2013–2024
Gen Alpha Age Range
Generation Alpha, or Gen Alpha, follows Generation Z. This site uses birth years 2013 through 2024 so the range continues directly from the common 1997–2012 Gen Z boundary. In 2026, the oldest members of Gen Alpha turn 13 and the youngest turn 2.
As of 2026, members of Gen Alpha are between 1 and 13 years old.
What years are Gen Alpha?
There is no single agreed range yet. McCrindle Research, the Australian firm that named the generation, defines Gen Alpha as people born from 2010 through 2024. That overlaps with the common 1997–2012 Gen Z range, so this site starts Gen Alpha in 2013 to keep the generations from overlapping.
Other sources use different years, such as 2013–2025 or 2013–2029. Expect the definition to settle as researchers begin studying the generation as it grows up.
Gen Alpha ages by birth year
The age each birth year reaches in 2026 (on their birthday this year):
| Born in | Turns this year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 |
Where the name came from
Social researcher Mark McCrindle is credited with the name, which he introduced in his 2009 book The ABC of XYZ. After Generations X, Y and Z, the alphabet had run out. McCrindle took his cue from the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, when storm names ran past Z and switched to the Greek alphabet, and the generation after Z became Alpha.
How big is Gen Alpha?
McCrindle projects that Generation Alpha will number almost 2 billion people worldwide once the cohort is complete, which would make it the largest generation in history. In the United States, most of Gen Alpha are the children of Millennials, with some born to younger Gen X or older Gen Z parents.
What is shaping Gen Alpha
- Screens from birth. Gen Alpha is the first generation born entirely after smartphones and tablets went mainstream; the iPad launched in 2010. "iPad kids" is a common, if unflattering, nickname.
- The COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic arrived during Gen Alpha's early childhood, disrupting preschool and early schooling for many.
- Streaming and AI. Members are growing up with on-demand video, voice assistants and, increasingly, AI tools as everyday technology.
Gen Alpha compared with Gen Z and Gen Beta
| Generation | Birth years | Current ages | Grew up with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z | 1997–2012 | 13–29 | Smartphones and social media |
| Generation Alpha | 2013–2024 | 1–13 | Tablets, streaming and voice assistants |
| Generation Beta | 2025–2039 | 0–1 | AI built into everyday life (expected) |
Gen Alpha FAQ
What years are Gen Alpha?
This site uses 2013 through 2024. McCrindle, which named the generation, uses 2010 through 2024.
Who named Generation Alpha?
Social researcher Mark McCrindle is credited with the name, which follows the Greek alphabet after Generations X, Y and Z.
Is someone born in 2025 Gen Alpha?
No. Under McCrindle's definition, Generation Beta begins with people born in 2025.
Generation Z
See the generation before Gen Alpha.
Generation Beta
See the generation after Gen Alpha.