The 12 Chinese zodiac animals
Every year in the Chinese calendar is ruled by one of twelve animals, repeating in a fixed order. Find your birth year to see your animal, the traits linked to it, and the signs it is said to match best.
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| Animal | Recent birth years | Traits | Best matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rat | 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984 | Quick-witted, resourceful, adaptable | Dragon, Monkey, Ox |
| Ox | 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985 | Diligent, dependable, determined | Snake, Rooster, Rat |
| Tiger | 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986 | Brave, confident, competitive | Horse, Dog |
| Rabbit | 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987 | Gentle, elegant, alert | Goat, Pig, Dog |
| Dragon | 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988 | Confident, ambitious, charismatic | Rat, Monkey, Rooster |
| Snake | 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989 | Wise, intuitive, private | Ox, Rooster |
| Horse | 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990 | Energetic, independent, warm-hearted | Tiger, Dog, Goat |
| Goat | 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991 | Calm, gentle, creative | Rabbit, Pig, Horse |
| Monkey | 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980 | Clever, curious, playful | Rat, Dragon |
| Rooster | 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981 | Observant, hardworking, confident | Ox, Snake |
| Dog | 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982 | Loyal, honest, protective | Tiger, Horse, Rabbit |
| Pig | 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983 | Generous, easygoing, sincere | Rabbit, Goat |
How the Chinese zodiac works
The signs run in a set order (Rat first, Pig last) and repeat every 12 years, so anyone born 12, 24 or 36 years apart shares an animal. Each new year begins at Chinese New Year, which falls in late January or February rather than on 1 January, so births in that window can belong to the previous animal. Layered on top is a 60-year cycle of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), which is why 2026 is a Fire Horse year, not just a Horse year.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 12 Chinese zodiac animals in order?
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The cycle repeats every 12 years.
What animal is 2026?
2026 is the Year of the Horse, and more precisely a Fire Horse year. 2025 was the Year of the Snake and 2027 will be the Year of the Goat.
How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign?
It is the animal of your birth year in the 12-year cycle. Enter your year in the calculator above. Note that the zodiac year starts at Chinese New Year in late January or February, so if you were born in January or early February you may actually belong to the previous year's animal.
Which Chinese zodiac signs are most compatible?
Traditionally the animals fall into four compatibility triangles: Rat-Dragon-Monkey, Ox-Snake-Rooster, Tiger-Horse-Dog, and Rabbit-Goat-Pig. Animals in the same triangle are said to get along best.
What are the five elements in Chinese astrology?
As well as an animal, each year carries one of five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal or Water) on a longer 60-year cycle, so a complete sign reads like Fire Horse or Water Rabbit.