If you’re expecting a baby soon and have found yourself doom-scrolling through TikTok or wandering down a rabbit hole of gender prediction theories (we’ve all been there!), chances are, you’ve come across the Chinese gender calendar. This old-school chart promises to predict your baby’s sex using just two things: your age at conception and the month it happened. Sounds kind of magical, right?

Honestly, when everything—from your body to your birth plan—feels like it’s totally out of your hands, it’s nice to lean into something that feels even a little predictable. That’s the beauty of the Chinese gender calendar. Is it scientifically proven? Maybe not. But is it a fun little tradition that gives you something to giggle about with your partner or text your mom group about? Absolutely. It’s part folklore, part guessing game, and all about that cozy, comforting vibe we crave during pregnancy.

In this blog, we’re decoding the Chinese calendar baby gender 2025—how it’s supposed to work, how accurate it really is, and whether it’s more fun folklore than fact. 

What is the Chinese calendar baby gender 2025 prediction method, and how does it work?

If you’ve stumbled upon the Chinese gender calendar while daydreaming about whether you’re having a boy or a girl, you’re not alone. This centuries-old tradition is still a favorite among expecting parents because it’s fun, nostalgic, and adds a little extra magic to the wait.

So, how do you use the Chinese calendar baby gender 2025 prediction method?

It all comes down to two things: your lunar age at the time of conception, and the lunar month when you conceived. The Chinese gender calendar method then uses these two pieces of info to predict your baby’s sex.

Wait, what’s lunar age, and how is it different?

In traditional Chinese culture:

• You’re considered 1 year old at birth.
  
• You gain another year at the Lunar New Year, not on your birthday (Lunar New Year usually falls between late January and mid-February).
  

Because of this, your lunar age could be one or even two years older than your actual age (also called your solar age). It can sound a little tricky, but don’t worry—most online Chinese gender calendar tools calculate it for you automatically. 

How to use the Chinese gender calendar baby gender 2025 chart?

Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to use the Chinese calendar baby gender 2025 chart step-by-step:

1. Find your lunar age: Let a chart do the work! Many online versions (updated for 2025) will calculate it once you enter your birthdate.
   
2. Figure out the lunar month of conception: This is usually around two weeks after your last period (or you can use your due date).
   
3. Match the two: On the Chinese gender prediction chart, find where your lunar age and conception month intersect. That little box? It’ll tell you boy or girl.
   

And that’s it! No scans, no tests—just a bit of ancient tradition wrapped up in a sweet little moment of connection with your growing baby.

The history of the Chinese gender calendar 

The Chinese gender calendar is steeped in legend and tradition, making it a fascinating part of pregnancy folklore. Some stories suggest that this ancient chart was discovered over 700 years ago in a royal tomb during the Ming or Yuan Dynasty.

Others believe it originated during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911 A.D.), based on the principles of yin and yang, the five elements, and the Pa Kua (Eight Trigrams). It’s said that the chart was used by the imperial family for gender selection and kept secret within the palace.​

The chart reportedly resurfaced in the 20th century, eventually being published in Taiwan in 1972. Since then, the Chinese calendar baby gender method has gained popularity worldwide as a fun, albeit unscientific, way to predict a baby’s sex.​

How accurate is the Chinese gender calendar prediction?

Let’s be honest—when it comes to guessing your baby’s sex before the anatomy scan, most of us are open to any kind of clue. So it’s no surprise that the Chinese gender calendar gets a lot of love online. But how accurate is it, really?

Short answer? It’s more for fun than for fact. While some claim that the Chinese calendar gender predictor boasts an accuracy rate as high as 90%, scientific studies tell a different story. A large-scale study analyzing over 2.8 million births concluded that the method is no more accurate than a random guess, with a 50% success rate. 

In the end, it’s okay to let yourself enjoy the prediction while keeping in mind that it’s just that—a prediction. Not a diagnosis. Just a little wink from an old tradition to your growing belly.

How can I find out my baby’s sex for sure?

While tools like the Chinese gender calendar can be a fun way to guess, the most accurate way to know your baby’s sex is through medical testing.

Most parents find out during the mid-pregnancy anatomy scan, usually scheduled between 18 and 22 weeks. During this ultrasound, your provider takes a detailed look at the baby’s development (and if the baby is in the correct position, they can usually spot whether you’re having a boy or a girl!).

That said, even ultrasounds aren’t 100% foolproof—sometimes babies like to cross their legs or wiggle out of view.

There are also other medical options, like:

• NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing): NIPT is a simple blood test that can detect genetic conditions and reveal baby’s sex as early as 10 weeks.
  
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis (amnio): more invasive tests that are typically offered when there’s a medical reason to gather extra information about the baby’s health.
  

If you’re feeling anxious or curious, talk to your OB or midwife about your options. There’s no right or wrong time to find out—just whatever feels right for you and your growing family.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the Chinese gender calendar isn’t about getting it perfectly right—it’s about embracing a little joy in the middle of all the unknowns. Whether you’re using it for fun, tradition, or just to feel a tiny bit more connected to your baby, it’s one of those sweet rituals that can make this wild ride feel a little more grounded. So go ahead—make your guess, have a giggle, and soak up the wonder of it all.

You might also like:

• Spring baby names: 50+ Japanese names inspired by nature and beauty
• Cradlewise is evolving: Nurture plans explained
• 7 things I wish I knew before becoming a mom (A Mother’s Day reflection)

Sources:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20618730/