Zodiac Sign Calculator: What's My Zodiac Sign?

Your zodiac sign is determined by the position of the Sun at the time of your birth. In Western astrology, there are 12 zodiac signs, each spanning roughly 30 days of the year. In Chinese astrology, your sign is determined by your birth year in a repeating 12-year cycle. This comprehensive guide covers both systems in full detail, including exact date ranges, elements, ruling planets, compatibility, cusp dates, and the historical origins of the zodiac. To start, find your exact birthday with our age calculator, then look up your sign below.

The 12 Western Zodiac Signs

The Western zodiac divides the year into 12 equal segments, each associated with a constellation that the Sun appears to pass through during that period. Each sign has an associated element, quality (modality), ruling planet, and symbol. The dates given are approximate because the exact transition dates shift by a day or two each year depending on the astronomical position of the Sun.

Understanding the Elements

The four elements group the 12 signs into families with shared temperamental qualities:

• Fire (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Energetic, passionate, enthusiastic, and action-oriented. Fire signs tend to be bold, confident, and sometimes impulsive. They are natural leaders and initiators.
• Earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Practical, grounded, reliable, and focused on material reality. Earth signs value stability, hard work, and tangible results. They tend to be patient and methodical.
• Air (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Intellectual, communicative, social, and idea-driven. Air signs value connection, fairness, and mental stimulation. They tend to be adaptable and curious.
• Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Emotional, intuitive, nurturing, and deeply feeling. Water signs value emotional connection, loyalty, and inner understanding. They tend to be empathetic and sometimes mysterious.

Understanding the Qualities (Modalities)

Each element contains one sign of each quality, creating a balanced system:

• Cardinal (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn): Initiators and leaders. Cardinal signs mark the beginning of each season (spring, summer, autumn, winter). They are action-oriented and like to start new projects.
• Fixed (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius): Stabilizers and sustainers. Fixed signs fall in the middle of each season. They are persistent, determined, and resistant to change.
• Mutable (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces): Adapters and transformers. Mutable signs close out each season. They are flexible, versatile, and comfortable with change.

The 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals

The Chinese zodiac (Shengxiao) is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with an animal sign. Unlike the Western zodiac, which is based on the month of birth, the Chinese zodiac is determined by the year of birth. However, because the Chinese calendar is lunisolar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year (between January 21 and February 20), so people born in January or February may need to check whether their birth date falls before or after the Chinese New Year to determine their animal.

Chinese Zodiac Elements

The Chinese zodiac adds another layer of complexity with a five-element cycle (Wuxing) that overlaps with the 12-year animal cycle. Each element rules for two consecutive years, creating a full 60-year cycle (12 animals x 5 elements) before the exact same animal-element combination repeats.

For example, 2026 ends in 6, making it a Fire year. Combined with the Horse animal, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. A person born in 1990 (ending in 0) during the Year of the Horse would be a Metal Horse -- a different combination with different attributed characteristics.

To determine your Chinese zodiac animal and element, use our Chinese age calculator or check your birth year against the tables above. Remember to verify whether your January/February birthday falls before or after the Chinese New Year for that year.

Cusp Dates: Born on the Boundary

If you were born within a day or two of the transition between zodiac signs, you are "on the cusp." The Sun does not change signs at exactly midnight on a fixed date each year -- the transition depends on astronomical calculations and can vary by a day. This means that a person born on April 19 might be an Aries in some years and a Taurus in others, depending on the exact time the Sun moved into Taurus that year.

Important note: most professional astrologers do not formally recognize "cusp signs" as a separate category. From a technical standpoint, the Sun is always in exactly one sign at any given moment. However, people born near the transition dates often report feeling influenced by both neighboring signs, which may be explained by the positions of other planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars) in their birth chart, which are not necessarily in the same sign as the Sun.

Zodiac Compatibility

In Western astrology, compatibility between signs is traditionally assessed based on elemental affinity and geometric relationships between signs on the zodiac wheel. Here is a simplified compatibility guide:

Compatibility in astrology is far more complex than Sun sign alone. A full birth chart (natal chart) considers the positions of all planets, the Ascendant (rising sign), and the Moon sign. Two people with "incompatible" Sun signs may have excellent compatibility based on their Moon, Venus, or Mars placements.

