The percentage of marriages ending in divorce varies depending on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent marriage, but generally, the figures for 2025 are as follows:

• About 40% to 50% of first marriages end in divorce, with some sources citing closer to 41% and others around 45% to 50%

• Second marriages have a higher likelihood of ending in divorce, ranging from 60% to 67%

• Third marriages have the highest risk, with approximately 73% ending in divorce

Overall, approximately half of all marriages in the U.S. end in divorce or separation, though the divorce rate has been declining slightly in recent years due to factors like delayed marriage and increased premarital counseling

. Additional context includes:

• Divorce rates per 1,000 population have decreased from earlier decades, with a current rate around 2.3 to 3.2 per 1,000 people

• Women initiate about two-thirds to nearly 70% of divorces

• "Gray divorce," involving couples aged 50 and older, has been increasing, now making up a significant portion of divorces

• Common reasons for divorce include lack of commitment, infidelity, domestic abuse, incompatibility, and substance abuse

In summary, while the oft-cited "50% of marriages end in divorce" remains a rough benchmark, the actual rates vary by marriage order and have been trending downward in recent years, with first marriages ending in divorce at about 40-50% and second or third marriages facing higher risks.