The Chinese zodiac repeats every 12 years, and each cycle adds an element layer over a 60-year rotation. This complete birth year chart covers both — find your sign from your year, and see which element your sign carries.
The 12-year zodiac cycle
| Sign | Recent years | Element (60-yr cycle) |
|---|---|---|
| Rat 鼠 | 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972 | Water (2020) |
| Ox 牛 | 2021, 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973 | Metal (2021) |
| Tiger 虎 | 2022, 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974 | Water (2022) |
| Rabbit 兔 | 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975 | Water (2023) |
| Dragon 龙 | 2024, 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976 | Wood (2024) |
| Snake 蛇 | 2025, 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977 | Fire (2025) |
| Horse 马 | 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978 | Fire (2026) |
| Goat 羊 | 2027, 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979 | Fire (2027) |
| Monkey 猴 | 2028, 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980 | Earth (2028) |
| Rooster 鸡 | 2029, 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981 | Earth (2029) |
| Dog 狗 | 2030, 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982 | Earth (2030) |
| Pig 猪 | 2031, 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983 | Water (2031) |
How the 60-year rotation works
Each animal repeats every 12 years, but its element rotates through the five elements over 60 years:
- Example: 1964 and 2024 are both Dragon, but 2024 is Wood Dragon; 2000 was Metal Dragon; 1976 was Fire Dragon.
- The combination of animal + element repeats only every 60 years.
Year boundary warning
The Chinese year starts at Li Chun (~Feb 4), not Jan 1. Early-February birthdays belong to the previous year's sign. Always check the exact Li Chun date for your birth year.
How to use this chart
- Find your birth year in the table.
- Read your sign and its element.
- For a deeper picture, combine with BaZi: your zodiac is your year-level label, while your full chart (day pillar = Day Master) is the deeper layer.
If you want to see your full chart with your Day Master and element balance, use a BaZi calculator.
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Related reading
- Chinese Zodiac hub — the pillar guide
- What is my Chinese zodiac sign?
- 12 zodiac signs explained
- Chinese zodiac 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my Chinese zodiac sign by year?
Find your birth year in the chart above — each row lists the years for one animal. Remember the year boundary is Li Chun (~Feb 4), so early-February birthdays may belong to the previous year's sign.
What is the difference between the 12-year and 60-year cycle?
The 12-year cycle repeats animal signs. The 60-year cycle adds the five-element rotation — each animal appears 5 times across 60 years with different elements (e.g., Wood Dragon, Fire Dragon...). The full animal+element combination repeats only every 60 years.
Which zodiac year is 2026?
2026 is the Year of the Horse — specifically Fire Horse (丙午). It began at Li Chun in early February 2026.
Do I use my birth year or my zodiac year for my sign?
Your birth year, but converted to the Chinese calendar. If you were born in January or early February, your sign may be the previous year's animal because the Chinese year starts at Li Chun, not Jan 1.