Chinese Zodiac Calculator — Find Your Animal Sign
Find your Chinese zodiac animal sign from your birth year. Shows your element, yin/yang, personality traits, and compatible signs. See also our Western Zodiac Calculator and Birthday Calculator.
How to Find Your Chinese Zodiac Sign
- Enter your birth year.
- Click Calculate to find your zodiac animal.
- The 12-year cycle assigns an animal to each year.
- Your element is determined by the last digit of your birth year.
- Yin/Yang alternates between odd and even years.
Formula
Animal = (Year - 4) mod 12 (maps to 12 animals)
Element = floor(((Year - 4) mod 10) / 2)
Yin/Yang = Even year = Yang, Odd year = Yin
Example
Birth Year: 1990
(1990 - 4) mod 12 = 1986 mod 12 = 6 = Horse
Element: Metal (last digit 0-1)
Result: Metal Horse (Yang)
Chinese Zodiac 12-Year Cycle
| Animal | Recent Years | Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | 2020 | Clever, resourceful, versatile |
| Ox | 2021 | Diligent, dependable, strong |
| Tiger | 2022 | Brave, confident, competitive |
| Rabbit | 2023 | Gentle, quiet, elegant |
| Dragon | 2024 | Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic |
| Snake | 2013, 2025 | Enigmatic, intelligent, wise |
| Horse | 2014 | Animated, active, energetic |
| Goat | 2015 | Calm, gentle, sympathetic |
| Monkey | 2016 | Sharp, smart, curious |
| Rooster | 2017 | Observant, hardworking, courageous |
| Dog | 2018 | Loyal, honest, amiable |
| Pig | 2019 | Compassionate, generous, diligent |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Chinese New Year affect my sign?
Yes. The Chinese zodiac year starts on Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February). If born in January/February, check if your birthday falls before or after Chinese New Year that year.
What are the five elements?
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element cycles every 10 years (2 years per element), creating 60 unique animal-element combinations.
Which signs are most compatible?
Compatible groups are: Rat-Dragon-Monkey, Ox-Snake-Rooster, Tiger-Horse-Dog, and Rabbit-Goat-Pig. Signs 6 apart are considered least compatible.
What is a Ben Ming Nian?
Ben Ming Nian is your zodiac year (every 12 years). In Chinese culture, it is considered an unlucky year, and people wear red for protection.
Is 2024 the Year of the Dragon?
Yes, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, starting February 10, 2024. The Dragon is considered the most auspicious sign in Chinese culture.