Chinese Zodiac Calculator

Find your Chinese zodiac animal sign based on your birth year. Learn about your element, compatibility, and personality traits.

Enter full birth date (for Lunar New Year accuracy)

Birth Year

Enter a year between 1924 and 2044

About Chinese Zodiac Calculator

History of the Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac, known as Shēngxiào (生肖) in Mandarin, is a classification scheme based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. The system has been used in China for thousands of years, with its origins dating back to at least the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), though some scholars believe it may be even older. The zodiac became an integral part of Chinese culture, influencing decisions about marriage, career, fortune-telling, and even childbirth timing.

The most beloved legend explaining the zodiac's origin is the story of the Great Race. According to this tale, the Jade Emperor, ruler of heaven in Chinese mythology, wanted to devise a way to measure time. He declared that the first twelve animals to cross a designated river would earn a place in the zodiac calendar, in the order they arrived.

The cunning Rat woke up early and convinced the hardworking Ox to carry him across the river. Just before reaching the other side, the Rat jumped off the Ox's head and landed on the shore first, earning the top spot. The diligent Ox came in second. The powerful Tiger swam against the currents to claim third place, while the clever Rabbit hopped across stepping stones and a floating log to arrive fourth.

The magnificent Dragon, despite being able to fly, stopped to make rain for villagers and help the Rabbit by blowing the log to shore, arriving fifth. The Snake hid on the Horse's hoof and startled it at the finish line, taking sixth place while the Horse claimed seventh. The Goat, Monkey, and Rooster worked together on a raft, earning eighth, ninth, and tenth places respectively.

The Dog, despite being one of the best swimmers, played in the water too long and came in eleventh. Finally, the Pig stopped to eat and fell asleep, waking up just in time to claim the twelfth and final spot. The Cat, who was supposed to join the race, was not included because the Rat never woke him up as promised — which is said to be why cats chase rats to this day.

Beyond mythology, historians believe the 12-animal zodiac system may have originated from ancient Chinese astronomical observations. The planet Jupiter takes approximately 12 years to orbit the Sun, and early Chinese astronomers divided the celestial circle into 12 sections, each associated with an animal totem from Chinese folk religion. The system was also influenced by the Earthly Branches, a traditional Chinese ordering system used in astronomy and timekeeping.

The 12 Animal Signs

Each of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac carries unique personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses that are believed to influence the character of people born in that year. The animals repeat in a fixed sequence every twelve years, so people born twelve years apart share the same animal sign.

Animal	Recent Years	Key Traits
🐀 Rat	1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020	Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind
🐂 Ox	1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021	Diligent, dependable, strong, determined
🐅 Tiger	1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022	Brave, competitive, confident, unpredictable
🐇 Rabbit	1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023	Gentle, quiet, elegant, alert, responsible
🐉 Dragon	1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024	Confident, ambitious, energetic, intelligent
🐍 Snake	1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025	Enigmatic, wise, intuitive, elegant
🐴 Horse	1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026	Energetic, free-spirited, warm-hearted, active
🐐 Goat	1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027	Calm, gentle, creative, sympathetic
🐒 Monkey	1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028	Sharp, smart, curious, mischievous
🐓 Rooster	1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029	Observant, hardworking, courageous, confident
🐕 Dog	1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030	Loyal, honest, amiable, kind, prudent
🐖 Pig	1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031	Compassionate, generous, diligent, warm

The order of the animals is traditionally explained by the Great Race legend, but it also reflects the ancient Chinese system of pairing animals with the twelve Earthly Branches. Each animal was assigned based on its perceived activity patterns — for example, the Rat was assigned to the first branch (Zi, 子) because rats are most active between 11 PM and 1 AM, the hour of the Zi.

People often identify strongly with their zodiac animal and may seek to understand how their sign influences their relationships, career choices, and life path. In Chinese culture, knowing someone's zodiac animal provides social context similar to asking about someone's age, since the 12-year cycle makes it easy to estimate birth years from the animal sign.

The Five Elements

The Chinese zodiac is not merely a 12-year cycle — it incorporates the Five Elements (Wǔ Xíng, 五行) to create a more nuanced 60-year grand cycle. The five elements are Wood (木), Fire (火), Earth (土), Metal (金), and Water (水). Each element governs two consecutive years, one Yang and one Yin, cycling through all twelve animals before repeating.

🌳 Wood (木)

Associated with spring, growth, and creativity. Wood element people are generous, warm, and cooperative. They are natural leaders who inspire others with their idealism and vision. Wood adds flexibility and compassion to any animal sign, making them more empathetic and socially conscious.

