How do I find my Chinese zodiac animal?

Your Chinese zodiac animal is determined by your birth year according to the lunar calendar. The 12 animals cycle in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. However, since the Chinese New Year falls between late January and mid-February, people born early in the year may belong to the previous zodiac sign.

What are the 12 Chinese zodiac animals in order?

The 12 Chinese zodiac animals in order are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal rules one year in the 12-year cycle.

What element is my Chinese zodiac year?

Each Chinese zodiac year also has one of five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water. The elements cycle every two years. For example, 1936 is Fire Rat, 1937 is Fire Ox, 1938 is Earth Tiger, and so on. The full element cycle repeats every 10 years.

Does the Chinese zodiac year start on January 1st?

No. The Chinese zodiac year begins on Chinese New Year, which falls between late January and mid-February on the Gregorian calendar. If you were born before Chinese New Year, your zodiac sign belongs to the previous year.

Year of the Chinese Zodiac - Complete Guide 1936 to 2042

Complete Year-by-Year Guide

Find your birth year below to discover your Chinese zodiac animal, element, and what it means for your personality and destiny.

The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal sign. But it goes deeper than that — each year also carries one of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), creating a 60-year cycle that shapes personality and fortune.

This guide covers every year from 1936 to 2042. Click any year to read the full breakdown of its zodiac sign, element, personality traits, and compatibility insights.