Zodiac Sign Popularity by Birth Month

Not all zodiac signs are equally common. Because birth rates vary by month, some signs have more people than others. In the US and many Northern Hemisphere countries, September is consistently the most common birth month, making late Virgo and early Libra the most common signs. January and February tend to have lower birth rates, making Aquarius and Pisces relatively less common.

The reason for this distribution is not astrological but biological and cultural. The September birth peak corresponds to conceptions around the winter holidays (late December / early January). Cooler weather, longer nights, and holiday togetherness all contribute to higher conception rates in winter months.

Famous Celebrities by Zodiac Sign

Curious about which celebrities share your zodiac sign? Here are notable figures born under each sign, along with their exact birthdates. You can verify their ages with our age calculator or explore their age differences.

These celebrities demonstrate the diverse personalities within each sign. According to astrologers, Scorpios like DiCaprio and Drake are known for intensity and depth, while Sagittarians like Taylor Swift and Brad Pitt embody adventure and optimism. Of course, individual birth charts contain much more than just the Sun sign. To explore how age relates to achievements, see our age milestones guide.

Zodiac Sign Distribution by Country

Birth patterns vary significantly around the world, affecting zodiac sign distribution. According to data from the World Health Organization and national statistics offices, different countries have different peak birth months.

These patterns reflect cultural, climatic, and social factors. In the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, Brazil), seasons are reversed, but cultural practices still influence conception timing. Learn more about how your exact birth year affects your age calculations.

Zodiac Signs and Personality Traits: A Deep Dive

While scientific evidence does not support astrology as a predictor of personality, millions find value in these archetypal descriptions. Here is a more detailed look at the traditional personality traits associated with each sign:

Fire Signs: The Trailblazers

Aries (March 21 - April 19): The first sign of the zodiac, Aries represents new beginnings and pioneering spirit. Ruled by Mars, the planet of war and action, Aries individuals are known for their courage, determination, and competitive nature. They are natural leaders who prefer to forge their own path rather than follow others. Their shadow side includes impatience, impulsiveness, and a tendency toward aggression when frustrated.

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Ruled by the Sun -- the center of our solar system -- Leos naturally gravitate toward center stage. They are creative, warm-hearted, and generous, with a flair for drama and self-expression. Leos thrive on recognition and admiration but must guard against pride and the need for constant validation.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): The archer of the zodiac, Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion and good fortune. Sagittarians are philosophers, travelers, and seekers of truth. They value freedom above almost everything and resist any attempt to restrict their movement or ideas. Their shadow includes tactlessness and a fear of commitment.

Earth Signs: The Builders

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty, Taurus is associated with sensuality, material comfort, and stability. Bulls are patient, reliable, and methodical, preferring to build things slowly and sustainably. They have a deep appreciation for beauty, art, and the finer things in life. Their shadow includes stubbornness, possessiveness, and resistance to change.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect, Virgo is the analyst and perfectionist of the zodiac. Virgos excel at detailed work, organization, and service to others. They are practical problem-solvers who notice what others miss. Their shadow includes excessive criticism (of self and others), anxiety, and over-analysis.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline and limitation, Capricorn is the ambitious achiever of the zodiac. Capricorns are hardworking, responsible, and goal-oriented, willing to climb any mountain to reach their objectives. Their shadow includes workaholism, pessimism, and emotional coldness.

Air Signs: The Communicators

Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Represented by the Twins and ruled by Mercury, Gemini embodies duality, curiosity, and communication. Geminis are quick-witted, adaptable, and intellectually curious. They excel at making connections between ideas and people. Their shadow includes inconsistency, superficiality, and difficulty with emotional depth.

Libra (September 23 - October 22): Ruled by Venus and represented by the Scales, Libra seeks balance, harmony, and fairness in all things. Librans are diplomatic, charming, and aesthetically inclined. They make excellent mediators and partners. Their shadow includes indecisiveness, people-pleasing, and avoiding conflict at all costs.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Ruled by Uranus, the planet of revolution and innovation, Aquarius is the visionary and humanitarian of the zodiac. Aquarians are independent thinkers who value originality and social progress. Their shadow includes emotional detachment, stubbornness about their ideas, and a tendency to feel superior.

