 | 1893 | 76 | 1854 |
| May 10/12 | 1929 | 38 | 1892 | 77 | 1853 |
| Apr 11/12 | 1929 | 39 | 1891 | 78 | 1852 |
| 1 | 1929 | 40 | 1890 | 79 | 1851 |
| 2 | 1928 | 41 | 1889 | 80 | 1850 |
| 3 | 1927 | 42 | 1888 | 81 | 1849 |
| 4 | 1926 | 43 | 1887 | 82 | 1848 |
| 5 | 1925 | 44 | 1886 | 83 | 1847 |
| 6 | 1924 | 45 | 1885 | 84 | 1846 |
| 7 | 1923 | 46 | 1884 | 85 | 1845 |
| 8 | 1922 | 47 | 1883 | 86 | 1844 |
| 9 | 1921 | 48 | 1882 | 87 | 1843 |
| 10 | 1920 | 49 | 1881 | 88 | 1842 |
| 11 | 1919 | 50 | 1880 | 89 | 1841 |
| 12 | 1918 | 51 | 1879 | 90 | 1840 |
| 13 | 1917 | 52 | 1878 | 91 | 1839 |
| 14 | 1916 | 53 | 1877 | 92 | 1838 |
| 15 | 1915 | 54 | 1876 | 93 | 1837 |
| 16 | 1914 | 55 | 1875 | 94 | 1836 |
| 17 | 1913 | 56 | 1874 | 95 | 1835 |
| 18 | 1912 | 57 | 1873 | 96 | 1834 |
| 19 | 1911 | 58 | 1872 | 97 | 1833 |
| 20 | 1910 | 59 | 1871 | 98 | 1832 |
| 21 | 1909 | 60 | 1870 | 99 | 1831 |
| 22 | 1908 | 61 | 1869 | 100 | 1830 |
| 23 | 1907 | 62 | 1868 | 101 | 1829 |
| 24 | 1906 | 63 | 1867 | 102 | 1828 |
| 25 | 1905 | 64 | 1866 | 103 | 1827 |
| 26 | 1904 | 65 | 1865 | 104 | 1826 |
| 27 | 1903 | 66 | 1864 | 105 | 1825 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1930 Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (enumerator):
156. Column 13. Age at last birthday.-This question calls for the age in completed years at last birthday. Remember, however, that the age question, like all other questions on the schedule, relates to April 1, 1930. Thus a person whose exact age on April 1, the census day, is 17 years, 11 months, and 25 days should be returned simply as 17, because that is his age at his last birthday before April 1, even though at the time of your visit he may have completed 18 years.
157. Age in round numbers.-In many cases, persons will report the age in round numbers, like 30 or 45, or “about 30” or “about 45,” when that is not the exact age. Therefore, when an age ending in “0” or “5” is reported, you should inquire whether it is the exact age. If, however, it is impossible to get the exact age, enter the approximate age rather than return the age as unknown.
158. Ages of children.-Take particular pains to get the exact ages of children. In the case of a child less than 5 years old, the age should be given in completed months, expressed as twelfths of a year. Thus the age of a child 3 months old should be entered as 3/12, a child 7 months old as 7/12, a child 1 year and 3 months old as 1 3/12, a child exactly 3 years old as 3 0/12, a child 3 years and 1-month-old as 3 1/12, etc. It a child is not yet a month old, enter the age as 0/12. but note again that this question should be answered with reference to April 1. For instance, a child who is just a year old on the 5th of April 1930 should nevertheless be returned as 11/12, because that is its age in completed months on April 1.
159. Enumerators must make a special effort to obtain returns for all infants and young children. Children under 1 year of age, in particular, have frequently been omitted from the enumeration in past censuses.
1940 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart
In Column 11 of the 1940 U.S. Population Census, learn the age of each household member. The following chart will provide the approximate corresponding birth year for the age provided.
Age calculated as of April 1, 1940.
