Your Chinese zodiac sign is set by your birth year in the lunar calendar — a cycle of twelve animals and five elements. Because the year turns on Chinese New Year, not 1 January, we use the exact New Year dates so January and early-February births get the right animal.

How to use the Chinese Zodiac

Your Chinese zodiac sign comes from your birth year in the lunar calendar — one of twelve animals (Rat to Pig) paired with one of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and a yin or yang polarity, repeating on a 60-year cycle.

Getting started

Enter your birth date. The animal turns over on Chinese New Year, not 1 January, so we use the exact New Year dates to place January and early-February births correctly.
No birth time or place is needed — the sign is set by the year alone.

Reading your result

The animal describes your core temperament; the element colours how it expresses (Fire Tiger differs from Water Tiger); yin/yang marks receptive vs assertive energy. Compatibility lists the animals you naturally harmonise with or clash against.

Astrologer's tip Born in January or early February? Check the result's lunar year — you may belong to the previous animal.