Chinese Zodiac Calculator

Your sign is determined by your birth year in the Chinese lunar calendar. The 12-year animal cycle is Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. If your birthday is before Chinese New Year (which falls between Jan 21 and Feb 20), you belong to the previous year's animal.

The five elements (五行 wǔxíng) — Metal (金), Wood (木), Water (水), Fire (火), Earth (土) — rotate through each animal on a 60-year cycle. For example, 2024 was the Wood Dragon, while 2036 will be the Fire Dragon. The element adds nuance to your personality traits.

Chinese astrology groups animals into four trines. Signs in the same trine (120° apart) are naturally harmonious. For example, Rat-Dragon-Monkey form one trine. Signs directly opposite (6 years apart) are traditionally considered challenging. But remember — compatibility is about effort, not destiny!

The Dragon (龙 lóng) is the only mythical creature among the 12 zodiac animals, making it the most auspicious and coveted sign. Dragon years (2012, 2024) see significant birth rate increases in Chinese-speaking countries because parents want "dragon babies," believed to be lucky and powerful.

2026 is the Year of the Horse (马), specifically the Fire Horse. Chinese New Year 2026 falls on February 17. If you're born on or after that date in 2026, your sign is Horse; before it, you're a Snake (2025's sign).