Chinese Zodiac Calculator: Your Animal and Element
Pick your date of birth and see your Chinese zodiac animal, your element and a short description of the sign. The calculator uses the Lunar New Year date, which falls in January or February, so early-year birthdays get the right animal.
Why January and February birthdays are tricky
The Chinese year starts on the Lunar New Year, not on 1 January. A person born on 10 January 1990 belongs to the Snake year, not the Horse year, because the Horse year began on 27 January. This calculator checks that date for you.
The 12 animals and 5 elements
The twelve animals repeat every 12 years: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Each year also has an element (wood, fire, earth, metal or water) and is yin or yang, which gives a 60-year cycle.
How to read your result
The animal describes your general temperament, and the element adds a flavour to it. Use it as a mirror for fun and reflection, in the same way as other signs on this site.
FAQ
How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign?
Use your date of birth, not just the year. If you were born in January or in February, the exact Lunar New Year date decides which animal you are.
What year is the Year of the Horse?
The recent Horse years are 1990, 2002, 2014 and 2026. Each starts at the Lunar New Year of that year.
Does the element change the animal?
No. The animal repeats every 12 years. The element adds a second layer, so a Metal Horse and a Fire Horse are described a little differently.
What if I was born before 1960?
The calculator covers 1960 to 2026 by exact date. For other years it uses the calendar year, so check the Lunar New Year date if you were born in January or February.
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