Why Is the 21st Century Called That Instead of the 20th Century?

Understand why the 21st century starts in 2001, not 2000, and how century numbering works historically.

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The 21st century refers to the years 2001 to 2100. The century number always represents the hundred years following it. The 20th century covered 1901 to 2000, so the subsequent century, the 21st, starts at 2001.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why does the 21st century start in 2001 and not in 2000? Because centuries are counted from year 1 to 100, the 20th century ended in 2000, so the 21st century begins in 2001.
  2. How are centuries numbered in the Gregorian calendar? Each century covers 100 years starting with year 1, for example, the 1st century was from year 1 to 100, the 20th from 1901 to 2000, and so on.
  3. What years does the 20th century include? The 20th century includes the years from 1901 through 2000.