Moon Phase Calculator
Find the moon phase for any date.
Full Moon
99.8% illumination
- Moon age
- 14.4 days since new moon
- Next full moon
- Fri, May 01, 2026
- Next new moon
- Sat, May 16, 2026
How it works
The Moon completes a synodic cycle — new moon to new moon — in about 29.53 days, passing through eight named phases.
This calculator measures the Moon's age in days from a known new moon (January 6, 2000) and projects any date onto one of the eight phases, with illumination percentage.
The eight phases:
- New, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous
- Full, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent
The Moon appears mirrored between hemispheres — toggle the hemisphere to get the right emoji.
Practical examples
Lunar gardening
Some traditions plant on the waxing phase (to full) and harvest on the waning phase.
Astrophotography
Full moon floods the sky; for deep-sky imaging, prefer dates near the new moon.
Tides
Spring tides (highest) occur at new and full moons when Sun, Earth and Moon align.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is it?
Good for everyday use. Uses the mean synodic month (29.530588 d) — may be off by hours at eclipses, but the daily phase is correct.
Why does hemisphere matter?
The lit side of the Moon appears mirrored between hemispheres. In the south, the waxing crescent lights the left; in the north, the right.
Can I check past dates?
Yes — pick any past or future date and the phase is returned.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. Results are estimates based on public formulas and may contain inaccuracies or be outdated. We are not accountants, lawyers, doctors, or financial advisors — for any important decision (tax filings, contracts, diagnoses, financial planning), always consult a qualified professional. calculadora.work assumes no liability for decisions made based on the content of this site.