What Chinese animal and element are you? How to work out your zodiac sign

Your Chinese zodiac animal and Chinese element are hugely important to understanding your personality, core character and the way you think.

The year you were born determines what Chinese zodiac animal you are. Your Chinese element is based on what the last number of the year you were born in is. So, what are you?

Chinese animal years:

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Rat:

1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

If you were born in any of the years below then you are an Ox:

1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Tiger:

1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Hare:

1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Dragon:

1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Snake:

1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Horse:

1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Goat:

1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Monkey:

1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Rooster:

1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Dog:

1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

If you were born in any of the years below then you are a Pig:

1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

How do I calculate my Chinese element?

The last number your birth year ends in:

0, 1 - you are Metal

2, 3 - you are Water

4, 5 - you are Wood

6, 7 - you are Fire

8, 9 - you are Earth

Traits & Characteristics of each element:

Metal - Righteous. Respectable. Structure. Loyalty.

Metal people are ambitious, forceful, and set in their ways, they are very strong characters. They're the lone wolf of the elements, they're very self-reliant and prefer to handle their problems alone. They are also meticulous, honest, and responsible.

Water - Wise. Free. Flowing. Emotional. Spiritual.

People who fall under the Water element tend to be very easy-going and like to go with the flow. The like to have the ability to come and go as they please. These characters are very creative and bring a unique approach to anything they do. Water people are deep thinkers who tend to lead more with their emotions as opposed to their heads.

Wood - Benevolent. Action-oriented. Sociable. Kind.

These characters are very sociable and they are always challenging themselves to learn and grow. They are action-oriented characters and do best if they feel in charge of their own destiny. They are charitable people who genuinely want to make a difference in this world.

Fire - Loving. Passionate. Honest. Sparky.

Fire people are free spirits, with a great need to have fun and enjoy life. They tend to juggle a lot in life as they despise being bored. They are very open about their feelings and easily communicate their thoughts to others. Because they are so free and live in the moment, they can sometimes be a bit impulsive.

Earth - Grounded. Stable. Strong. Honest.

This is definitely the most grounded element. Family is very important to Earth people, they need lifelong bonds with others. They are natural givers and are very nurturing individuals. They find fulfilment in helping others less fortunate than them.

An easier way to discover your Chinese and Western sign is by downloading our app, which is available on Apple and Android.