The Complete Chinese Astrology Calendar & Zodiac Guide

Download Article

Birth years, traits, and compatibility of each sign, according to experts

Co-authored by Donna Stellhorn and Samantha Fulton, BA

Last Updated: August 14, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Chinese Zodiac Signs
|
• Chinese Zodiac Calendar
|
• Finding Your Chinese Zodiac Sign
|
• Chinese vs Western Astrology
|
• Video

|Show more |Show less

If you feel like you know everything there is to know about your Big Three in astrology, it might be time for you to learn about your Chinese zodiac sign! Your Chinese zodiac is based on your birth year and tells you all about your overall energy. We’ve partnered with a Chinese astrology expert to provide insight on each of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Then, keep reading for a breakdown of the Chinese zodiac calendar and how to find your Chinese zodiac sign. Plus, we’ll explain the key differences between Chinese and Western Astrology. Let’s get started!

Chinese Zodiac Astrology Chart

Download Image

Download Image

• Rat: (1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032, 2044) clever & adaptable
• Ox: (1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033, 2045) hardworking & reliable
• Tiger: (1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034, 2046) brave & confident
• Rabbit: (1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035, 2047) intuitive & sensitive
• Dragon: (1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036, 2048) charismatic & powerful
• Snake: (1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037, 2049) wise & strategic
• Horse: (1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038, 2050) loyal & energetic
• Goat: (1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039, 2051) compassionate & calm
• Monkey: (1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040, 2052) adaptable & smart
• Rooster: (1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041, 2053) confident & honest
• Dog: (1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042, 2054) alert & loyal
• Pig: (1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043, 2055) artistic & kind

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

All 12 Chinese Zodiac Animal Signs

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Rat If you’re a Rat, you’re likely clever and adaptable. Chinese astrology expert Donna Stellhorn describes the Rat as opportunistic and very entrepreneurial. People with this zodiac are often ambitious and incredibly resourceful, as well as quick-witted and skilled problem-solvers.

   • Years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032, 2044
   • Compatible with: Dragon, Monkey
   • Lucky numbers: 2, 3
   • Elements:
     • Fire: 1936, 1996
     • Earth: 1948, 2008
     • Metal: 1960, 2020
     • Water: 1912, 1972, 2032
     • Wood: 1924, 1984, 2044 (more on zodiac elements later in this article!)

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Donna Stellhorn is an astrologer based in Oceanside, CA with expertise in Chinese and Western astrology. She has over 30 years of experience.
2. 
   2
   Ox According to Stellhorn, the Ox is especially hardworking. If your sign is the Ox, people have probably described you as reliable, patient, and strong. You have a steadfast and dependable energy. This means you’re likely calm in a crisis and always determined to find a good solution.

   • Years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033, 2045
   • Compatible with: Snake, Rooster
   • Lucky numbers: 1,4
   • Elements:
     • Fire: 1937, 1997
     • Earth: 1949, 2009
     • Metal: 1961, 2021
     • Water: 1913, 1973, 2033
     • Wood: 1925, 1985, 2045
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Tiger The Tiger is brave and confident. If you’re a Tiger, you’re likely unintimidated by the things life throws your way. Stellhorn mentions that the Tiger has a tendency to be territorial and very blunt. Those with the Tiger sign are unafraid to speak their mind and will speak up about things they feel passionately about.

   • Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034, 2046
   • Compatible with: Horse, Dog
   • Lucky numbers: 1, 3, 4
   • Elements:
     • Fire: 1926, 1986, 2046
     • Earth: 1938, 1998
     • Metal: 1950, 2010
     • Water: 1962, 2022
     • Wood: 1914, 1974, 2034
4. 
   4
   Rabbit If you were born in the year of the Rabbit, you are likely a gentle and artistic individual. The Rabbit is intuitive, sensitive, and down to earth, says Stellhorn. Those with the Rabbit sign are often concerned with security. While they are gentle, they aren’t afraid to speak up if it means protecting their home or their family.

   • Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035, 2047
   • Compatible with: Goat, Pig
   • Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 6
   • Elements:
     • Fire: 1927, 1987, 2047
     • Earth: 1939, 1999
     • Metal: 1951, 2011
     • Water: 1963, 2023
     • Wood: 1915, 1975, 2035
5. 
   5
   Dragon The Dragon is known for its charisma and power. If you’re a Dragon sign, you’re likely a dreamer with lofty goals. Stellhorn describes the Dragon as a big thinker who wants to do something great and make big changes. You want to make a difference, and you’re not afraid to let others know it!

   • Years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036, 2048
   • Compatible with: Rat, Monkey
   • Lucky numbers: 1, 6, 7
   • Elements:
     • Fire: 1916, 1976, 2036
     • Earth: 1928, 1988, 2048
     • Metal: 1940, 2000
     • Water: 1952, 2012
     • Wood: 1964, 2024
6. 
   6
   Snake Those born in the year of the Snake are wise and strategic. The Snake is very business savvy and focused on improvement, notes Stellhorn. If you’re a Snake, you likely always have a plan for how to approach your goals and any problems life throws your way. People may also describe you as ambitious or cunning.

   • Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037, 2049
   • Compatible with: Ox, Rooster
   • Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 9
   • Elements:
     • Fire: 1917, 1977, 2037
     • Earth: 1929, 1989, 2049
     • Metal: 1941, 2001
     • Water: 1953, 2013
     • Wood: 1965, 2025
7. 
   7
   Horse If you were born in the year of the Horse, you probably have high energy and a strong sense of loyalty. Stellhorn says the Horse cares about having a good time and being “part of the herd.” While those with this sign love to prance about with their friends, they also have a strong and independent energy. You likely enjoy time with your loved ones but are fine with being on your own, too.

   • Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038, 2050
   • Compatible with: Tiger, Goat
   • Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 7
   • Elements:
     • Fire: 1966, 2026
     • Earth: 1918, 1978, 2038
     • Metal: 1930, 1990, 2050
     • Water: 1942, 2002
     • Wood: 1954, 2014
8. 
   8
   Goat (or sheep/ram) If you’re a Goat, others have likely described you as compassionate and calm. The Goat is always climbing and thinking about ways to make things better, notes Stellhorn. Those born in the year of the Goat are often creative individuals with a methodical approach to achieving their goals.

   • Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039, 2051
   • Compatible with: Rabbit, Horse
   • Lucky numbers: 2, 7
   • Elements:
     • Fire: 1967, 2027
     • Earth: 1919, 1979, 2039
     • Metal: 1931, 1991, 2051
     • Water: 1943, 2003
     • Wood: 1955, 2015
9. 
   9
   Monkey If you were born in the year of the Monkey, odds are you’re highly adaptable. Rather than shying away from problems, you likely approach them with tact and curiosity. Stellhorn describes the Monkey as smart and clever. These individuals are intelligent and creative problem-solvers.

   • Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040, 2052
   • Compatible with: Rat, Dragon
   • Lucky numbers: 4, 9
   • Elements:
     • Fire: 1956, 2016
     • Earth: 1968, 2028
     • Metal: 1920, 1980, 2040
     • Water: 1932, 1992, 2052
     • Wood: 1944, 2004
10. 
    10
    Rooster If you’re a Rooster, you are likely confident and honest. People with this sign are often very punctual. The Rooster has a strong managerial energy, notes Stellhorn. Roosters are natural leaders because of their organizational skills and their ability to take charge of a situation.

    • Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041, 2053
    • Compatible with: Ox, Dragon
    • Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 8
    • Elements:
      • Fire: 1957, 2017
      • Earth: 1969, 2029
      • Metal: 1921, 1981, 2041
      • Water: 1933, 1993, 2053
      • Wood: 1945, 2005
11. 
    11
    Dog Those born in the year of the Dog are often protective and fair. The Dog is loyal, watchful, and always alert, says Stellhorn. Your loved ones can always count on you to have their back and let them know if there’s something they need to look out for. If you’re a Dog, you likely have a strong sense for when something isn’t right and aren’t afraid to let others know about it.

    • Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042, 2054
    • Compatible with: Horse, Monkey
    • Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9
    • Elements:
      • Fire: 1946, 2006
      • Earth: 1958, 2018
      • Metal: 1970, 2030
      • Water: 1922, 1982, 2042
      • Wood: 1934, 1994, 2054
12. 
    12
    Pig Pigs are often kind, generous, and sincere. According to Stellhorn, “The Pig is about hospitality, art, and intuition—they’re very sensitive and very courageous.” If you’re a Pig, you’re probably a very creative and perceptive individual. You’re comfortable as a quiet observer, but you’re not afraid to jump into the fire when the situation calls for it, either.

    • Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043, 2055
    • Compatible with: Tiger, Rabbit
    • Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 8
    • Elements:
      • Fire: 1947, 2007
      • Earth: 1959, 2019
      • Metal: 1971, 2031
      • Water: 1923, 1983, 2043
      • Wood: 1935, 1995, 2055
Advertisement

Section 2 of 4:

What is the Chinese zodiac calendar?

Download Article

1. 
   1
   The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle based on the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar aligns with the monthly cycles of the moon’s phases. Each year in the cycle is represented by an animal. In order, the 12-year cycle is: Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, pig.
2. 
   2
   Your Chinese zodiac year can tell you about your personality. Based on the animal that aligns with your birth year on the Chinese zodiac calendar, you can find descriptions of your behavior and personality. “The year pillar is just a general way we go about things,” notes Stellhorn.
3. 
   3
   This cycle determines the energy of the year. “Chinese astrology … has an energy signature for every day, month, and year,” says Stellhorn. This energy is supposed to determine how people gravitate and behave throughout the year.
Advertisement

Section 3 of 4:

How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign?

Download Article

1. 1
   Your Chinese zodiac sign is determined by your birth year. However, it will be your birth year according to the lunisolar calendar, rather than the Gregorian calendar. This means that rather than the new year starting on January 1, it starts between January 21 and February 20, depending on the start of the Lunar New Year. The Lunar New Year falls on the second New Moon after the winter solstice.

   • If you were born in January or February, check whether you were born before or after the Lunar New Year the year you were born to determine which year you fall into on the Lunar Calendar.
   • If you were born after February 20, you can simply check for your birth year in the years listed under the Chinese zodiac signs.
2. 2
   Check which element your year aligns with. Each animal year also has an element (fire, earth, metal, water, wood) that goes with it. To get a better understanding of your Chinese zodiac, find out which element you are—we’ve made it easy for you by sorting the years into elements under Chinese zodiac signs. For instance, if you were born in 2003, you’re the year of the Goat and your element is water. So your Chinese zodiac sign would be Water Goat. These are the traits associated with each element:

   • Fire: Courageous and passionate
   • Earth: Kind and tolerant
   • Metal: Determined and persistent
   • Water: Sympathetic and detail-oriented
   • Wood: Idealistic and organized
Advertisement

Section 4 of 4:

Chinese Astrology vs Western Astrology

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Western astrology is based on planetary cycles. According to Stellhorn, “In Western astrology, we’re looking at overlapping cycles, but Chinese astrology is actually a calendar.” With Western astrology, energies occur in cycles based on where the planets are—for instance, miscommunications aligning with Mercury being in retrograde. On the other hand, energies in Chinese astrology have more definite start and end dates.

   • Stellhorn notes that Western astrology cycles can range from as short as 2 days to as long as thousands of years.
2. 2
   Chinese astrology focuses more on overarching themes. Since Western astrology has so many overlapping cycles and is based on the energies of each planet, it offers insight into the specifics of a timeframe. Stellhorn explains that when someone wants to know what kind of year it will be, she refers to Chinese astrology and asks, “What’s our theme?” However, when someone wants to know the details of challenges and opportunities throughout the year, she refers to Western astrology.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!