You want to know the dates of your next period, ovulation or due date? You came to the right place. If you’re in a hurry you can go straight to our menstrual cycle calculator (click here) or Infographic with key information about calculating your period (click here).
Check the full table of content below.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Period & Ovulation Calculator
- How Do Menstrual Cycle Calculators Work?
- Using a Period Calculator
- How To Calculate Your Next Period & Ovulation Infographic
- Understanding the Menstrual Cycle Properly
- Understanding Your Next Menstrual Cycle and Fertilization.
- Some Important Information Regarding the Calculator
- Learn more
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
If you want to stand the best chance of getting pregnant, then you need to know when you are ovulating. This is the time of the month when women are in their most fertile period. Ovulation usually happens around day 14 of the cycle [1]), while there is a greater chance of a sperm reaching the egg and fertilizing it.
However, one of the biggest problems and question that people have is knowing how to calculate their next ovulation date and when is the best time to aim for intercourse. This is where technology can come in handy. You can use an ovulation calculator, like the one below, to get a rough estimate of when you are going to ovulate next.
Ovulation & Period Calculator
Use this period calculator to calculate your next period (menstruation), fertile period, ovulation, and due date. To give you an estimate as to when those time frames are, please provide the requested information and press the Calculate button (results will be shown below, together with a fertility calendar):
When did your last period start?
How many days did it last?
How long is your cycle?
Below are the results based on the information you provided:
Your next menstrual period is expected to start on
Your next most fertile period is from to
If you conceive within this timeframe, your estimated due date will be
- Pre-Period
- Period Days
- Post-Period
- Peak Ovulation
Please note that this is only an estimation of your menstrual cycle
A period calculator is not the same as talking to a healthcare professional, so this is just to aid you in coming up with the most accurate calculation possible, on your own.
Also, keep in mind that these calculators will be useful to women with a fairly regular menstrual cycle. For women with irregular menstrual cycle tracking other ovulation symptoms or using an ovulation predictor kit might give more accurate results, all of which we’ll cover later one.
How Do Menstrual Cycle Calculators Work?
Menstrual Cycle Calculators vary in complexity. Some will ask you for information such as your average body temperature, as well as various other bits and pieces about what your body is currently going through.
While there are women who measure their basal body temperature, it’s not something that the everyday woman uses.
However, it is a rather accurate way (when done 100% correctly) to determine when a woman is ovulating.
Some feel that these types of cycle calculators are “overkill”, but for those who are using the basal body temperature to prevent and plan a pregnancy, they have this information handy.
If you aren’t into this type of strict monitoring, a simple calculator like the one provided here can give you really good results and help you plan.
Using a Period Calculator
The first thing that the period calculator will ask you is the date of your last period. With so many apps available now, this should be information that is readily available.
And just remember, when calculating your period, you use the first day of your last period. This was the beginning of your cycle.
If you don’t know the exact first day, calculate back from the last day however long it lasted, and start tracking now. Especially if you are trying to get pregnant.
Some will use a menstruation calculator to figure out when to expect their periods and when to expect PMS. PMS is due to the change in hormones that cause periods and pregnancy.
When you are pregnant or during your period, these emotional and physical symptoms subside [2]. Some women can then plan to change their diet a few days before they expect PMS and help to alleviate some of the symptoms.
The next piece of information that you will be asked for is the average length of time between your periods. This is the length of the menstrual cycle. Of course, the human body does vary wildly here, and whilst some months there could be 30 days between your period, others it could be as low as 25.
However, you are only after an average here. Being as accurate as possible is important as this will affect the results that you are given which can have a profound effect on when the calculator tells you is the ideal time to try for a child.
Finally, you will be given your results. Based on the information you provided, it will calculate when your next period is anticipated and also your fertile period which is when you stand the best chance to get pregnant.
How To Calculate Your Next Period & Ovulation Infographic
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle Properly
While you may already have a fair understanding of your own menstrual cycle, there are women who have cycle lengths that vary. Sometimes, your own cycle can be as short as 23 days on cycle and 28 or 30 days the next.
When a variation in menstrual cycle length occurs, it usually happens before you ovulate. This is referred to as the follicular phase which encompasses menstruation as well and ends when you ovulate [3]. A woman generally ovulates between days 12-16 of their cycle which is the start of the luteal phase [4].
