Little League Softball uses something called League Age to determine which division a player may participate in during the current season. League Age is not always the same as a child’s actual age— it is calculated using an official cutoff date set by Little League International.

This page explains how league age works, how to read the age chart, and includes a direct link to the Little League League Age Calculator to instantly determine your child’s League Age.

What Is League Age?

League Age is the age Little League uses to determine a player’s division eligibility. For softball, League Age is based on the player's age on December 31 of the upcoming season year.

Because of this cutoff, your child may be considered one year older (or younger) for league purposes than their real age. This nationwide standard helps keep divisions consistent and aligned across all leagues.

Key League Age Notes

• Division placement is based on league age, not current physical age.
• The league age chart updates each year—be sure to reference the chart for the correct season.
• ESSLL may allow a player to play “up” or “down” based on skill, safety, and readiness.
• League age ensures consistency nationwide across all Little League programs.

How to Read the League Age Chart

The official age chart lists birth years on the left and birth months across the top. To determine your player’s league age:

1. Locate your child's birth year in the left column.
2. Move across that row to their birth month.
3. The number you land on is your child's League Age for the season.

Example: A child born in May 2014 will show a League Age of 12 for the 2026 season.

Official 2026 Softball Age Chart

Use the chart below to look up your player’s League Age for the 2026 softball season.

2026 Little League® Softball Age Chart. Match birth year on the left with birth month across the top to determine League Age.

Instant League Age Calculator

Prefer a quicker method? Use the official Little League® League Age Calculator. Enter your child's birth date and the tool will calculate their League Age automatically.

If the calculator does not load or you are on a mobile device, open it directly using this link:

Little League League Age Calculator

Questions?

If you need help determining your child’s league age or division placement, please email:

Email: [email protected]

League Contact & Mailing Address

East Stroudsburg Softball Little League
PO Box 130
Marshalls Creek, PA 18335

General questions: [email protected]