Leap Year Calculator
Determine if a year is a leap year and find leap years in any range
Check Leap Year
Result
Calculation
2025 ÷ 4 = 506.25 (not divisible by 4)
Nearby Leap Years
Quick Examples
2024 - Leap Year
2024 ÷ 4 = 506 (divisible by 4)
2023 - Not Leap Year
2023 ÷ 4 = 505.75 (not divisible by 4)
2000 - Leap Year
Divisible by 4, 100, and 400
1900 - Not Leap Year
Divisible by 4 and 100, but not 400
Leap Year Rules
Year must be divisible by 4
If divisible by 100, must also be divisible by 400
Leap years have 366 days (29 days in February)
Keeps calendar aligned with Earth's orbit
Understanding Leap Years
What is a Leap Year?
Definition
A leap year is a year with 366 days instead of the usual 365. The extra day is February 29th, which occurs every four years.
Why Do We Need Leap Years?
Earth takes approximately 365.24 days to orbit the Sun. The extra ~0.24 days (about 6 hours) accumulate over time, requiring an extra day every 4 years.
Solar Year
The exact solar year is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, 45 seconds. Leap years keep our calendar synchronized with the seasons.
Historical Context
- •Julius Caesar introduced leap years in 46 BC
- •Gregorian calendar (1582) refined the rules
- •Century years exception prevents calendar drift
- •System maintains seasonal consistency
Leap Year Rules Explained
Rule 1: Divisible by 4
Most years divisible by 4 are leap years
Example: 2024 ÷ 4 = 506 ✓
Rule 2: Century Year Exception
Years divisible by 100 must also be divisible by 400
Example: 1900 ÷ 400 = 4.75 ✗, 2000 ÷ 400 = 5 ✓
Algorithm Steps
1. If not divisible by 4 → Not leap year
2. If divisible by 4 but not 100 → Leap year
3. If divisible by 100 and 400 → Leap year
4. If divisible by 100 but not 400 → Not leap year
Interesting Facts
Recent and Upcoming Leap Years
Recent Leap Years
2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024
Upcoming Leap Years
2028, 2032, 2036, 2040, 2044, 2048
Special Years
2000 was a leap year (divisible by 400), but 1900 was not
February 29 Birthdays
People born on leap day often celebrate on Feb 28 or Mar 1 in regular years