There is a multitude of reasons as to why your period could be altered, be it stress or medications, even weight gain/loss or travel. Unless you think you are pregnant, it could be a myriad of reasons that have your period coming irregularly.
Understanding Your Next Menstrual Cycle and Fertilization
If you are trying to get pregnant you need to understand how the menstrual cycle works. The process starts when the thick lining of your womb starts to break up due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Without a sufficient amount of these hormones, your body will shed the lining and it will start to prepare for your next menstrual cycle.
However, if a sperm does make contact with and fertilizes the egg, it will close all pores to prevent more sperms from getting in there. The fertilized egg will stay in the fallopian tube for 3-4 days and then move to the uterus and attach to its wall, staying there for the long haul of pregnancy.
Your body will produce human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) or pregnancy hormone right away (which can be seen within 6-8 days by a blood test and can take about 2 weeks if not longer to be seen in urine tests) [5].
The body will continue to produce the required estrogen and progesterone hormones so that the womb lining will not be shed and the placenta can grow mature enough that it can support the pregnancy.
Some Important Information Regarding the Calculator
The period calculator above also comes with a fertility calendar. You can navigate through different months by clicking on the NEXT 2 MONTHS and PREVIOUS 2 MONTHS links. This allows you to plan and prepare for your fertile and menstrual periods in the upcoming months.
What you do need to remember though is that the information isn’t 100% accurate as it is impossible to predict the human body.
Your fertile period gives you a good range in when to have intercourse to potentially get pregnant. You can learn more about the likelihood of conception in this article.
That being said, the menstrual calculator is still an extremely useful tool. It provides a simple way of knowing when to anticipate your next period and when is the best time to try for getting pregnant.
This could be a huge help for those with busy schedules to plan their days to start their family.
Learn more
Want to learn more about your menstrual cycle? Find out how does the Fertility Calculator work or how to to calculate your period manually.
Want to know if you’re pregnant? Take this online pregnancy test, read more about the most common reasons why your period might be late or find out when it’s the best time to take a home pregnancy test.
FAQs
How do I calculate the length of my cycle?
Can I have sex during my period?
What is the average length for periods?
My period is really heavy; what can I do to change that?
Can I get pregnant if my periods are irregular?
How do I know if I need to see a doctor because my heavy periods?
Can I prevent PMS?
Do you have any other question about your period, ovulation, pregnancy or other related topics? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
References
- Your Fertility. Women’s Guide to Getting the Timing Right [link]
- Mayo Clinic. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). [link]
- Better Health Channel. Menstrual Cycle. [link]
- see above #3
- WebMD. Pregnancy and Conception. [link]
- Eleanor Jones via Cosmopolitan. 10 Questions Period All Guys Want Answered [link]
- Playtex. Period 101. [link]
- The University of Iowa. Birth Control Pill Fact Sheet. [link]
- WebMD. Slideshow: Answers to Your Top period Questions. [link]
- see above #9
I’m 11 or 12 days late on my period last period I had was April 25..
I have took five pregnancy tests but nothing..
I’m a whole month late my last period was April 25
Comment Text
my name is chiamaka I had unprotected sex few days after my fertile day and am not ready to become a mother now. will I still get pregnant, urgent reply please
Hello Chiamaka, getting pregnant after your fertile days is sometimes possible. Please take a pregnancy test to check.
Hi, my fiancee and I are trying to get pregnant , I saw my period on the 11th last month to the 15th of that same month, now is the thing after that we been having sex all this while until today , I’m waiting to see my period again if so on the 11th next month but when is the best days to have sex from today or once again next month? Can someone help me
If you are trying to get pregnant, everyday is a good day for sex. It is hard to pin point the exact days or for someone else to do that for you because all women are different. If you do not see your period, take a test. Sometimes you have to wait up to 6 weeks after a missed period of them to work. If you suspect your are pregnant with a negative test, go see your doctor and get tested there.
Thank u
I have unprotected sex with my husband on the last day of my ovulation.
