Expiry Date Calculator
Calculate product expiry dates based on manufacture date and shelf life. Perfect for food safety, inventory management, and product compliance tracking.
Common Shelf Life Reference
Typical shelf life durations for various products (unopened, properly stored):
Food Products
| Product | Shelf Life | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Milk | 7-10 days | 7-10 |
| Fresh Eggs | 3-5 weeks | 21-35 |
| Fresh Meat (refrigerated) | 1-2 days | 1-2 |
| Fresh Fish (refrigerated) | 1-2 days | 1-2 |
| Yogurt | 2-3 weeks | 14-21 |
| Hard Cheese | 3-4 weeks | 21-28 |
| Bread | 5-7 days | 5-7 |
| Frozen Meat | 6-12 months | 180-365 |
| Canned Goods | 2-5 years | 730-1825 |
| Dry Pasta | 1-2 years | 365-730 |
| Rice (white) | 2-3 years | 730-1095 |
| Flour | 6-8 months | 180-240 |
Medications & Cosmetics
| Product | Shelf Life | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Over-the-counter meds | 2-3 years | 730-1095 |
| Prescription drugs | 1-5 years | 365-1825 |
| Vitamins/Supplements | 2 years | 730 |
| Sunscreen | 3 years | 1095 |
| Mascara | 3-6 months | 90-180 |
| Foundation | 12-18 months | 365-545 |
| Lipstick | 2 years | 730 |
How to Use the Expiry Date Calculator
- Enter the manufacture date — select when the product was made or packaged. Look for manufacturing codes on packaging.
- Set the shelf life — enter the number of days the product remains safe/effective, or use the preset buttons for common durations.
- Add product name (optional) — label the calculation for easy reference.
- Check the status — see if the product is fresh, nearing expiry, expired, or critically expired with color-coded badges.
- Monitor the progress bar — visualize how much of the product's shelf life has elapsed.
Understanding Date Labels
Product date labels can be confusing. Here's what the common terms mean:
"Best Before" vs "Use By"
"Best Before" (or "Best By") indicates when the product is at peak quality. Food may still be safe to eat after this date, though quality may decline. This is common on shelf-stable foods like canned goods, dry pasta, and cereals.
"Use By" is the last date recommended for consumption at peak quality, primarily for perishable foods. After this date, the product should not be consumed for safety reasons. This is common on dairy, meat, and prepared foods.
"Sell By" tells the store how long to display the product for sale. Consumers can still use the product for a short time after this date. It's mainly an inventory management tool for retailers.
Storage Conditions Matter
Shelf life assumes proper storage conditions. Factors that affect shelf life include temperature, humidity, light exposure, and packaging integrity. Refrigerated products left at room temperature, or products exposed to heat and sunlight, will spoil faster than indicated.