Does this calculator work for medicine and cosmetics?

Yes. Enter the manufacture date and shelf life from the label for any product - prescription or OTC medicine, sunscreen, skincare, supplements, or household chemicals. For medications, always follow the pharmacist's guidance; expired medicines may lose potency.

Free Expiry Date Calculator

Know Exactly When
Anything Expires

Calculate the precise expiry date for food, medicine, cosmetics, supplements, household products, and more - instantly.

Food & Drink Medicine Cosmetics Supplements Household

Calculator

What are you checking?

Production / Manufacture Date MFG · Prod. · Packed On

Shelf Life Duration From label or spec

The production date is usually labelled MFG, Mfr., Manufactured On, or Packed On.

Item Type

Storage Conditions

Freshness remaining-

Expiry Date

Production Date

Total Shelf Life

How It Works

Select your product type - food, medicine, cosmetic, supplement, household, or other. This unlocks relevant tips and storage context.

Find the production date - look for MFG, Manufactured On, Packed On, or DOM on the label. If only month/year is shown, use the 1st of that month.

Enter the shelf life duration - from the label or product spec. Choose Days, Weeks, Months, or Years. Examples: raw chicken = 2 days; paracetamol = 2–3 years; sunscreen = 3 years.

Read your result - exact expiry date, days remaining, freshness percentage. Optionally add storage conditions (temperature, humidity, opened state) for a more refined estimate.

About accuracy: The base calculation - production date + shelf life - is exact. Environment adjustments use broadly accepted science and are estimates. For food safety, always confirm with visual, smell, and texture checks. For medicine, consult a pharmacist after the printed expiry. Never consume anything you are unsure about.

Works For Everything

Food & Drink

Fresh produce, dairy, meat, pantry staples, canned goods, beverages.

Medicine

OTC drugs, prescriptions, eye drops, topical creams, vitamins.

Cosmetics

Skincare, sunscreen, makeup, perfume, hair products.

Supplements

Protein powders, fish oils, probiotics, herbal extracts.

Household

Cleaning products, disinfectants, batteries, pest control.

Baby Products

Formula, baby food, nappy cream, sterilised items.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate a product's expiry date?

Enter the manufacture or production date and the shelf life (with its unit - days, weeks, months, or years). The calculator adds them to give the exact expiry date and how many days remain as of today.

What is the difference between Best Before and Use By?

Best Before (or Best By) means peak quality - the product may still be safe after this date but taste or potency may have declined. Use By is a safety deadline; consuming food or medicine after this date can carry genuine health risks. Always prioritise Use By dates.

Does this work for medicine and cosmetics?

Yes. Enter the manufacture date and shelf life from the label for any product. For cosmetics, look for the PAO symbol - a small open jar icon with a number followed by M (e.g. 12M = 12 months after opening). Use the date you opened the product as the start date, and the PAO months as the duration.

Does storage temperature affect shelf life?

Significantly. Cold temperatures slow microbial growth and chemical degradation. Refrigeration (4°C / 39°F) can extend fresh food life 3–5× compared to room temperature. Freezing (−18°C / 0°F) can extend most perishables by months or years. Heat accelerates spoilage - products stored above 25°C may expire before the printed date.

Can I use this calculator offline?

Yes. ShelfCalc is a Progressive Web App (PWA). After your first visit, the calculator is cached locally and works fully without an internet connection. You can also add it to your home screen for instant access like a native app.