How Old is Edward Elric? Edward's Age in Fullmetal Alchemist

Many shōnen fans, old and new, are relatively familiar with Fullmetal Alchemist. (If you’re not, then I highly recommend it!) It has been one of the long-time iconic series of the genre since its release in 2001. 

Set in a fictional country named Amestris, Fullmetal Alchemist follows the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric—two brothers who have lost parts of their bodies after using alchemy in an attempt to revive their dead mother. Thus they leave their hometown of Resembool to find the philosopher’s stone, which is supposed to help them get their bodies back. 

Edward Elric is the older brother of the two. Their failed transmutation caused him to lose an arm and a leg, which has been replaced by steel prosthetics called automail. He was employed as a State Alchemist by the Amestrian State Military at the mere age of 12, making him the youngest person in history to do so. 

Every State Alchemist has their own name or title and Edward is known as the Fullmetal Alchemist. So how old is Edward in the series?

First, let’s backtrack a little bit. Edward was around 11 when he performed the Human Transmutation with Alphonse. Lieutenant Colonel Roy Mustang, also known as the Flame Alchemist, came to Resembool later on intending to search for potential State Alchemists. He meets Edward and convinces him to join the State Alchemist program, which in turn will help the Elric brothers get their bodies back. 

Related: Is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a Sequel or a Reboot of Fullmetal Alchemist Explained

Edward became a State Alchemist at the age of 12. The beginning of the series is set three years later when Edward is 15 years old. 

He is 15-16 years old throughout the whole story. At the end of the manga, he is 18 years old. Edward is truly a remarkable alchemist, especially for his young age. He’s just one of the numerous young and gifted protagonists in the shōnen genre. Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa is definitely something any shōnen fan should check out!