About the chinese zodiac calculator
The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
Your animal is decided by your birth year, but the Chinese year begins at Lunar New Year, which falls between late January and mid February. If you were born before that date, you belong to the previous year’s animal.
Each animal is linked with traits. Rats are quick-witted, Dragons are bold, Horses are free-spirited and Pigs are generous.
The 12 Chinese zodiac animals and their years
The cycle repeats every 12 years. To check a year yourself, subtract 4 from the year and divide by 12. The remainder gives the animal: 0 Rat, 1 Ox, 2 Tiger, 3 Rabbit, 4 Dragon, 5 Snake, 6 Horse, 7 Goat, 8 Monkey, 9 Rooster, 10 Dog, 11 Pig. For example, 2000 gives 1996 ÷ 12 with remainder 4, which is Dragon.
Personality traits of each animal
Rat: clever, resourceful and quick. Ox: hardworking, honest and patient. Tiger: brave, confident and competitive. Rabbit: gentle, polite and artistic. Dragon: bold, energetic and charismatic. Snake: wise, private and observant. Horse: free-spirited, cheerful and active. Goat: kind, creative and peaceful. Monkey: playful, inventive and curious. Rooster: organised, hardworking and honest. Dog: loyal, fair and protective. Pig: generous, warm and easygoing.
Why Lunar New Year matters
The Chinese calendar follows the moon, so the new year starts on a different date each year, between about 21 January and 20 February. Someone born in early January 1996 belongs to the Pig year, not the Rat year that began in February. If your birthday falls in January or February, check the exact Lunar New Year date for your birth year.
The five elements
Besides the animal, each year has an element: wood, fire, earth, metal or water. The elements run in a pattern of two years each, so the full animal and element combination repeats every 60 years. Many people say a Wood Tiger differs from a Fire Tiger, because the element adds another layer of meaning.
Compatibility and lucky signs
Tradition groups the animals into friendly triangles: Rat, Dragon and Monkey; Ox, Snake and Rooster; Tiger, Horse and Dog; Rabbit, Goat and Pig. Animals in the same group are said to get along well. Each animal also has a traditional opposite six years away, such as Rat and Horse.
Fun cultural notes
The zodiac is part of Chinese culture and is also used in Vietnam, Korea and Japan, sometimes with small differences (Vietnam uses the Cat instead of the Rabbit). Your own animal year, called the ben ming nian, is traditionally thought to be unlucky, and many people wear red that year.
These beliefs are cultural traditions and have no scientific basis. Enjoy them as part of a rich heritage.
Frequently asked questions
What is my Chinese zodiac animal?
Enter your birth year above to find it.
Why is my animal different from what I expected?
You may have been born before Lunar New Year, so the previous animal applies.
How often does the cycle repeat?
Every 12 years.
Results are for entertainment only.