Chinese Zodiac Calculator
Enter your birth year to find your Chinese zodiac sign and element year. Based on the 12-animal Chinese calendar and five-element system.
The Chinese calendar is based on the lunar calendar; the new year falls between January and February each year. For those born in January–February, the definitive result depends on the Chinese New Year date for that year. This tool gives an approximate calculation based on the Gregorian calendar.
What Is the Chinese Zodiac System (Sheng Xiao)?
Sheng Xiao (生肖) is one of the most deeply rooted astrology systems in Chinese culture, with a history of approximately 2,000 years. It is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal symbol. The year you were born determines which animal year you fall under, and that animal is associated with specific personality traits, strengths and life tendencies.
The 12-animal cycle also combines with five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) to form a grand 60-year cycle. This means two people born in the same animal year can have different element combinations.
The 12-Animal Chinese Calendar and Their Characteristics
🐭 Rat
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Intelligent, adaptable, energetic and opportunistic
🐂 Ox
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Hardworking, reliable, patient and determined
🐯 Tiger
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Brave, charismatic, competitive and natural leader
🐰 Rabbit
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Gentle, artistic, cautious and lucky
🐉 Dragon
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Powerful, charismatic, ambitious and self-confident
🐍 Snake
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Intuitive, wise, mysterious and charming
🐴 Horse
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Free-spirited, energetic, independent and dynamic
🐑 Goat
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Creative, gentle, empathetic and artistic
🐒 Monkey
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Clever, witty, curious and versatile
🐓 Rooster
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Meticulous, honest, observant and hardworking
🐕 Dog
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Loyal, protective, honest and selfless
🐷 Pig
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Generous, honest, patient and optimistic
What Are the Five Elements (Wu Xing) in Chinese Astrology?
Wu Xing (五行), or the five-element system, is one of the cornerstones of Chinese philosophy. Each year is associated not only with an animal but also with an element. This combination shapes a person's general characteristics with finer detail.
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water Elements
Years ending in 4 and 5
Creative, growth-oriented, flexible and full of idealism
Years ending in 6 and 7
Passionate, determined, dynamic and a natural leader
Years ending in 8 and 9
Reliable, patient, practical and stability-seeking
Years ending in 0 and 1
Disciplined, resolute, strong and ambitious
Years ending in 2 and 3
Intuitive, flexible, diplomatic and adaptable
How Is the Chinese Zodiac Sign Calculated from Birth Year?
The basic calculation is straightforward: subtract 4 from the birth year and divide by 12; the remainder gives a value between 0–11 which directly corresponds to an animal. For example, 1990: (1990 - 4) ÷ 12 = 165 remainder 6 → Horse sign.
However, for those born in January and February, an adjustment must be made based on the Chinese New Year date. This tool applies that adjustment automatically — you only need to enter your birth year.