Wondering about the exact day your pregnancy journey began? Enter your estimated due date, and our calculator will instantly work backward to find your approximate date of conception.
Reverse Due Date Calculator
Enter a due date to discover your key conception and intercourse dates.
Why Our Calculator May Show a Different Date
You might notice our result is different from some other online calculators. This is because our tool calculates your true Conception Date (Fetal Age), which is the most accurate method.
Many other tools make the common mistake of calculating your Last Menstrual Period (LMP) date by simply subtracting 40 weeks (280 days). This is incorrect, as conception happens about two weeks after your last period.
Our calculator correctly subtracts ~38 weeks (266 days) to pinpoint the actual estimated date of conception.
How to Use This Calculator
Using our calculator is simple. Follow these three steps to get your estimated conception date in seconds.
- Enter Your Due Date: Click on the input field labeled “Your Estimated Due Date.” A calendar pop-up will appear.
- Select the Date: Navigate to the correct month and year and select the date your doctor or midwife provided as your estimated due date (EDD).
- Find Your Date: Click the “Find Conception Date >” button. Your result will appear below after a brief calculation.
The Science Behind Conception Dating
The method for calculating your conception date is the direct inverse of how your due date was likely calculated in the first place. It’s based on established medical timelines for human gestation.
The key is to understand the difference between “gestational age” and “fetal age.”
Gestational Age (The 40-Week Clock): Clinicians calculate a pregnancy as lasting 40 weeks (280 days). This clock starts on the first day of your Last Menstrual Period (LMP). This is a practical standard because the LMP is a firm, known date, whereas the exact day of conception is usually unknown.
Fetal Age (The 38-Week Reality): Conception (fertilization) typically occurs around ovulation, about 14 days after the LMP begins. This means the fetus is actually developing for about 38 weeks (266 days), not 40.
Our calculator uses the more accurate fetal age timeline. It takes your due date and subtracts 266 days to pinpoint the most probable window for conception.
Calculation: Your Due Date – 266 Days = Estimated Conception Date
¹This estimation is based on Naegele’s rule and standard gestational timelines recognized by organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this conception date 100% accurate?
No. It is a highly educated estimate. Factors like irregular cycle lengths, the exact timing of intercourse, and how long sperm survived before fertilization can shift the actual date by a few days. The most accurate dating is done via a first-trimester ultrasound.
Why subtract 266 days and not 280?
The 280-day (40-week) count starts from your last period, which is about two weeks before you actually conceive. The 266-day (38-week) count represents the time from actual conception to your due date.
What if my doctor changed my due date after an ultrasound?
You should always use the most recent due date provided by your doctor. Due dates from early ultrasounds are more accurate than those based on LMP, so using an ultrasound-confirmed date in this calculator will give you a better estimate of your conception date.
How is this different from an implantation calculator?
Conception is the moment of fertilization (when sperm meets egg). Implantation is a later event, occurring 6-12 days after conception, when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. This calculator finds the conception date, not the implantation date.
I had IVF. How do I calculate my conception date?
For IVF, the “conception date” is considered the day of egg retrieval. If you had a frozen embryo transfer, your clinic can provide you with an equivalent “conception” date based on the age of the embryo (e.g., for a 5-day embryo, the conception date is considered 5 days before the transfer).
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any health concerns.
References
¹ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017). Methods for Estimating the Due Date. Committee Opinion No. 700.