Zodiac Signs

Chinese Zodiac

Chinese Zodiac Calculator

Find your Chinese zodiac animal and element from your date of birth. Because the Chinese year begins at Lunar New Year, January and early February birthdays are worked out correctly here.

What Is the Chinese Zodiac?

The Chinese zodiac is a twelve year cycle, with each year represented by an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Your animal is said to shape your personality, your fortunes and how you get along with others. It is a separate system from the Western star signs, so you have one of each.

Each animal also pairs with one of five elements, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, on a longer cycle, which gives sixty unique combinations such as the Wood Dragon or the Fire Horse. One important detail: the Chinese year does not begin on 1 January but at Lunar New Year, which falls between 21 January and 20 February. So if you were born in January or early February, your animal may belong to the previous year. The calculator above handles that for you using verified Lunar New Year dates.

The cycle

The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals

  • 鼠
    Rat

    Quick-witted, resourceful and charming. Rats are clever opportunists who thrive on their wits and adapt to anything.

  • 牛
    Ox

    Diligent, dependable and strong. The Ox works steadily, keeps its word and earns lasting respect through patience.

  • 虎
    Tiger

    Brave, confident and competitive. Tigers are natural leaders, bold and charismatic, and they never back down from a challenge.

  • 兔
    Rabbit

    Gentle, elegant and kind. Quietly clever and diplomatic, Rabbits value peace, comfort and good company.

  • 龍
    Dragon

    Confident, ambitious and magnetic. Dragons are born leaders, full of energy and passion, and often seem touched by luck.

  • 蛇
    Snake

    Wise, intuitive and graceful. Deep thinkers, Snakes are elegant and private with remarkably sharp instincts.

  • 馬
    Horse

    Energetic, free-spirited and warm. Horses love freedom, travel and adventure, and they light up every room they enter.

  • 羊
    Goat

    Gentle, artistic and compassionate. Creative and calm, Goats have a soft heart and a strong sense of beauty.

  • 猴
    Monkey

    Clever, playful and curious. Witty and inventive, Monkeys are quick problem-solvers who love fun and a good challenge.

  • 雞
    Rooster

    Observant, hardworking and honest. Sharp and organised, Roosters are proud, capable and always well prepared.

  • 狗
    Dog

    Loyal, honest and protective. Faithful friends with a strong sense of justice, Dogs are dependable right to the core.

  • 豬
    Pig

    Generous, sincere and easygoing. Good-natured and diligent, Pigs enjoy life's comforts and are wonderfully loyal.

Common questions

Chinese Zodiac FAQ

How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign?
Enter your date of birth above. Your animal is set by the Chinese lunar year you were born in, which starts at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January.
Why does my sign depend on Lunar New Year?
The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, so the year begins at Lunar New Year, between 21 January and 20 February. Anyone born before that date belongs to the previous animal year.
What are the five elements?
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each pairs with the animals on a longer cycle, giving combinations like the Water Tiger or Metal Rat that add extra flavour to your sign.
Is the Chinese zodiac the same as my star sign?
No. Your star sign comes from the Western zodiac and the month you were born. The Chinese zodiac is a separate system based on your birth year, so you have both.

Now Find Your Western Star Sign

You have a Chinese animal and a Western star sign. Discover the other half of your chart.

Star Sign Calculator
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