What is a Chinese gender predictor chart?

As you might expect, a Chinese gender predictor chart guesses your baby's sex by inputting the mother's birth date and the estimated date of conception (or the baby's due date) before converting these numbers into the mother's lunar age when she got pregnant and the lunar date of conception. The result will then predict whether you're supposedly having a baby girl or a baby boy.

There are many myths surrounding the origins of the Chinese gender predictor chart. It is said that the chart dates back over 300 years ago. Back then, it was protected by dedicated eunuchs in the Qing palace and was not showcased to others.

Apparently, this chart is derived from I Ching and time projections and created for the imperial family to help them conceive baby boys. During the Boxers Rebellion towards the end of Qing Dynasty, most of the empire’s treasures were stolen and this chart was brought to England. Later, the chart made its way to Austria before a Chinese scholar studied the chart in detail, and finally returned it to its homeland of China.

How accurate is the Chinese gender predictor?

The tool is said to be 90 per cent accurate in predicting your baby's gender (which is better than the 50/50 odds of how high your bump is, right?) and many parents have found it to be correct for them.

But please remember, there is no real scientific evidence that the Chinese gender predictor works. This tool is just for fun, and cannot confirm for definite whether you are expecting a baby boy or a baby girl, so don't start picking out your gender reveal ideas just yet! With only two outcomes - boy or girl - the majority of methods will always end up right about 50 per cent of the time.

For a much more accurate confirmation of your baby's gender, during your second trimester, you can ask your sonographer at your anomaly scan to have a look for you. And really, it's not too long to wait.

How does the Chinese gender predictor work?

The chart that this gender prediction method is based on was founded in an ancient tomb near Beijing more than 700 years ago. The prediction method is based on the chart, which uses the Lunar age of the mother and the month of conception.

The chart is also said to be able to predict how feminine or masculine your child will be based on the 1st, 5th and 9th columns of the mother's age. If the chart shows more boys than girls in these spaces, your baby is more likely to be masculine - more girls, and they are likely to be more feminine. Use the chart below to see if the appearance predictor is accurate for you and your child!

Should I use a Chinese gender calendar?

There's certainly no harm in trying it. Provided you don't take it too seriously, the Chinese gender predictor can be a lot of fun and can make you feel even more excited about meeting your baby. Just don't use it to make any big decisions such as what colour to paint the nursery...

How can I determine my baby's sex for sure?

While your 12-week scan is the first time you will get to see your baby inside you, their sex won't yet be able to be seen at this point.

At around 18-21 weeks you'll be invited for an anomaly 20-week scan. This is to check for any abnormalities with baby. At the end of this scan, the sonographer will ask you if you want to know the sex of the baby (if they can see it!) and this is the only accurate way to find out your baby's sex.

But if you're too keen to wait until then, why not give the Chinese gender predictor tool a go? Of course, the tool is just a bit of fun, but who knows, maybe the chart predicted will be right for you!