Chinese Zodiac Calculator

Find your Chinese zodiac animal and its element from your birth year.

Based on the Chinese (lunar) year. If you were born in January or early February, the lunar new year may place you in the previous year — check the exact new-year date for that year.

Frequently asked questions

How does the Chinese zodiac work?

It cycles through 12 animals — Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig — one per year, combined with five elements over a 60-year cycle.

Why does the birth year matter, not the date?

The animal is set by the lunar year. The one caveat is January / early-February births, which can fall before the lunar new year and so belong to the previous animal.

What's my element?

Each animal year also carries one of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) — for example 2000 is a Metal Dragon.