Chinese Zodiac Calculator
Find your Chinese zodiac animal sign and element from your birth year.
What is Chinese Zodiac Calculator?
The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle represented by animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Your sign is determined by the year you were born.
In addition to your animal sign, you have an elemental sign (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water) determined by the year's last digit. These combine to create a unique 60-year cycle that repeats.
The Chinese New Year marks the transition between zodiac signs. If you were born before February 4-5, you belong to the previous year's animal sign. This calculator accounts for that lunar calendar transition.
How to use
Frequently asked questions
The Chinese New Year falls on different dates each Gregorian year (typically Feb 4-5). If you were born before the lunar new year, you belong to the previous year's animal sign.
Your animal sign (Rat, Tiger, etc.) is based on your birth year alone. Your element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) is determined by the year's last digit. Together they form a 60-year cycle.
Chinese astrology provides cultural and traditional guidance. Like Western astrology, it's best enjoyed as a fun framework rather than absolute truth about personality.
The formula (year - 4) mod 12 is based on ancient Chinese calculations. Year 4 was the start of the rat's reign in the lunar calendar system.