Joseph Smith is generally described as being about 14 years old when he had the First Vision, though one early account places him in his “sixteenth year,” which can mean age 15. The most common later retellings say he was 14.

Why the age varies

The historical record is a little uneven. A Church FAQ says Joseph’s earliest handwritten account was later supplemented by a scribe’s note saying he was in his “sixteenth year,” while Joseph’s later accounts say he was 14.

Simple reading

So the short answer is:

  • Most commonly stated age: 14.
  • Earliest account wording: “sixteenth year,” meaning 15.
  • Best summary: he was about 14 or 15 , depending on which account you read.

If you want a one-sentence version for your post: Joseph Smith is usually said to have been about 14 when he had the First Vision, though one early account suggests he was in his sixteenth year.