Chinese Zodiac Calculator
Find your Chinese zodiac animal and element — calculated accurately around Chinese New Year. Enter your birth date below.
What is the Chinese zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac (shēngxiào) is a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal — Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Your birth-year animal is said to shape your personality, fortune and compatibility. A second cycle of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) combines with the animals over a grand 60-year cycle.
Unlike the Western zodiac signs, the Chinese year starts at Chinese New Year, not January 1 — so we use the real New Year dates for an accurate result.
The 12 Chinese zodiac animals
Those born in the Year of the Rat are clever, adaptable and quick on their feet. Charming and resourceful, Rats are natural problem-solvers who turn opportunity into success.
Oxen are hardworking, patient and utterly dependable. They achieve through steady persistence rather than flash, and their honesty and strength make them pillars others lean on.
Tigers are bold, charismatic and natural leaders. Courageous and passionate, they charge at life with confidence and inspire others — though their intensity needs an outlet.
Rabbits are gentle, refined and diplomatic. Kind-hearted and artistic, they avoid conflict and create harmony, with a quiet strength beneath their graceful calm.
Dragons are the most auspicious sign — confident, ambitious and naturally magnetic. Energetic and lucky, they dream big and have the charisma and drive to make it happen.
Snakes are wise, intuitive and quietly intense. Deep thinkers with a mysterious charm, they're strategic and perceptive, reaching their goals with calm, calculated grace.
Horses are energetic, independent and full of life. Free-spirited and warm, they love adventure and freedom, winning people over with their enthusiasm and honesty.
Goats are gentle, artistic and deeply compassionate. Peace-loving and creative, they have refined taste and a kind heart, thriving in calm, supportive surroundings.
Monkeys are brilliant, witty and endlessly inventive. Curious and playful, they solve problems with flair and charm their way through life with quick intelligence.
Roosters are sharp, confident and meticulous. Hardworking and observant, they take pride in doing things well and aren't afraid to speak their honest mind.
Dogs are loyal, honest and deeply principled. Faithful friends and fierce protectors, they value justice and sincerity, and you'll find no more devoted companion.
Pigs are generous, sincere and warm-hearted. Easy-going and genuine, they enjoy life's pleasures and give freely, earning deep affection through their honesty and kindness.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign?
Enter your birth date above. Because the Chinese zodiac year begins at Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February), our calculator uses the real New Year dates so people born in January or early February get the correct animal.
What are the 12 Chinese zodiac animals?
In order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each year is ruled by one animal in a repeating 12-year cycle.
What are the Chinese zodiac elements?
Each animal also pairs with one of five elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water — cycling every two years, so a full cycle is 60 years (e.g. Fire Horse, Water Tiger).
Why does my Chinese sign depend on Chinese New Year?
The Chinese year doesn't start on January 1 but at Chinese New Year, which falls between Jan 21 and Feb 20. If you were born before the New Year, your animal is the previous year's — which is why an accurate calculator matters.