Chinese Zodiac Years
What animal is your year? Every year from 1936 to 2043 with its Chinese zodiac animal and element. Find your birth year below.
⚠️ The Chinese year starts at Chinese New Year (late Jan–mid Feb), not January 1. Born in January or early February? Confirm your animal here.
Frequently asked questions
What animal is 2008 in the Chinese zodiac?
2008 is the Year of the Rat — specifically the Earth Rat. Note the Chinese year began at Chinese New Year on February 7, 2008, so anyone born in January or early February 2008 is a Pig (2007's animal).
How do I find my Chinese zodiac animal by year?
Find your birth year in the chart above to see its animal and element. Because the Chinese year starts at Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February), if you were born in January or early February, use our calculator to confirm whether you're the listed animal or the previous year's.
How does the 12-year cycle work?
The 12 animals — Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig — repeat every 12 years. They also pair with five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) over a longer 60-year cycle, so each animal-element combination like the Earth Rat comes around once every 60 years.
What is the current Chinese zodiac year?
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse (from February 17, 2026). It follows 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake.
Read about each animal: Rat · Ox · Tiger · Rabbit · Dragon · Snake · Horse · Goat · Monkey · Rooster · Dog · Pig.