Water Signs: The Intuitives

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Ruled by the Moon, Cancer is the nurturer and protector of the zodiac. Crabs are deeply emotional, intuitive, and family-oriented. They have long memories and powerful connections to their past. Their shadow includes moodiness, clinginess, and passive-aggressive behavior when hurt.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Ruled by Pluto (and traditionally Mars), Scorpio represents transformation, power, and the hidden depths of existence. Scorpios are intense, passionate, and psychologically perceptive. They make loyal friends and formidable enemies. Their shadow includes jealousy, obsessiveness, and a desire for control.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Ruled by Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions, Pisces is the mystic and artist of the zodiac. Pisceans are compassionate, imaginative, and spiritually inclined. They often feel a deep connection to music, art, and the transcendent. Their shadow includes escapism, victimhood, and difficulty with boundaries.

How to Calculate Your Exact Zodiac Sign

While most people know their Sun sign, determining the exact sign requires knowing the precise moment the Sun changed signs in your birth year. Here is a step-by-step method:

Step 1: Know Your Birth Date and Time

Your Sun sign depends on the exact position of the Sun at the moment of your birth. If you were born near a cusp date (within 1-2 days of a sign transition), you will need your exact birth time to determine your sign with certainty. You can find your birth time on your birth certificate. Use our age calculator to verify your exact birthdate details.

Step 2: Account for Time Zones

The Sun changes signs at a specific Universal Time (UTC/GMT) each year. If you were born in New York (EST/EDT), you would subtract 5 hours from UTC during standard time or 4 hours during daylight saving time. Someone born at 6:00 PM EST on a cusp day may have a different sign than someone born at 6:00 PM PST on the same calendar date.

Step 3: Consult an Ephemeris

An ephemeris is a table showing the positions of celestial bodies on each day. The Swiss Ephemeris is a widely used astronomical reference that shows exactly when the Sun enters each sign each year. For example, in 2026, the Sun enters Aries on March 20 at 10:01 AM UTC.

Step 4: Calculate Your Rising Sign (Ascendant)

While you are determining your exact birth time, consider calculating your rising sign (Ascendant) as well. The rising sign changes approximately every 2 hours and represents how you present yourself to the world. Many astrologers consider the rising sign as important as the Sun sign for understanding personality. You will need your exact birth time and location to calculate this accurately.

Zodiac Compatibility: The Complete Guide

Astrological compatibility is based on several factors: element harmony, quality interactions, and specific planetary relationships. Here is a deeper exploration of how signs interact, which can be useful when calculating age differences between partners.

Element Compatibility Matrix

Compatibility by Geometric Aspect

In astrology, the geometric angle between signs on the zodiac wheel affects their relationship:

• Conjunction (same sign, 0 degrees): Intense similarity; can be harmonious or create competition
• Sextile (2 signs apart, 60 degrees): Easy, supportive relationship; compatible elements
• Square (3 signs apart, 90 degrees): Challenging, tense; different qualities create friction
• Trine (4 signs apart, 120 degrees): Highly harmonious; same element, natural understanding
• Opposition (6 signs apart, 180 degrees): Magnetic attraction; complementary but requires balance

The Science Behind Zodiac Signs

While astrology is classified as a pseudoscience by the scientific community, there have been attempts to study potential correlations between birth timing and various outcomes. Here is what research has found:

Season of Birth Studies

Research published in peer-reviewed journals has found some correlations between birth month and certain health outcomes, though these are not related to zodiac signs per se:

• Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: Studies, including those cited by the National Institutes of Health, have found slightly elevated rates among those born in late winter/early spring, possibly related to vitamin D exposure during fetal development
• Athletic performance: Research on professional athletes shows a "relative age effect" where those born earlier in the selection year have advantages in youth sports that persist into professional careers
• Academic achievement: Children born later in the school year (often the youngest in their class) sometimes show slightly lower academic performance, a structural rather than astrological effect

The Barnum Effect

Psychologists have identified the Barnum Effect (also called the Forer Effect) as a key explanation for why people believe in horoscopes. This cognitive bias describes the tendency to accept vague, general personality descriptions as uniquely applicable to oneself. A 1948 study by Bertram Forer found that people rated a generic personality description as highly accurate when they believed it was written specifically for them based on their astrological sign.

