Sneeze Calculator
Discover how many times you have sneezed in your lifetime, how much time it has cost you, and more absurd sneeze facts.
The Science of Sneezing
A sneeze (sternutation) is an involuntary expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth. Sneeze droplets can travel at up to 100 mph and spray tiny particles up to 26 feet. Each sneeze releases about 40,000 droplets. Your eyes close during every sneeze as an involuntary reflex.
How We Calculate Your Sneeze Stats
The average person without allergies sneezes about 2 times per day. Those with mild allergies sneeze about 4 times daily, and severe allergy sufferers can sneeze 15 or more times per day. Each sneeze lasts about 0.5 seconds and burns roughly 0.03 calories. We multiply your daily rate by 365.25 days per year times your age.
Why can't you sneeze with your eyes open?
It is a reflex. The same nerve signal that triggers the sneeze also causes your eyelids to close. While it is physically possible to sneeze with eyes open (it will not pop your eyes out), the reflex is so strong that most people cannot override it.
Is it true that your heart stops when you sneeze?
No. The change in chest pressure during a sneeze can briefly alter your heart rhythm, which may feel like a skipped beat. But your heart does not actually stop. The "bless you" tradition may have originated from this misconception.
Why do some people sneeze when they look at the sun?
This is called the photic sneeze reflex (or ACHOO syndrome). It affects about 18 to 35% of the population. The optic nerve is close to the trigeminal nerve (which triggers sneezes), and bright light can cause cross-stimulation. It is genetic and harmless.