Pregnancy & Fertility

BBT Fertility Calculator

Progesterone heats you up, about 0.3–0.6 °C after ovulation. Enter your morning temperatures and detect the shift.

Clinically reviewed 100% private — runs in your browser Updated 2026-08-05
Quick Answer

Basal body temperature (BBT) rises about 0.3–0.6 °C after ovulation due to progesterone. Tracking daily morning temperatures for a cycle shows a biphasic pattern — the shift confirms ovulation occurred and can guide timing. Dates are estimates — confirm timing with your provider and ultrasound where relevant.

Shift: +0.3–0.6 °C after ovulation.

Take temp before getting out of bed.

3+ raised days confirm ovulation.

Calculate Your BBT Fertility

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01

What Is BBT Fertility?

Basal body temperature (BBT) is your temperature at full rest, taken immediately on waking, before moving. Progesterone released after ovulation raises BBT by 0.3–0.6 °C.

Charting BBT across a cycle reveals the biphasic pattern, a flat low phase, then a sustained rise, confirming that ovulation occurred. It confirms after the fact; ovulation tests predict beforehand.

02

How It Is Calculated

Ovulation confirmed when temp stays ≥ 0.3 °C above coverline for 3+ days

Example: Example: first-6 average 36.50°, last-3 average 36.97° → +0.47° shift detected

03

Reading the chart

Reading the chart
PatternMeaning
Sustained rise ≥ 0.3 °C, 3+ daysOvulation occurred
Flat line all cyclePossible anovulation
Erratic swingsInconsistent measurement
Rise then early dropShort luteal phase (discuss with clinician)
04

Limitations

  • BBT confirms ovulation retrospectively, use OPKs to time intercourse prospectively.
  • Measure at the same time daily, before getting up, after 3+ hours of sleep.
  • Illness, alcohol, and poor sleep distort readings.
05

Sources & Review

References used for this calculator’s formulas and thresholds:

06

BBT Fertility FAQ

How much does BBT rise after ovulation?

About 0.3–0.6 °C (0.5–1.0 °F), sustained for the rest of the cycle until the next period.

When should I take my temperature?

Immediately on waking, before sitting up or drinking, same time daily, after at least 3 hours of sleep.

Can BBT predict ovulation?

No, it confirms ovulation after it happens. Pair it with LH test strips to time intercourse in advance.

What if I never see a shift?

Anovulatory cycles happen occasionally. If several cycles show no rise, discuss with a clinician.

Your Next Step

A note before you begin: this tool offers educational estimates only. It cannot replace advice from your doctor or another qualified professional.