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Frontier Sciences
Longevity Science
1825
Intermediate

Gompertz Mortality Law

μ(x)=AeBx\mu(x) = A e^{Bx}

Mortality rate increases exponentially with age after maturity.

By Benjamin Gompertz

Frontier Sciences
Gompertz Mortality Law
1825 · Benjamin Gompertz
Why it matters: Foundation of life insurance, aging research, and longevity science.

Discoverers: Benjamin Gompertz (1825)

What does it mean?

Mortality rate increases exponentially with age after maturity.

Why should I care?

Foundation of life insurance, aging research, and longevity science.

Variables & Units

SymbolNameUnitMeaning
μ(x)μ(x)Mortality rate—Death rate at age x
AABaseline—Initial mortality level
BBAging rate—Exponential increase rate
xxAge—Years

Worked Example

Mortality doubles roughly every 8 years after age 30.

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Sources & further reading

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Equation Universe

Gompertz Mortality Law

μ(x)=AeBx\mu(x) = A e^{Bx}

Real-world impact

Life insurance

Foundation of life insurance, aging research, and longevity science.

Photo: Unsplash — technology

Mortality rate increases exponentially with age after maturity.

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