Your Chinese zodiac sign is one of 12 animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig. The sign depends on your birth year, but the key twist is that the Chinese calendar follows the moon, not January 1. The new year starts on Lunar New Year, which falls between late January and mid-February. That means if you were born in early January 1990, your sign might be Snake (1989) instead of Horse (1990). This guide walks you through how to find your sign and avoid common mistakes.
Why Birth Date Matters
The Chinese zodiac runs on a 12-year cycle. Each year gets one animal. Your sign is set by which animal year you were born in. The tricky part is that "year" in Chinese tradition begins at Lunar New Year, not on January 1.
People born in January or early February need to check the Lunar New Year date for their birth year. If they were born before that date, their sign comes from the previous calendar year. For example, Lunar New Year 1990 was January 27. Anyone born January 1–26, 1990 has the Snake sign. Anyone born January 27 or after has the Horse sign.
Simple Steps to Find Your Sign
Step 1: Know Your Full Birth Date
Write down your exact birth date: year, month, and day. You need all three because the cutoff is based on the Lunar New Year date, which changes each year.
Step 2: Find Lunar New Year for Your Birth Year
Search "Lunar New Year [your birth year]" online. You'll get the exact date when the new year started. If your birthday falls before that date, use the previous year to find your animal. If it falls on or after that date, use your birth year.
Step 3: Match the Year to an Animal
Each year maps to one animal. Rat years: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960. Ox years: 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961. Tiger: 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962. Rabbit: 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963. Dragon: 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964. Snake: 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965. Horse: 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966. Goat: 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967. Monkey: 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968. Rooster: 2029, 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969. Dog: 2030, 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970. Pig: 2031, 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971. Count back in 12-year steps to find your year.
Using Our Calculator
The fastest way to find your sign is our Chinese zodiac calculator. Enter your birth date and it will tell you your animal sign and a short description. The calculator already knows Lunar New Year dates for each year, so you don't have to look them up. Visit our homepage to try it.
Zodiac Animals at a Glance
| Animal | Recent Birth Years | Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | 2020, 2008, 1996 | Smart, adaptable, quick-witted |
| Ox | 2021, 2009, 1997 | Diligent, reliable, strong |
| Tiger | 2022, 2010, 1998 | Brave, confident, bold |
| Rabbit | 2023, 2011, 1999 | Gentle, kind, diplomatic |
| Dragon | 2024, 2012, 2000 | Ambitious, charismatic, lucky |
| Snake | 2025, 2013, 2001 | Wise, strategic, intuitive |
| Horse | 2026, 2014, 2002 | Energetic, independent, adventurous |
| Goat | 2027, 2015, 2003 | Creative, gentle, artistic |
| Monkey | 2028, 2016, 2004 | Smart, curious, witty |
| Rooster | 2029, 2017, 2005 | Honest, hardworking, proud |
| Dog | 2030, 2018, 2006 | Loyal, honest, protective |
| Pig | 2031, 2019, 2007 | Generous, honest, calm |
Common Mistakes People Make
Using January 1 as the Cutoff
Many people assume the year changes on January 1. In the Chinese system, it changes on Lunar New Year. If you were born in January or early February, always double-check.
Ignoring the Exact Lunar New Year Date
Lunar New Year moves. It can be January 21 one year and February 19 another. Don't guess; look up the exact date or use our calculator.
Mixing Up Animals
The 12 animals follow a fixed order. Memorize the cycle: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Our complete guide to the 12 animals has more detail.
The Story Behind the 12 Animals
Legend says the Jade Emperor held a race. The first 12 animals to cross the finish line would get a year named after them. The Rat rode on the Ox's back and jumped off at the end to win. The order of the animals in the cycle comes from that race. People born in Rat years are said to be clever and resourceful like the Rat. Those born in Ox years are steady and hardworking. Each animal carries its own story and traits that many enjoy learning about.
What Your Sign Can Tell You
In Chinese culture, your zodiac sign is linked to personality traits, compatibility with others, and even luck in certain years. Many people enjoy reading about their sign for fun. You can browse all our articles to learn about your animal, or read sign-specific guides like the Rat, Ox, or Tiger. Our content is for entertainment and general interest. For more about us, see our about page.
Example: Finding a Sign Step by Step
Let's say you were born March 15, 1988. March is after Lunar New Year in most years. Lunar New Year 1988 was February 17. Since March 15 is after that date, you use 1988 to find your sign. 1988 is a Dragon year, so your sign is Dragon. Now try January 10, 1988. January 10 is before February 17, so you use 1987. 1987 is a Rabbit year. Same calendar year, different zodiac signs.
Tips for Parents and Babies
If you're expecting a baby, you might wonder which zodiac year they will be born in. The animal of the year can be a fun way to pick names or plan. Some families prefer certain animals for tradition or personal reasons. Our site has a baby zodiac section you can find in the Lucky Numbers and Baby Zodiac category. Remember that the Lunar New Year cutoff applies to babies too. A baby born January 15, 2025 might be a Dragon (2024) or Snake (2025) depending on when Lunar New Year falls that year.
Why the Lunar Calendar Is Different
The Western calendar follows the sun. A year is the time it takes Earth to orbit the sun once. The Chinese lunar calendar follows the moon. A month is about 29.5 days, the time from one new moon to the next. A lunar year has 12 or 13 months, so it doesn't match the solar year. That's why Lunar New Year moves. It usually falls between January 21 and February 20. The exact date is set by the traditional Chinese calendar, which is still used for festivals and the zodiac.
How Zodiac Signs Are Used Today
People use their Chinese zodiac sign in many ways. Some read about personality traits and compatibility for fun. Others check yearly predictions to see what the year might bring. In some cultures, the zodiac still influences big decisions like wedding dates or baby planning. Many people enjoy sharing their sign with friends and comparing notes. Whether you take it seriously or just for fun, knowing your sign is a good place to start. Our categories cover personality, compatibility, predictions, and more.
Zodiac and the Five Elements
Beyond the 12 animals, the Chinese system also uses five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each animal year is paired with an element, so you get combinations like Wood Dragon or Fire Snake. The elements add another layer of meaning. A Wood Rat and a Water Rat may have different traits. Our site has articles on elements in the Lucky Numbers and Baby Zodiac section. For the basic sign, you only need your birth year and the Lunar New Year rule.
Double-Checking Your Sign
If you're still unsure, try our calculator and a manual check. Enter your birth date in the calculator and note the result. Then look up Lunar New Year for your birth year and apply the rules above. If both methods match, you're set. If not, review the Lunar New Year date and make sure you're using the correct time zone. China Standard Time is often used for the official cutoff.
FAQs
Can I have two zodiac signs?
No. You have one Chinese zodiac sign based on your birth year (using the Lunar New Year cutoff). Some people also use the Western zodiac, which is based on birth month. They are different systems.
What if I was born on Lunar New Year?
If your birth date falls on the first day of Lunar New Year, you belong to the new year's animal. The new year starts at midnight in China's time zone, so the exact moment can matter in rare cases.
Do I need to know my birth time?
For the basic Chinese zodiac sign, no. Your birth year (with the Lunar New Year rule) is enough. Birth time is used in other systems like Four Pillars (Bazi), but not for the simple 12-animal sign.
Where can I find a list of Lunar New Year dates?
You can search online for "Lunar New Year dates by year" or use our zodiac calculator, which handles this automatically.