Quick Answer

The average human lifespan of 77 years equals approximately 4,000 weeks. This number became famous through Oliver Burkeman's book "Four Thousand Weeks," which argues that accepting our finite time is the key to living meaningfully rather than constantly trying to "optimize" our way to more productivity.

The Calculation: Where 4,000 Weeks Comes From

The math is simple:

77 years × 52 weeks = 4,004 weeks

(rounded to 4,000)

If you use a longer lifespan estimate of 90 years (which many life calendars use), you get 4,680 weeks. But 4,000 has become the iconic number because of its cultural impact and memorability.

How Many Weeks Have You Lived?

Here's how your 4,000 weeks break down by age:

1,040

At age 20

1,560

At age 30

2,080

At age 40

2,600

At age 50

Age	Weeks Lived	Weeks Remaining	% Complete
20	1,040	2,960	26%
30	1,560	2,440	39%
40	2,080	1,920	52%
50	2,600	1,400	65%
60	3,120	880	78%
70	3,640	360	91%

To calculate your exact number: Your age × 52 = Weeks lived. Or simply create a WeeklyDots wallpaper and let us calculate it for you automatically.

Oliver Burkeman's "Four Thousand Weeks"

The concept gained mainstream attention with Oliver Burkeman's 2021 book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. The book challenges conventional productivity advice with a radical premise:

“

The problem with trying to "optimize" your time is that you'll never have enough. The real solution is accepting your finitude and choosing what matters.

Oliver Burkeman — Four Thousand Weeks

You can't do everything

And trying to creates chronic dissatisfaction with what you do accomplish

Productivity isn't the answer

Getting more done just creates more to do—the inbox is infinite

Accepting limits is liberating

When you stop trying to do it all, you can focus on what truly matters

Time isn't a resource to optimize

It's the medium in which we live—not something to master

The book became a bestseller because it offered a different path than the endless hustle culture of "life hacks" and productivity systems.

The Perspective Shift

There's something powerful about framing life in weeks rather than years. Years feel long and renewable. Weeks feel finite and countable.

Key Takeaway

"I have 50 years left" sounds like plenty of time. "I have 2,600 weeks left" sounds more specific and precious. Seeing 2,600 empty dots on a grid makes it viscerally real in a way numbers alone cannot.

This is why life calendars are so effective. They take the abstract concept of 4,000 weeks and make it visual, tangible, and impossible to ignore.

See your weeks visualized

WeeklyDots turns your 4,000 weeks into a daily wallpaper that updates automatically.

Create your life calendar

Making Your Weeks Count

The goal of knowing your 4,000 weeks isn't to create anxiety. It's to create clarity about how you want to spend them.

What Most People Regret

Research on end-of-life regrets consistently finds the same themes:

Working too much at the expense of relationships
Not expressing feelings to loved ones
Losing touch with friends
Not pursuing dreams due to fear
Taking life too seriously

What Creates Meaning

Relationships

Deep connections matter more than achievements

Contribution

Feeling useful to others creates lasting meaning

Growth

Learning and improving brings satisfaction

Presence

Being fully engaged now, not always planning for later

Practical Applications

Weekly review — At week's end, ask: "Did I spend this week well?"
Say no more often — Every yes to something unimportant is a no to something that matters
Front-load relationships — Your weeks with loved ones are more limited than you think
Start important things now — "Someday" isn't on the calendar
Use a life calendar — Visual reminders work better than abstract knowledge

Beyond the Average: Your Actual Weeks

The 4,000 figure is an average, but your actual number depends on many factors:

Gender — Women typically live 5-7 years longer than men
Geography — Life expectancy varies significantly by country
Health behaviors — Exercise, diet, and avoiding smoking add years
Socioeconomic factors — Income and education correlate with longevity
Genetics — Family history influences but doesn't determine lifespan

Key Takeaway

That's why WeeklyDots uses 90 years (4,680 weeks) as the default—it's an optimistic but achievable target for someone who takes care of their health. Better to aim high than settle for average.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why 4,000 and not a more precise number?

4,000 is memorable and close enough to the actual average (4,004 weeks for 77-year life expectancy). The round number makes it easier to remember and discuss. The exact figure matters less than the perspective it provides.

Is 4,000 weeks the same as a life calendar?

Not exactly. "4,000 weeks" refers to the concept of life measured in weeks. A life calendar is a visual tool that displays those weeks as a grid. Many life calendars use 4,680 weeks (90 years) to show a longer lifespan.

Does knowing this number actually change behavior?

Research suggests that mortality awareness—when gentle and consistent—does influence decision-making. The key is regular, visual reminders rather than one-time shocking realizations. That's why a daily life calendar wallpaper works better than occasional reflection.

What if thinking about limited time stresses me out?

Start gently. The goal isn't anxiety but perspective. If the number feels overwhelming, focus on one week at a time. A life calendar can actually reduce anxiety by making the abstract concrete—instead of vague dread about time passing, you see exactly where you are.

4000 Weeks: How Many Weeks Do You Have Left?