Chinese Zodiac — Find Your Animal Sign
About the Chinese zodiac
The Chinese zodiac, known as Shengxiao, is a repeating 12-year cycle where each year is represented by an animal and its traditional attributes. Rooted in over 2,000 years of tradition, the system is tied to the orbital period of Jupiter, which takes approximately 12 years to complete one revolution around the Sun.
Each animal carries distinct personality traits, symbolic elements, and compatibility patterns. Combined with the Five Elements — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water — the cycle creates a 60-year calendar used for reflection on character, relationships, and timing across Chinese culture and astrology.
Note: The Chinese zodiac year begins on Lunar New Year (late January to mid-February), not January 1st — the calculator below handles this for January and February birthdays.
What Is Your Chinese Zodiac Animal?
Enter your birth year below and discover your animal sign, element, and traits in seconds.
Born in January or February? Pick your birthday for an exact match.
Rat
Metal Rat (2020)
2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972
Quick-witted, resourceful, and adaptable. Natural charm with sharp instincts for opportunity.
- Traditional Numbers
- 2, 3
- Traditional Colors
- Gold, Blue
The numbers point to partnership plus quick momentum; the colors balance visible confidence with calm negotiation.
Best Matches: Ox, Dragon, Monkey
Avoid: Horse, Rooster
Ox
Metal Ox (2021)
2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973
Diligent, dependable, and strong. A patient leader who achieves through steady determination.
- Traditional Numbers
- 1, 4
- Traditional Colors
- White, Yellow
The numbers favor one clear priority built through steady checkpoints; the colors keep discipline honest and warm.
Best Matches: Rat, Snake, Rooster
Avoid: Tiger, Dragon, Horse, Goat
Tiger
Water Tiger (2022)
2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974
Brave, confident, and competitive. A passionate trailblazer who inspires others to act.
- Traditional Numbers
- 1, 3, 4
- Traditional Colors
- Blue, Grey
The numbers move from bold start to support to stability; the colors cool impulse into strategic courage.
Best Matches: Dragon, Horse, Pig
Avoid: Ox, Tiger, Snake, Monkey
Rabbit
Water Rabbit (2023)
2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975
Elegant, quiet, and kind. Diplomatic and artistic with a keen eye for beauty.
- Traditional Numbers
- 3, 4, 6
- Traditional Colors
- Red, Pink
The numbers favor gentle communication, structure, and harmony; the colors add courage without losing softness.
Best Matches: Goat, Monkey, Dog, Pig
Avoid: Snake, Rooster
Dragon
Wood Dragon (2024)
2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976
Confident, ambitious, and energetic. Dragons are traditionally associated with leadership, vitality, and bold growth.
- Traditional Numbers
- 1, 6, 7
- Traditional Colors
- Gold, Silver
The numbers support leadership, service, and strategy; the colors make power visible while keeping it reflective.
Best Matches: Rat, Tiger, Snake, Monkey, Rooster
Avoid: Ox, Goat, Dog
Snake
Wood Snake (2025)
2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977
Enigmatic, wise, and intuitive. A deep thinker with quiet elegance and grace.
- Traditional Numbers
- 2, 8, 9
- Traditional Colors
- Black, Red
The numbers favor reading relationships, playing the long game, and completing the insight; the colors protect depth and bring life force.
Best Matches: Ox, Rooster
Avoid: Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Goat, Pig
Horse
Fire Horse (2026)
2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978
Animated, active, and energetic. A free spirit who craves adventure and independence.
- Traditional Numbers
- 2, 3, 7
- Traditional Colors
- Brown, Yellow
The numbers say connect, move, then pause before overcommitting; the colors ground freedom without dulling optimism.
Best Matches: Tiger, Goat, Dog
Avoid: Rat, Ox, Rooster
Goat
Wood Goat (2015)
2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967
Calm, gentle, and sympathetic. A creative soul who finds harmony in art and nature.
- Traditional Numbers
- 2, 7
- Traditional Colors
- Green, Red
The numbers balance collaboration with quiet reflection; the colors help sensitivity grow into a clear move.
Best Matches: Rabbit, Horse, Pig
Avoid: Ox, Dog
Monkey
Fire Monkey (2016)
2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968
Sharp, curious, and mischievous. A clever problem-solver with infectious enthusiasm.
- Traditional Numbers
- 4, 9
- Traditional Colors
- White, Gold
The numbers turn clever ideas into structure and completion; the colors keep the mind clear, warm, and confident.
Best Matches: Rat, Dragon
Avoid: Tiger, Pig
Rooster
Fire Rooster (2017)
2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969
Observant, hardworking, and courageous. Honest and loyal with a flair for style.
- Traditional Numbers
- 5, 7, 8
- Traditional Colors
- Gold, Brown
The numbers favor refinement, timing, and durable results; the colors keep high standards polished and practical.
Best Matches: Ox, Snake, Dragon
Avoid: Rat, Rabbit, Horse, Rooster, Dog
Dog
Earth Dog (2018)
2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970
Loyal, honest, and amiable. A faithful companion guided by a strong sense of justice.
- Traditional Numbers
- 3, 4, 9
- Traditional Colors
- Red, Green
The numbers support truth, protection, and closure; the colors keep loyalty brave while restoring trust.
Best Matches: Rabbit, Tiger, Horse
Avoid: Dragon, Goat, Rooster
Pig
Earth Pig (2019)
2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971
Compassionate, generous, and warm. An optimist who brings joy and abundance to life.
- Traditional Numbers
- 2, 5, 8
- Traditional Colors
- Yellow, Grey
The numbers favor wise sharing, adjustment, and lasting abundance; the colors keep generosity joyful and discerning.
Best Matches: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat
Avoid: Snake, Monkey