how long is a century?

TLDR: A century is a period of 100 years, commonly used to categorize historical events and cultural developments. It is calculated by dividing a year by 100 and rounding up. The Gregorian calendar, which is widely used today, plays a significant role in this measurement.

A century is defined as a 100-year period, derived from the Latin word "centum." This unit of time is essential for organizing historical events and cultural epochs, with the 21st century starting on January 1, 2001, and ending on December 31, 2100. To determine the century of a specific year, simply divide the year by 100 and round up; for example, the year 2001 marks the beginning of the 21st century.

The Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582, is the most widely used calendar system today. It consists of a 365-day year with leap years occurring every four years, which can affect the total number of days in a century. Centuries also hold cultural significance, marking anniversaries and allowing for the analysis of long-term trends in various fields, including science and history. Understanding centuries helps us reflect on the past and anticipate future developments.