Moon Phase Calendar Explained: New Moon, Full Moon & How to Read One
A moon phase calendar shows the shape of the Moon for each day of the month. Over about 29.5 days the Moon cycles through eight phases, from a new moon you cannot see, to a fully lit full moon, and back again. The four main phases are new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter; four intermediate phases sit between them.
What are the 8 moon phases?
The phases follow a fixed order as the Moon orbits Earth and the sunlit portion we see grows and shrinks.
| Phase | What you see | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| New Moon | Not visible (dark) | Start of the cycle |
| Waxing Crescent | Thin sliver, growing | Days 1–7 |
| First Quarter | Half lit (right side) | Quarter point |
| Waxing Gibbous | More than half, growing | Days 8–14 |
| Full Moon | Fully lit | Halfway point |
| Waning Gibbous | More than half, shrinking | Days 15–21 |
| Last Quarter | Half lit (left side) | Three-quarter point |
| Waning Crescent | Thin sliver, shrinking | Days 22–29 |
The lit-side directions above are as seen from the Northern Hemisphere; in the Southern Hemisphere the illuminated side is mirrored.
Waxing vs. waning: what's the difference?
These two words describe which way the Moon is heading. Waxing means the visible lit area is growing, the stretch from new moon up to full moon. Waning means it is shrinking, from full moon back down to new. A quick trick for the Northern Hemisphere: if the right side is lit, the Moon is waxing; if the left side is lit, it is waning. South of the equator, reverse it.
How long is a moon cycle?
One full cycle from new moon to the next new moon, called a synodic month, averages 29.5 days. Because that is a little shorter than most calendar months, the phases drift earlier each month, and a year usually contains 12 full moons. Occasionally a year fits in a 13th, and the extra one is nicknamed a blue moon.
How to read a moon phase calendar
On a moon phase calendar, a small icon on each date shows the Moon's shape that day, with the four main phases usually labelled where they fall. To read it, find today's date and note the symbol: a dark circle is a new moon, a fully light circle is a full moon, and half-lit circles mark the quarters. The days between show crescents and gibbous shapes filling or emptying.
On PrintAnyCalendar's moon phase calendar you can view the phases for any month online, with the exact date and time of each main phase. To keep one on the wall, print a moon-phase calendar for any year as a free PDF.
Why use a moon phase calendar?
Beyond curiosity, the phases guide plenty of practical planning. Gardeners time planting and pruning to the lunar cycle; anglers track the moon because it influences tides and feeding; photographers plan around the full moon for bright nights and the new moon for dark skies and stargazing. The phases also anchor many cultural and religious calendars, which follow the Moon rather than the Sun.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 4 main moon phases?
New moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. They mark the quarter points of the 29.5-day cycle.
What is the difference between first quarter and last quarter?
Both show a half-lit Moon, but the lit side is opposite. In the Northern Hemisphere, the first quarter is lit on the right (and waxing), the last quarter on the left (and waning).
How many full moons are in a year?
Usually 12, roughly one a month. Every few years a 13th full moon fits in, and it is called a blue moon.
Can I print a moon calendar for a specific year?
Yes, generate a moon-phase calendar for any year from 2001 to 2051. To choose a different layout, see our guide to printable calendar types.
Phase names and timing follow standard astronomical definitions; see NASA's overview of Moon phases for more detail.