About the zodiac sign calculator
Your zodiac sign, also called your sun sign, is based on where the Sun was in the sky on the day you were born. There are twelve signs, each covering roughly one month.
Each sign belongs to one of four elements. Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are energetic, earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are practical, air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are social and water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are emotional.
If you were born within a day or two of a change of sign, you are on the cusp. Your exact birth time and place can decide your sign, so check a full birth chart if you want to be sure.
Zodiac sign dates
These are the usual tropical zodiac dates. The exact change of sign can shift by a day from year to year.
- Aries: 21 March – 19 April (fire)
- Taurus: 20 April – 20 May (earth)
- Gemini: 21 May – 20 June (air)
- Cancer: 21 June – 22 July (water)
- Leo: 23 July – 22 August (fire)
- Virgo: 23 August – 22 September (earth)
- Libra: 23 September – 22 October (air)
- Scorpio: 23 October – 21 November (water)
- Sagittarius: 22 November – 21 December (fire)
- Capricorn: 22 December – 19 January (earth)
- Aquarius: 20 January – 18 February (air)
- Pisces: 19 February – 20 March (water)
The four elements
Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are described as passionate, confident and quick to act. Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are practical, patient and loyal. Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) are curious, talkative and love ideas. Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are emotional, intuitive and caring.
The three modalities
Each sign is also cardinal, fixed or mutable. Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) start things. Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) keep things steady. Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) adapt to change. The mix of element and modality is what gives each sign its flavour.
Quick traits of each sign
Aries is bold and competitive. Taurus loves comfort and stability. Gemini is witty and curious. Cancer is caring and protective. Leo is warm and generous with a love of the spotlight. Virgo is careful and helpful. Libra seeks harmony and fairness. Scorpio is intense and private. Sagittarius loves freedom and adventure. Capricorn is ambitious and disciplined. Aquarius is original and independent. Pisces is dreamy, kind and artistic.
What if I was born on the cusp?
A cusp is the day or two when the Sun moves from one sign to the next. If your birthday falls within a day of a change, your sign may depend on the year, the time of day and the place you were born. The reliable way to check is to make a birth chart with your exact birth time. Some people with cusp birthdays also feel they share traits of both signs, though this is a popular belief rather than an astrological rule.
Sun sign, moon sign and rising sign
Your sun sign, which this calculator finds, describes your core identity and ego. Your moon sign describes your emotions and inner needs, and your rising sign (ascendant) describes how you come across to others. Moon and rising signs need your birth time and place, which is why a full birth chart gives a richer reading than the sun sign alone.
How to use your zodiac sign
Many people enjoy reading about their sign to reflect on their habits, to find gift ideas for friends, or to compare signs in relationships. Try our zodiac compatibility calculator to see how two signs match, and use the life path number calculator for another view of your personality.
Astrology is a cultural tradition and has not been supported by scientific testing. Treat sign descriptions as general and playful, because people of the same sign can be very different.
Frequently asked questions
What is my zodiac sign?
Enter your birth date in the calculator above to see it instantly.
What is a sun sign?
It is the zodiac sign the Sun was in when you were born.
Do zodiac dates change every year?
Slightly. The change of sign can fall a day earlier or later depending on the year.
Results are for entertainment only.