This report presents period life tables for the United States based on age-specific death rates in 2002. Data used to prepare these life tables are 2002 final mortality statistics; July 1, 2002, population estimates based on the 2000 decennial census and data from the Medicare program. Presented are complete life tables by age, race, and sex. In 2002 the overall expectation of life at birth was 77.3 years, representing an increase of 0.1 years from life expectancy in 2001. Between 2001 and 2002, life expectancy increased for both males and females. Life expectancy increased by 0.2 years for black males (from 68.6 to 68.8). It increased by 0.1 year for white males (from 75.0 to 75.1), for white females (from 80.2 to 80.3), and for black females (from 75.5 to 75.6).