Being a virgin is difficult to penetrate but my husband released. since then I am always tired, sleeping, almost vomiting. can I be pregnant?
that would be very possible. take a pregnancy test a week after your next period is due to be sure
Thanks
hi friends..i want to ask question …my gf last period was on 14 which last for 3 days i.e 14-17 and then on 29 we had a sex ….i was using a protection…….but as soon i discharged i took my penis out of my gf vagina ….but the condom was torn out my ejaculation was on the on the lining or labia minora….and most of the ejaculated sperm was out side on the mon pubis and on the bed …my girl friend cant bear my whole penis so in start i use to put 1/3 of my dick………i want to know that i am not sure that my sperms were still in the vagina of my gf or all were outside……because most of it was on mon pubis and on the bed….and still now we dont dont have any sex and on the spot she cleaned her out totally with the water and tissue paper…….and after 2 days have sex …she is have a discharge of fluid ….which is like leukorea……but me and she are totally depressed that if she is pregnant because her next period will be on next month on 16 or 17 there are still 16 or 15 days for her next cycle……please tell me if she is pregnant or not… or what should i do
Hi, to check pregnancy you should ask your girlfriend to take a pregnancy test.
I had unprotected sex with my partner a day before my period (11th of april 2016 ), my period started on the (12th of april) and again on the last day of my period(16th april ) we had unprotected sex. Now everything around me smells disgusting and I vomit all day long. I took two test already but they both negative. Was I too early to take a pregnancy test?
Hello Lerato, Although period days are not your most fertile days, but yes you can get pregnant during your period.After period one may get ovulation 3-4 days early and pregnancy could be possible. You might have taken pregnancy test early if you took it just after your period. Take it 6-7 days after your period. Also, if you still feel uneasy, do consult a doctor.
Can I be pregnant a day after my ovulating days
I had unprotected sex on the 2nd March and on my ovulation day but I came to see my period last month 12th April. This month I’m 3 days late. Could it be possible that I’m pregnant?
You may not be pregnant. Wait to see if your period will come.
Okay the first day of my last period was April 15th and ended April 19th, We had unprotected sex numerous times a day April 20th thru May 1st. On May 5th what I thought was the start of my period came, but sadly to say I only spotted bright red blood for a few hrs, I’ve been some what cramping, very tired and no more bleeding. We’ve had unprotected sex 2/3 times since. I took a pregnancy test 5/7 it read negative! What’s going on with me?
You have to ensure that you have sex on your fertile days to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Read this insightful post for more information on how to get pregnant http://womanjunction.com/how-to-get-pregnant-guide/
The first day of my last period was April 16th and had it for 4 days. I’m TTC and I used a clear blue ovulation calculator and it told me I was ovulating Around the 24 or 25th. I’m usually 24-25 day cycle. I’m due for AF on the 11th I would say, but I have been feeling pressure since last Wednesday and a fluttering sensation. When should I test?
You can get the most accurate result if you wait at least one week after missing your period. In addition, the result might be even more accurate if the test is done first in the morning as the urine is far more concentrated at this time.
I had my period on 4-8-16, I had unprotected sex on 4-23-16, today is 5-9-16 I had nothing but light spotting no blood. Help me, please.
Your chances of being pregnant depend on whether you were fertile on or around the date that you had sex. It is important to know the number of days in your menstrual cycle and whether you have regular or irregular periods. This information is needed to provide you with the most accurate response.
Hi, I had my last period on the 16th of Apr and today I started bleeding again (the 8th of May). Could this be normal because I’m like days early? Please help.
Though your period is early, the number of days (between those periods) is normal. It is normal to have a 22 days cycle.
First day of my last period was April 11, my cycles are 24 days, I have not started my period….Pregnancy test?
How can I know if my cycle is 28 or 25 days?
The menstrual cycle starts on day 1 of the bleeding for one month to day 1 of the bleeding for the other month. So if one period started on July 10 and the next one started on August 5, then you would count July 10 as day 1 and continue counting all the days on the calendar until you get to August 5. You should count 26 days. If you have a 28 days cycle then you would count 28 days between each period. For a 25 days cycle, there would be 25 days between each period.
My fertile period starts from 18 May 2016 to 22 May 2016. Can I have unprotected sex before the time?
If you wish to get pregnant, you can have sex at least three days before you are fertile. Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to five days; it’s possible that the sperm may still be hanging around during ovulation, ready to fertilize the egg.