What Is the Most Common Age Gap Between Couples?

Age differences between couples can often be met with raised eyebrows, but they are not as uncommon as one might think. In fact, the average age gap between people in heterosexual relationships in the US is about 2.3 years. Despite this, many couples with much wider age intervals manage to make their relationships work. Here is a closer look at the most common age gap between couples.

Average Age Gap

As mentioned, the average age gap between couples in the US is 2.3 years. This is the most common age gap between couples, with the majority of couples having a difference of less than five years. In some cases, the age gap can be much wider.

Age Gap by Gender

The average age gap between couples varies by gender. Generally, the male partner is older than the female partner. The average age gap between male and female partners is 2.6 years, with the male partner being older.

Age Gap by Generation

The average age gap between couples also varies by generation. For example, the average age gap between Baby Boomers is 2.7 years, with the male partner being older.³ Meanwhile, the average age gap between Gen Xers is 2.2 years, with the female partner being older.⁴

Age Gap by Country

The average age gap between couples also varies by country. For example, the average age gap between couples in the UK is 2.3 years, with the male partner being older.⁵ Meanwhile, the average age gap between couples in Germany is 2.4 years, with the male partner being older.

While age differences between couples may be met with raised eyebrows, they are not that uncommon. The average age gap between couples in the US is 2.3 years, with the male partner typically being older. However, the average age gap between couples varies by gender, generation, and country.