What is the Chinese zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac (or shengxiao) is a 12-year cycle, each year ruled by an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Your birth-year animal is believed to shape your personality, your strengths and your fortune — a bit like your sun sign in Western astrology, but based on the year rather than the month.
How to find your zodiac animal
Your sign is set by your year of birth. The calculator above finds it instantly — and adds your element. One important nuance: the Chinese year starts at Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February), so if you were born in those weeks, your true sign may belong to the previous year.
The five elements
Each animal is paired with one of five elements that cycle every two years — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Your element flavours your animal: a Fire Horse burns brighter and bolder, a Water Rabbit is gentler and more intuitive. Together, animal + element make your full Chinese zodiac identity.
The 12 zodiac animals
Chinese zodiac vs Western astrology
They're two different systems and they complement each other beautifully. Your Chinese sign comes from your birth year; your Western star sign from your birth month. For the Western side, explore your star chart, and for numbers, your life path number.
Your questions, answered
What if I was born in January or February?
The Chinese New Year falls in late January or February, so you may belong to the previous year's animal. Check the exact Chinese New Year date for your birth year to be certain.
What's the difference between the animal and the element?
The animal comes from your birth year in the 12-year cycle; the element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) cycles every two years and adds nuance to your sign.
Is the Chinese zodiac the same as my star sign?
No — your star (sun) sign comes from your birth month in Western astrology. The Chinese zodiac comes from your birth year. Many people read both.
Is the Chinese zodiac calculator free?
Yes — find your animal and element and read what they mean for free, no account needed.