The 12 animals and 5 elements
The Chinese zodiac runs on a 12-year cycle of animals — Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig — layered with five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). Together they form a 60-year cycle, so your full sign is an element-and-animal pair like Wood Dragon.
How your sign is worked out
The animal comes from the year on a repeating 12-step cycle, and the element from the year's last digit in pairs. Even years are Yang, odd years Yin. This tool applies that standard mapping to whatever year you enter.
A note on the Chinese New Year
The zodiac year doesn't start on 1 January — it begins at the Chinese New Year in late January or February. If you were born in those early weeks, your true sign may be the previous year's, so check the exact new-year date for your birth year.
Frequently asked questions
What is my sign if born in January?
It may be the previous year's animal, because the zodiac year starts at the Chinese New Year, not 1 January. Check that year's new-year date.
What's the element for?
The five elements add a layer to the 12 animals, making a 60-year cycle. Your sign is an element-and-animal pair.
How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign?
It is set by your birth year in the Chinese calendar, which cycles through 12 animals. Enter your birth date and the tool returns your sign.
Why might my sign differ near New Year?
The Chinese year starts in late January or February, not January 1, so births in early-year weeks belong to the previous animal.
What are the 12 Chinese zodiac animals?
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig, repeating every 12 years.