How is the Chinese zodiac calculated?

The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, each year represented by an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The formula is (year − 4) mod 12, where index 0 = Rat. This calculator uses the solar calendar year for quick lookup. The traditional lunar Chinese New Year date varies each year (Jan 21 – Feb 20), meaning a precise traditional sign may differ if you were born in January or February.

What is my Chinese zodiac sign?

Enter your birth year in the lookup box above and press Look Up. The calculator instantly shows your Chinese zodiac animal. For exact traditional determination, check the Chinese New Year date for your birth year — if you were born before that date, your sign would be the previous year's animal.

Why do Chinese zodiac years start at a different date each year?

The traditional Chinese zodiac follows the lunisolar calendar, where the new year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice (usually between January 21 and February 20). This is why someone born in January 2025 might be a Dragon (not Snake) if born before the Chinese New Year.

This Year is the Year of the Horse — Chinese Zodiac Calculator — Find Your Animal Sign

2026

12 Zodiac Animals

Ox2021

Tiger2022

Rabbit2023

Dragon2024

Snake2025

Horse2026This Year

Goat2027

Monkey2028

Rooster2029

Dog2030

Pig2031

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Chinese zodiac calculated?: The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, each year represented by an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. The formula is (year − 4) mod 12, where index 0 = Rat. This calculator uses the solar calendar year for quick lookup. The traditional lunar Chinese New Year date varies each year (Jan 21 – Feb 20), meaning a precise traditional sign may differ if you were born in January or February.
What is my Chinese zodiac sign?: Enter your birth year in the lookup box above and press Look Up. The calculator instantly shows your Chinese zodiac animal. For exact traditional determination, check the Chinese New Year date for your birth year — if you were born before that date, your sign would be the previous year's animal.
Why do Chinese zodiac years start at a different date each year?: The traditional Chinese zodiac follows the lunisolar calendar, where the new year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice (usually between January 21 and February 20). This is why someone born in January 2025 might be a Dragon (not Snake) if born before the Chinese New Year.

How the Chinese Zodiac Works

The 12-Year Zodiac Cycle

The Chinese zodiac (生肖, shēngxiào) is a 12-year repeating cycle where each year is associated with an animal and its reputed attributes. The cycle originates from ancient Chinese astronomy and the orbital period of Jupiter (approximately 12 Earth years).

Wikipedia: Chinese Zodiac

Calculating Your Zodiac Sign

The zodiac year is determined by the formula: (year − 4) mod 12. The result maps to the 12 animals in order starting with the Rat (0). For example, 2026 − 4 = 2022, then 2022 mod 12 = 6, which is the Horse.

Learn More: Chinese Calendar

Lunisolar vs. Solar Calendar

This calculator uses the solar (Gregorian) year for simplicity. The traditional Chinese zodiac uses the lunisolar calendar, where the year begins at the Chinese New Year (between Jan 21 and Feb 20). For precise traditional results, check if your birth date falls before or after the Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Dates

Animal Attributes & Culture

Each zodiac animal carries unique traits in Chinese culture. The Rat is clever, the Ox diligent, the Tiger brave, the Dragon ambitious. The zodiac also plays a role in matchmaking, fortune telling, and traditional festivals.

More About Chinese Zodiac

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