Science · Philosophy · 1858–1947
Born: 23 April 1858 · Died: 4 October 1947 · Age at death: 89
Max Planck died aged 89. He was born on 23 April 1858 and died on 4 October 1947.
German physicist who discovered that energy comes in quanta, founding quantum theory and winning the Nobel Prize in Physics
Did you know?He was a gifted musician who composed songs and operas, once considering a career in music before choosing to study physics.
Max Planck started the quantum revolution almost reluctantly. In 1900, trying to explain the light given off by hot objects, he proposed that energy is released in tiny, fixed packets, which he called quanta. He saw this at first as a mathematical trick, yet it became the foundation of quantum physics. The number at the heart of his idea, Planck's constant, is now used to define the kilogram itself. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918, and Germany's leading network of research institutes is named after him.
Max Karl Ernst Ludwig Planck (German:; 23 April 1858 – 4 October 1947) was a German theoretical physicist.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Profile
German physicist, born 1858
Max Planck was born in Kiel on 23 April 1858.
He introduced the quantum in 1900.
He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.
The Planck constant is named after him.
Career highlights
Did you know?Germany's leading research society is named after him.
Questions people ask
1564–1616
1791–1868
1902–1988
b. 1977
1928–2014
1775–1851Missing someone? Suggest them
1889–19451564–1616
1818–1883
1926–2022A newspaper from their birth date
The front page from the day they were born, a classic keepsake.
Shop on AmazonTaurus zodiac gifts
Jewellery, prints and candles for the Taurus in your life.
Shop on EtsyStar map of April 23
A custom print of the night sky on their birthday.
Shop on EtsyMilestone birthday gifts
Ideas for 18th, 30th, 40th, 50th and beyond.
Shop on AmazonWe may earn a small commission from purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Reviewed by the Who Shares My Birthday editorial team.
Last reviewed: October 2026