🐉 Chinese Zodiac Calculator
Discover your Chinese zodiac animal sign
About Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle where each year is represented by an animal. Your zodiac animal is determined by your birth year according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
The 12 Animals
- Rat (鼠): Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming
- Ox (牛): Loyal, reliable, thorough, strong, reasonable
- Tiger (虎): Brave, confident, competitive, unpredictable
- Rabbit (兔): Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible
- Dragon (龍): Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic, charismatic
- Snake (蛇): Enigmatic, intelligent, wise, graceful
- Horse (馬): Animated, active, energetic, independent
- Goat (羊): Calm, gentle, sympathetic, creative
- Monkey (猴): Sharp, smart, curious, mischievous
- Rooster (雞): Observant, hardworking, courageous, talented
- Dog (狗): Loyal, honest, prudent, responsible
- Pig (豬): Compassionate, generous, diligent, optimistic
Five Elements
Each zodiac year is also associated with one of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), creating a 60-year cycle. The element adds another layer of personality characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Chinese zodiac different from Western zodiac?
Chinese zodiac is based on birth year in a 12-year cycle, while Western zodiac is based on birth month in a 12-month cycle. Chinese zodiac uses animals, while Western zodiac uses constellations.
When does the Chinese zodiac year start?
The Chinese zodiac year starts with the Chinese New Year, which falls between January 21 and February 20. If you were born in January or early February, you may belong to the previous year's animal.
What is my lucky element?
Your element is determined by the last digit of your birth year. Each element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) appears twice in the 10-year cycle and influences your personality and fortune.
What is my zodiac year (Ben Ming Nian)?
Your zodiac year occurs every 12 years when your birth animal returns. In Chinese culture, this year is considered both lucky and unlucky, and people often wear red for protection.
Are certain animals more compatible?
Yes, Chinese astrology suggests certain animals are more compatible. For example, Rat is compatible with Dragon and Monkey. However, like all astrology, this should be taken as cultural tradition rather than definitive guidance.