| 1940 U.S. Census Birth Year Reference Chart | |||||
| Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year | Age | Birth Year |
| Mar 0/12 | 1940 | 28 | 1912 | 67 | 1873 |
| Feb 1/12 | 1940 | 29 | 1911 | 68 | 1872 |
| Jan 2/12 | 1940 | 30 | 1910 | 69 | 1871 |
| Dec 3/12 | 1940 | 31 | 1909 | 70 | 1870 |
| Nov 4/12 | 1940 | 32 | 1908 | 71 | 1869 |
| Oct 5/12 | 1939 | 33 | 1907 | 72 | 1868 |
| Sep 6/12 | 1939 | 34 | 1906 | 73 | 1867 |
| Aug 7/12 | 1939 | 35 | 1905 | 74 | 1866 |
| Jul 8/12 | 1939 | 36 | 1904 | 75 | 1865 |
| Jun 9/12 | 1939 | 37 | 1903 | 76 | 1864 |
| May 10/12 | 1939 | 38 | 1902 | 77 | 1863 |
| Apr 11/12 | 1939 | 39 | 1901 | 78 | 1862 |
| 1 | 1939 | 40 | 1900 | 79 | 1861 |
| 2 | 1938 | 41 | 1899 | 80 | 1860 |
| 3 | 1937 | 42 | 1898 | 81 | 1859 |
| 4 | 1936 | 43 | 1897 | 82 | 1858 |
| 5 | 1935 | 44 | 1896 | 83 | 1857 |
| 6 | 1934 | 45 | 1895 | 84 | 1856 |
| 7 | 1933 | 46 | 1894 | 85 | 1855 |
| 8 | 1932 | 47 | 1893 | 86 | 1854 |
| 9 | 1931 | 48 | 1892 | 87 | 1853 |
| 10 | 1930 | 49 | 1891 | 88 | 1852 |
| 11 | 1929 | 50 | 1890 | 89 | 1851 |
| 12 | 1928 | 51 | 1889 | 90 | 1850 |
| 13 | 1927 | 52 | 1888 | 91 | 1849 |
| 14 | 1926 | 53 | 1887 | 92 | 1848 |
| 15 | 1925 | 54 | 1886 | 93 | 1847 |
| 16 | 1924 | 55 | 1885 | 94 | 1846 |
| 17 | 1923 | 56 | 1884 | 95 | 1845 |
| 18 | 1922 | 57 | 1883 | 96 | 1844 |
| 19 | 1921 | 58 | 1882 | 97 | 1843 |
| 20 | 1920 | 59 | 1881 | 98 | 1842 |
| 21 | 1919 | 60 | 1880 | 99 | 1841 |
| 22 | 1918 | 61 | 1879 | 100 | 1840 |
| 23 | 1917 | 62 | 1878 | 101 | 1839 |
| 24 | 1916 | 63 | 1877 | 102 | 1838 |
| 25 | 1915 | 64 | 1876 | 103 | 1837 |
| 26 | 1914 | 65 | 1875 | 104 | 1836 |
| 27 | 1913 | 66 | 1874 | 105 | 1835 |
Census taker instructions for age on 1940 U.S. Population Census. The following are the exact instructions given to the census taker (Enumerator):
458. Column 11. Age at Last Birthday.-Enter the age of the person at his last birthday before 12:01 a.m., April 1, 1940. Thus, a person whose 18th birthday occurred on April 8, 1940, should be reported as 17 years of age because that was his age on his last birthday before April 1, 1940. For persons 1-year-old and over, this question calls for the age in completed years at last birthday.
459. Ages of Infants.-The entry in col. 11 for children less than a year old should indicate age in completed months, expressed as twelfths of a year. Ask the following question in each household: “Are there any children in this household who were born on or after April 1, 1939?” For each child born after April 1, 1939, ascertain the actual birth date and determine the proper entry for col. 11 by referring to the table showing ages by birth dates at the foot of the schedule. Thus the age of a child born on May 2, 1939, should be entered as 10/12. Note that a child born after 12:01 a.m., April 1, 1940, is not to be enumerated.
460. Infant Card.-You must fill out an Infant Card (Form P-4), in addition to the line of entries on the Population schedules, for each child born during the 4 months from 12:01 a.m. December 1, 1939, to 12:01 a.m., April 1, 1940. That is, fill out an Infant Card for each child for whom the entry in col. 11 is 0/12, 1/12, 2/12, or 3/12.
461. Note that questions 1 to 10 on this form are to be filled out at the time the enumerator is obtaining information for the Population schedule. The answers to questions 11 to 23 may be copied from the Population schedule at the end of each day of canvassing. The numbers in parentheses at the end of questions 11 to 23 refer to the column numbers on the Population schedule from which the information is to be transcribed.
462. If the infant’s father is not a member of the household in which the infant resides, enter “Not a member of household” in answer to question 14 and leave questions 15 to 19 blank. If the mother is not a member of the household, enter “Not a member of household” in answer to question 20 and leave questions 21, 22, and 23 blank.
463. The completed Infant Cards must be turned in with your portfolio to your Supervisor upon the completion of the enumeration of your district.
464. Ages in Round Numbers.-The age of the person will sometimes be reported in a round number, like 30 or 45, or “about 50” when that is not the exact age. If an age ending in “0” or “5” is reported, you should inquire whether that is really the exact age. If, however, the exact age is not know, enter the approximate age, rather than “Unknown.”
