Chinese Element Zodiac Calculator

The Chinese Element Zodiac Calculator estimates your zodiac animal and associated element based on your birth year and gender. This tool helps astrology enthusiasts uncover their personality traits and strengths. Whether you are checking relationship compatibility, identifying lucky numbers, or exploring ancient Chinese culture, this guide offers personalized insights.

Enter your year of birth (1900-2100)
Gender is used for some traditional compatibility calculations
Choose which calendar system to use for calculations
Check if born in January/February to adjust for exact Chinese year

How Chinese Zodiac Animal and Element Is Calculated

Your sign relies on a traditional repeating 60-year cycle that combines 12 animals with 5 elements. We use the standard Chinese Zodiac calculation method to determine your specific yearly sign. The calculation identifies your animal based on the year's remainder and your element based on even or odd years.

Zodiac Animal = (Birth Year - 1900) mod 12
Element = Floor((Birth Year - 1900) / 2) mod 5

Where:

  • Animal Index: 0=Rat through 11=Pig
  • Element Index: 0=Metal, 1=Water, 2=Wood, 3=Fire, 4=Earth

Calculation Steps

  1. First, check if you were born before the Lunar New Year and adjust the year back by one if necessary.
  2. Find the remainder of the year difference divided by 12 to identify your animal.
  3. Divide the year difference by 2, then find the remainder of that result divided by 5 to identify your element.
  4. Combine the two results to reveal your sign, such as Wood Dragon or Metal Rat.

This method aligns with traditional Chinese astrology for accurate sign identification.

What Your Chinese Zodiac Animal and Element Means

Your result represents your outer personality and how you interact with the world according to tradition. The animal defines your core character, while the element modifies those traits with specific qualities.

Personality and Compatibility

  • Fire Signs (Horse, Snake, etc.): You are likely passionate and energetic, suited for leadership roles.
  • Earth Signs (Ox, Dragon, etc.): You tend to be grounded and practical, making you reliable in long-term projects.
  • Metal Signs (Monkey, Rooster, etc.): You are usually determined and strong-willed, thriving in competitive environments.

Important: Remember that these signs provide broad insights but do not determine your fate.

This calculator is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not scientifically proven and should not be used as the sole basis for life decisions. Consult professionals for serious advice.

Use your lucky numbers and colors for fun, but rely on your judgment for major choices.

Calculation logic verified using publicly available standards.

View our Accuracy & Reliability Framework →