Due Date Calculator - CalcHub

Due Date Calculator

Estimate your baby's arrival date, current trimester, and gestational age.

The first day of your last menstrual cycle.

Irregular? Enter average of last 3 months (21-45).

Standard method used by most doctors (280 days).

Note: This tool gives an estimate based on average pregnancies. It does not replace medical advice. Always confirm dates and any concerns with your healthcare provider.

How is the Due Date Calculated?

Calculating an Estimated Due Date (EDD) is not an exact science, but medical professionals use specific formulas to get as close as possible. Here is a detailed breakdown of the methods used by this tool:

1. Last Menstrual Period (LMP)

We offer two models for calculating based on LMP:

  • Naegele's Rule (Standard): Adds 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of your last period. This is the medical standard.
  • Mittendorf-Williams Rule (Advanced): A newer statistical model that accounts for pregnancy history. Studies show first-time moms average 288 days, while experienced moms average 283 days.

Both methods also adjust for your personal cycle length.

2. Conception Date (Biological vs. Clinical Age)

If you tracked ovulation and know exactly when you conceived, the calculation is Conception Date + 266 days (38 weeks).

Note regarding "Weeks Pregnant": Even if you calculate based on conception, doctors will still add 2 weeks to your gestational age. This is because medical convention counts "Week 1" as the start of your period, roughly 2 weeks before the baby actually existed!

3. IVF Transfer (Precision Dating)

IVF due dates are rarely adjusted because the fertilization time is scientifically precise. We don't need to estimate ovulation.

  • Day 3 Embryo: We add 263 days to the transfer date (266 - 3).
  • Day 5 Blastocyst: We add 261 days to the transfer date (266 - 5).

4. Ultrasound (The Gold Standard)

Often considered the most accurate method, especially in the first trimester. A sonographer measures the "Crown-Rump Length" (CRL) of the fetus.

If the date calculated from your ultrasound differs significantly from your LMP date (usually by more than 5-7 days in early pregnancy), doctors will officially change your due date to match the ultrasound measurements, as fetal growth is very uniform in the early weeks.

Pregnancy Trimester Chart

Stage Weeks Key Milestones
First Trimester Weeks 1 - 12 Baby's brain, spinal cord, and heart begin to form. Organs develop.
Second Trimester Weeks 13 - 26 Baby grows hair, sucks thumb, and begins to move (quickening). Sex can be determined.
Third Trimester Weeks 27 - 40+ Baby gains weight rapidly, lungs mature, and baby positions for birth.
Full Term Weeks 39 - 40 Baby is fully developed and ready for birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this Pregnancy Due Date Calculator work?

This intuitive digital tool takes the first day of your last menstrual period and your average cycle length as the main input. Using a standard medical model of about 280 days of gestation, it gives you an estimated, easy-to-read result and a simple pregnancy calendar that helps you track how far along you are.

Why do I need to enter the first day of my last period?

The first day of your last menstrual period is what doctors use to determine how many weeks into pregnancy you are, even though actual conception and ovulation happen later. Entering this date lets the calculator provide a more accurate, clinically-aligned starting point for your expected delivery window.

What is the “Average Cycle Length” and why does it matter?

Average cycle length is the number of days from the start of one period to the start of the next. Changing this setting helps the calculator adjust your gestational timeline in a more personalized way, so the result better reflects your natural ovulation pattern and expected baby arrival.

Can I use this calculator if my cycle is not 28 days?

Yes. You can enter any typical cycle length (for example 25 or 32 days) and the due date tool will calculate a customized schedule for your pregnancy. This makes the estimate more reliable, especially if you know your ovulation tends to be earlier or later than average.

How accurate is the estimated due date from this tool?

Every due date is an estimated prediction, not a guarantee of the exact delivery day. This online tool uses widely accepted medical guidelines, so it offers a helpful and reasonably accurate guide to your baby’s timeframe, but your doctor and ultrasound scans will always give the most precise clinical information.

What are gestational age and trimester, and does the calculator show them?

Gestational age is the length of the pregnancy in weeks and days, and each trimester is a phase within that schedule. Based on your data, the calculator can estimate your current gestation, show which trimester you’re in, and act as an informative pregnancy calendar that helps you monitor how your fetus is developing week by week.

What if I don’t remember the exact date of my last period?

If you’re unsure, you can select the closest date you remember. The due date calculator will still give a useful, informative result, but you should treat it as approximate. For more reliable dating, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound to better determine how far along you are.

Can this calculator tell me when I conceived?

The tool can’t pinpoint the exact day of conception, but it can predict a likely window. In most cases, conception happens around ovulation, roughly 11–21 days after the first day of your last period, depending on your cycle. You can use the estimated due date and gestational age as a guide to find that likely timeframe.

Is this due date calculator suitable for all pregnancies?

This free, easy-to-use digital tool is designed mainly for single, naturally conceived pregnancies with relatively regular cycles. If you conceived through IVF, are expecting multiples, or have conditions that affect gestation, your doctor may use more specialized medical methods, ultrasound measurements, and a different schedule to calculate your expected delivery date.

Does this calculator replace medical advice from my doctor or midwife?

No. The due date calculator is a helpful, informative guide for a mother who wants to check her expected timeline and track her pregnancy. It is not a substitute for professional care. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider, who can support you with personalized medical assessments, ultrasound scans, and a detailed birth schedule tailored to you and your baby.