How long was Generation X?

Generation X lasted 15 years (1965 – 1980) across 2 major phases.

Duration Overview

Duration

15 years

Start

1965 AD

End

1980 AD

Early Gen X 7 years

1965 AD – 1972 AD

Grew up in 1970s. Divorce boom. Latchkey kids.

Late Gen X 8 years

1973 AD – 1980 AD

Grew up in 1980s. MTV generation. Entered workforce in 1990s boom.

That's 15 years — roughly a human lifetime. Someone born at the start could have lived to see the end.

How long was Generation X?

Born 1965-1980 (15 years). The 'latchkey generation.' Smaller cohort between Boomers and Millennials. Defined by MTV, grunge, and early internet.

When did Generation X start and end?

Generation X began in 1965 and ended in 1980, spanning 15 years.