Chinese Zodiac Years: 1924–2036 Complete Animal & Element Chart

Chinese Zodiac Years Master Chart (1924–2036)

Remember: Chinese zodiac years follow the Lunar New Year, which occurs between January 21 and February 20. If your birthday is in January or early February before the date listed, your sign is the previous year's animal.

The 12 Animal Signs in Order

According to ancient Chinese tradition, the Great Race hosted by the Jade Emperor determined the order of the twelve signs:

1. Rat: Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, and charming.
2. Ox: Diligent, dependable, strong, and determined.
3. Tiger: Brave, confident, competitive, and charismatic.
4. Rabbit: Gentle, elegant, compassionate, and prudent.
5. Dragon: Confident, noble, ambitious, and visionary.
6. Snake: Enigmatic, intelligent, wise, and intuitive.
7. Horse: Energetic, independent, adventurous, and enthusiastic (Sign of 2026!).
8. Goat: Calm, gentle, sympathetic, and creative (Sign of 2027!).
9. Monkey: Sharp, smart, curious, and inventive.
10. Rooster: Observant, hardworking, courageous, and punctual.
11. Dog: Lovely, honest, prudent, and fiercely loyal.
12. Pig: Compassionate, generous, diligent, and accommodating.

The Five Elements (Wu Xing) Cycle

Each animal year is accompanied by one of the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water. The element is determined by the last digit of the Gregorian year:

• 0 and 1: Metal (e.g., 2020 Metal Rat, 2021 Metal Ox)
• 2 and 3: Water (e.g., 2022 Water Tiger, 2023 Water Rabbit)
• 4 and 5: Wood (e.g., 2024 Wood Dragon, 2025 Wood Snake)
• 6 and 7: Fire (e.g., 2026 Fire Horse, 2027 Fire Goat)
• 8 and 9: Earth (e.g., 2028 Earth Monkey, 2029 Earth Rooster)

Even years carry Yang polarity (active, outward), while odd years carry Yin polarity (receptive, introspective). To test your exact birthday, use our free birthday zodiac calculator.