🔥 Fire (火)

Linked to summer, passion, and energy. Fire element people are decisive, adventurous, and confident. They have strong leadership abilities and magnetic personalities. Fire intensifies the dominant traits of any animal sign, adding boldness and enthusiasm to the personality.

🏔️ Earth (土)

Connected to transitions between seasons, stability, and nurturing. Earth element people are grounded, reliable, and practical. They excel at mediating conflicts and building strong foundations. Earth brings patience and methodical thinking to any animal sign.

⚙️ Metal (金)

Associated with autumn, determination, and strength. Metal element people are ambitious, disciplined, and focused. They set high standards and pursue their goals with unwavering resolve. Metal adds rigidity and perseverance to any animal sign, making them more determined and self-reliant.

💧 Water (水)

Linked to winter, wisdom, and adaptability. Water element people are intuitive, diplomatic, and perceptive. They have excellent communication skills and the ability to influence others subtly. Water brings emotional depth and flexibility to any animal sign.

The interaction between elements follows a creative cycle (Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth bears Metal, Metal carries Water, Water nourishes Wood) and a destructive cycle (Wood parts Earth, Earth absorbs Water, Water quenches Fire, Fire melts Metal, Metal chops Wood). These relationships are used in traditional Chinese astrology to assess compatibility and predict fortune.

Yin and Yang in the Chinese Zodiac

The concept of Yin and Yang (阴阳) is fundamental to Chinese philosophy and permeates every aspect of the zodiac system. In the Chinese zodiac, Yin and Yang alternate with each successive year. Even-numbered years are Yang, and odd-numbered years are Yin. This means each animal sign is permanently associated with either Yin or Yang energy.

☀️ Yang Animals

Rat, Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, and Dog are Yang animals. Yang energy is characterized by activity, assertiveness, and outward expression. People born under Yang signs tend to be more extroverted, action-oriented, and direct in their approach to life. Yang represents light, warmth, and the creative force.

🌙 Yin Animals

Ox, Rabbit, Snake, Goat, Rooster, and Pig are Yin animals. Yin energy is characterized by receptivity, introspection, and inward focus. People born under Yin signs tend to be more introverted, thoughtful, and nurturing. Yin represents darkness, coolness, and the receptive force.

The pairing of Yin and Yang with the animal signs is determined by the number of toes or claws the animal traditionally has. The Rat, for example, is Yang because its front paws have four toes (even number) and its hind paws have five toes (odd number), embodying both Yin and Yang — which is why it leads the cycle. The Ox, with its even number of hooves, would seem Yang, but it is classified as Yin because ancient Chinese philosophy considered the Ox's nature to be passive and receptive.

Understanding the Yin-Yang balance in your zodiac profile can provide insight into your natural tendencies and how to achieve greater harmony in your life. A person with a Yin animal sign and a Yang element, for instance, carries a natural internal balance between receptive and active energies.

Compatibility Between Signs

Chinese zodiac compatibility is a complex system used traditionally to evaluate romantic relationships, friendships, and business partnerships. The most widely used compatibility framework is based on the concept of trines and clashes.

The Four Trines (Best Compatibility)

First Trine: Rat, Dragon, Monkey

These signs are action-oriented, ambitious, and driven by achievement. They share a love for competition and are natural leaders. Together, they create dynamic partnerships built on mutual respect for each other's intelligence and initiative.

Second Trine: Ox, Snake, Rooster

These signs are dutiful, detail-oriented, and dedicated to their goals. They value precision and hard work. Their partnerships are grounded in shared values of loyalty, discipline, and a methodical approach to life.

Third Trine: Tiger, Horse, Dog

These signs are idealistic, independent, and humanitarian. They share a passion for justice and freedom. Their relationships thrive on mutual understanding of each other's need for autonomy and purpose.

Fourth Trine: Rabbit, Goat, Pig

These signs are peaceful, artistic, and compassionate. They value harmony, beauty, and emotional connection. Their bonds are characterized by gentleness, mutual support, and a shared appreciation for the finer things in life.

Clashing Signs (Least Compatible)

Signs that are six positions apart in the zodiac are considered clashing or opposing signs. These pairings often experience friction due to fundamentally different approaches to life:

Rat ↔ Horse

Ox ↔ Goat

Tiger ↔ Monkey

Rabbit ↔ Rooster

Dragon ↔ Dog

Snake ↔ Pig

While zodiac compatibility can offer interesting insights, it is important to remember that these are traditional guidelines rooted in cultural belief rather than scientific evidence. Many successful relationships exist between supposedly incompatible signs. The Chinese zodiac is best used as a tool for self-reflection and cultural appreciation rather than as a definitive guide to relationships.

