# startLifetime

> The starting lifetime of the particle.

## Definition

* **Type:** Property
* **Namespace:** [UnityEngine](/engine/6000.7/script-reference/unityengine.md)
* **Assembly:** UnityEngine.ParticleSystemModule

```csharp
public float startLifetime { get; set; }
```

### Remarks

This is the total lifetime of this particle in seconds. The Particle System sets this value when it first spawns the particle.

### Examples

```csharp
using UnityEngine;

public class Example : MonoBehaviour
{
    void Start()
    {
        ParticleSystem.Particle particle = new ParticleSystem.Particle();

        // Calculate how long the particle has been alive.
        float timeAlive = particle.startLifetime - particle.lifetime;
    }
}
```