History, in generations
How many generations ago did World War II end?
World War II ended in 1945. For a specific date, this page counts from the signing of Japan's formal surrender on September 2, 1945, after Germany's surrender in May.
From September 2, 1945 to October 16, 2026
3.2generations
About 81 years, using an average of 25 years per generation.
This estimate uses September 2, 1945, when Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri. Victory over Japan was announced earlier, on August 15 in Japan and August 14 in parts of the Americas, because of time zones and different observances.
Try this date in the calculatorWhy are there different World War II end dates?
In Europe, Germany's surrender took effect in May 1945. Japan announced its surrender in August, while the formal Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2, 1945. These dates describe different milestones in the end of the war.
This page uses the signed surrender instrument as its reference date. If you mean the end of the war in Europe, use May 8, 1945, or enter a different date in the calculator.
The generation estimate
Elapsed years from September 2, 1945 to today are divided by 25. Because generations vary in length, the result is rounded and should be read as an estimate.
Frequently asked questions
When did World War II officially end?
Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945. Germany had surrendered in May, and Japan's surrender had been announced in August.
Is V-J Day the same date as the surrender signing?
Not always. V-J Day is observed on August 14 or 15 in different countries, while the formal surrender instrument was signed on September 2, 1945.