Should You Include Age on a Headstone?

Older headstones often record age precisely — "Aged 73 years, 4 months and 12 days". Today, most stones show only dates, but adding age can still be meaningful in some cases.

Historical practice

In the 18th and 19th centuries, many stones gave age in years, months and days, sometimes instead of a birth date. For genealogists, this is a valuable clue. See how to read a worn headstone.

When age adds meaning

• Very long lives — "Aged 101 years"; see wording for a centenarian.
• Children and infants — "Aged 3 years" or "Aged 6 months".
• When birth dates are uncertain — see when dates are unknown.
• Family tradition — matching older family stones.

Formats

• Aged 87 years
• In her 92nd year
• Aged 4 years, 2 months
• 87 years young — a light-hearted touch

See headstone date formats.

Layout tips

Place age in smaller text below the dates, or in place of dates where only the year of death is known. Avoid crowding — if space is tight, dates alone are enough.

Age on companion stones

On a couple's stone, ages can look uneven if one partner lived much longer. Many families leave ages off companion stones and show only dates, or add a single line about the marriage instead — "Married 61 years" — which tells a story both partners share. See wording for a couple married 50+ years.

Key Takeaways

• Older stones often gave exact ages.
• Age adds meaning for very long lives and children.
• "Aged 87 years" is the most common format.
• Place age in smaller text below the dates.

Next Step

See what information goes on a headstone.