The Lunar New Year Connection

Understanding the Chinese zodiac requires knowledge of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, which differs significantly from the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world. The Chinese calendar is based on the cycles of the Moon, with each month beginning on the day of the new moon. Because the lunar year is approximately 354 days (about 11 days shorter than the solar year), an intercalary (leap) month is added roughly every three years to keep the calendar aligned with the seasons.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (Chūnjié, 春节), marks the transition from one zodiac year to the next. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which means it occurs on a different Gregorian date each year, typically between January 21 and February 20. This is why people born in late January or early February need to check whether their birthday falls before or after the Lunar New Year to determine their correct zodiac sign.

For example, if someone was born on January 25, 1990, they might assume they are a Horse (1990 being a Horse year). However, the Chinese New Year in 1990 fell on January 27, meaning this person was actually born in the Year of the Snake (1989 in the Chinese zodiac). This calculator accounts for these Lunar New Year dates to ensure accurate results when you provide your full birth date.

The celebration of Lunar New Year is one of the most important cultural events across East and Southeast Asia. Festivities typically last 15 days and include family reunions, feasting, fireworks, lion and dragon dances, and the giving of red envelopes (hóngbāo) containing money for good luck. Each new zodiac year brings its own set of predictions and cultural expectations based on the incoming animal and element.

The zodiac system has also spread throughout East Asia, with variations found in Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and other cultures. While the core 12-animal cycle remains the same, some cultures substitute certain animals — for instance, the Vietnamese zodiac replaces the Rabbit with the Cat and the Ox with the Water Buffalo. These cultural adaptations demonstrate how the Chinese zodiac has evolved into a shared yet diverse cultural heritage across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my Chinese zodiac animal determined?

Your Chinese zodiac animal is determined by your birth year in the Chinese lunar calendar. There are 12 animals in a repeating cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each year in the cycle corresponds to one animal. However, because the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year (typically between January 21 and February 20), people born in January or early February may belong to the previous year's animal sign if their birthday falls before the Lunar New Year date for that year.

What are the five elements in the Chinese zodiac?

The five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — add another layer to the Chinese zodiac system. Each element rules for two consecutive years, creating a 10-year sub-cycle. Combined with the 12 animal signs, this produces a 60-year grand cycle before any combination repeats. Each element is believed to influence the personality of the animal sign: Wood brings creativity, Fire adds passion, Earth provides stability, Metal gives determination, and Water contributes wisdom and flexibility.

Which Chinese zodiac signs are most compatible?

Chinese zodiac compatibility is traditionally based on groupings of four signs called triads. The first trine (Rat, Dragon, Monkey) are considered action-oriented and ambitious. The second trine (Ox, Snake, Rooster) are dutiful and detail-oriented. The third trine (Tiger, Horse, Dog) are idealistic and independent. The fourth trine (Rabbit, Goat, Pig) are peaceful and artistic. Signs within the same trine are considered highly compatible. Additionally, signs that are six positions apart (such as Rat and Horse) are generally considered incompatible.

What does Yin and Yang mean in the Chinese zodiac?

In the Chinese zodiac, each year alternates between Yin and Yang. Even-numbered years are Yang (associated with active, outward energy), and odd-numbered years are Yin (associated with receptive, inward energy). Yang signs include Rat, Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Monkey, and Dog, while Yin signs include Ox, Rabbit, Snake, Goat, Rooster, and Pig. This reflects the broader Taoist concept that all things contain complementary forces of Yin and Yang in balance.

Why does the Chinese New Year date change every year?

The Chinese New Year follows the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, which is based on both the Moon's phases and the Sun's position. The new year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which typically falls between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar. Because the lunar month is approximately 29.5 days, and 12 lunar months are shorter than a solar year, the calendar periodically adds a leap month to stay aligned with the seasons, causing the date to shift from year to year.

What is the legend behind the Chinese zodiac animal order?

According to the most popular legend, the Jade Emperor organized a Great Race across a river to determine the order of the zodiac animals. The Rat, being clever, hitched a ride on the Ox's back and jumped off at the finish line to claim first place. The Ox came second, followed by the Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and finally the Pig, who stopped to eat and nap along the way. This story explains why the Rat leads the cycle and the Pig ends it, and it reflects the personality traits traditionally associated with each animal.

Is my Chinese zodiac the same as my Western zodiac sign?

No, the Chinese zodiac and Western zodiac are entirely different systems. The Western zodiac is based on the position of the Sun relative to twelve constellations at the time of your birth and changes approximately every month. The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year lunar cycle, so your animal sign is determined by your birth year rather than your birth month. While both systems describe personality traits and compatibility, they originate from different cultural traditions and use different astronomical references.

Additional Resources

Wikipedia: Chinese Zodiac China Highlights: Chinese Zodiac Guide Chinese New Year: Zodiac Animals

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