Chinese Zodiac Calculator
The Chinese zodiac is a twelve-year cycle in which each year is represented by an animal and its associated traits. The twelve animals — Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig — cycle in a fixed order, repeating every twelve years. Unlike the Western zodiac, which is based on months, the Chinese zodiac is based on the year of birth. Each animal sign is further defined by one of five elements — Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth — creating a sixty-year grand cycle. Your element is determined by the last digit of your birth year and remains constant for two consecutive years of the same element.
Every animal sign also carries a yin or yang polarity: odd-numbered years are Yin, even-numbered years are Yang. Together, the animal, element and polarity paint a detailed picture of your energetic nature according to Chinese metaphysical tradition. This calculator uses the standard solar-year Chinese zodiac; if you were born in January or early February, your Chinese year may actually begin in late January or February of the previous Western calendar year — a note is displayed if this applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Chinese Zodiac
How is the Chinese zodiac different from the Western zodiac?
The Western zodiac assigns a sign based on the month of birth (roughly 30-day segments of the solar year), while the Chinese zodiac assigns a sign based on the year of birth. The Chinese zodiac repeats in a 12-year animal cycle, whereas the Western zodiac repeats annually with 12 monthly signs.
What are the 12 Chinese zodiac animals in order?
The 12 animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. The cycle then repeats from Rat.
What are the five Chinese elements and how are they determined?
The five elements are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. They are determined by the last digit of the birth year: 0 or 1 → Metal, 2 or 3 → Water, 4 or 5 → Wood, 6 or 7 → Fire, 8 or 9 → Earth. Each element repeats for two consecutive years before cycling to the next.
What is the difference between Yin and Yang years?
In the Chinese zodiac, even-numbered years are Yang (active, outward, bright) and odd-numbered years are Yin (passive, inward, receptive). The polarity adds another layer to the energetic quality of the year and its associated animal sign.
Why does the Chinese New Year start at a different date each year?
The Chinese New Year is based on the lunisolar calendar and falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which places it between January 21 and February 20. This means people born in January or early February may belong to the previous Chinese zodiac year.
Which Chinese zodiac signs are most compatible?
Traditional compatibility groupings include: Rat, Dragon and Monkey (the "Achievers" trine); Ox, Snake and Rooster (the "Thinkers" trine); Tiger, Horse and Dog (the "Protectors" trine); Rabbit, Goat and Pig (the "Peacekeepers" trine). Signs within the same trine are considered highly compatible.
What does the Dragon year signify?
The Dragon is the only mythical animal in the Chinese zodiac and is considered the most auspicious sign. Dragon years are associated with strength, luck and prosperity. Children born in Dragon years are traditionally considered especially fortunate, which historically leads to higher birth rates in those years.
How is the Chinese zodiac used in compatibility and matchmaking?
In Chinese culture, zodiac compatibility is widely consulted for relationships, business partnerships and even naming children. Traditionally, certain animal combinations are considered harmonious (same trine) while others are seen as challenging (the six pairs of "clash" animals: Rat–Horse, Ox–Goat, Tiger–Monkey, Rabbit–Rooster, Dragon–Dog, Snake–Pig).
What is a "Ben Ming Nian" (zodiac year of birth)?
Ben Ming Nian refers to the year in which your own animal sign recurs — every 12 years. Contrary to what you might expect, this year is traditionally considered unlucky in Chinese culture because you are said to offend the God of Age (Tai Sui). Wearing red clothing or red accessories (especially gifted by elders) is the traditional remedy.
Is the Chinese zodiac used in other Asian cultures?
Yes. Variations of the 12-year animal cycle are used across East and Southeast Asia, including in Japanese (Eto), Korean (Tti), Vietnamese (Can Giap) and Thai astrological traditions. The animals sometimes differ slightly between cultures — for example, Vietnam uses Cat instead of Rabbit.