Zodiac in Different Cultures

The Western zodiac is not the only astrological system. Different cultures developed their own methods of celestial interpretation:

Vedic (Hindu) Astrology

Also called Jyotish, Vedic astrology originated in ancient India and uses the sidereal zodiac (aligned with actual constellations) rather than the tropical zodiac (aligned with seasons). Because of axial precession, Vedic signs are typically about 23 degrees different from Western signs. If you are a Taurus in Western astrology, you are likely an Aries in Vedic astrology. Vedic astrology places greater emphasis on the Moon sign and uses a different house system and planetary periods (dashas) for predictions.

Chinese Astrology

As discussed earlier, Chinese astrology is based on a 12-year cycle rather than a 12-month cycle. Each year is associated with an animal and one of five elements, creating a 60-year cycle. Chinese astrology is deeply integrated with traditional Chinese philosophy, including yin-yang theory and the five elements (Wu Xing). For more on Chinese age systems, see our Korean age calculator and lunar age calculator.

Mayan Astrology

The Maya developed a sophisticated calendar system with astrological components. The Tzolk'in calendar has 260 days divided into 20 periods of 13 days, each associated with a different day sign (like Jaguar, Eagle, or Serpent). Mayan astrology is less focused on prediction and more on understanding one's role in the cosmic order.

Using Zodiac Signs in Daily Life

Whether or not you believe in astrology, zodiac signs can serve as useful tools for self-reflection and conversation. Here are practical applications:

Self-Reflection

Reading about your sign's strengths and weaknesses can prompt valuable introspection. Even if the descriptions are not literally "true," considering whether you exhibit Aries impulsiveness or Virgo perfectionism can help you become more self-aware.

Relationship Conversations

Discussing zodiac compatibility with a partner can open conversations about needs, communication styles, and values -- even if the astrological framework is not scientifically valid, the discussions themselves can be meaningful. See our age difference calculator for another way to explore relationship dynamics.

Team Building

Some companies use zodiac discussions as team-building exercises. Identifying different "types" on a team can highlight the value of diverse perspectives, even if the categorization system is more symbolic than scientific.

Personal Milestones

Astrological concepts like the Saturn Return (around age 29-30) and Jupiter Return (every 12 years) can serve as markers for reflection and goal-setting. Our age milestones guide covers many more significant life markers.

History of the Zodiac

The zodiac has a rich history spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations.

Babylonian Origins (circa 500 BCE)

The zodiac originated in ancient Babylon (modern-day Iraq) around 500 BCE. The Babylonians divided the ecliptic -- the apparent path of the Sun across the sky -- into 12 equal segments, each 30 degrees wide. They associated each segment with a constellation. The Babylonian zodiac was primarily used for agricultural and religious purposes, tracking the seasons and predicting floods.

Greek Refinement (circa 200 BCE)

The Greeks adopted the Babylonian zodiac and added the concept of personal horoscopes -- the idea that the position of celestial bodies at the moment of birth influences an individual's personality and fate. The Greek astronomer Ptolemy (circa 150 CE) codified the system in his work Tetrabiblos, which remained the primary astrological text for over a thousand years. The Greeks introduced the concept of elements (fire, earth, air, water) and associated them with the signs.

The Precession Problem

There is a well-known discrepancy between the astrological zodiac and the astronomical zodiac. Due to the precession of the Earth's axis (a slow wobble that takes about 26,000 years to complete), the constellations have shifted by about 23 degrees since the zodiac was first defined. This means that the astrological sign of Aries no longer aligns with the astronomical constellation of Aries -- the Sun is actually in Pisces during much of the traditional "Aries" period.

Western astrology addresses this by using the tropical zodiac, which is fixed to the seasons (the vernal equinox always marks the beginning of Aries) rather than to the constellations. Vedic (Indian) astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, which accounts for precession and aligns with the actual constellations. This is why your Vedic zodiac sign may differ from your Western sign by about one sign.

Chinese Zodiac Origins

The Chinese zodiac has a different origin, likely dating to the Han Dynasty (circa 200 BCE). Legend attributes it to the Jade Emperor, who held a race among animals to determine the calendar order. The Rat won by riding on the Ox's back and jumping off at the finish line. The 12-year cycle was linked to the orbital period of Jupiter, which takes approximately 12 years to orbit the Sun. The Chinese zodiac was integrated into traditional Chinese medicine, fortune-telling, marriage compatibility, and naming conventions.

Modern Astrology (20th Century - Present)

The horoscope column as we know it was invented in 1930 by British astrologer R.H. Naylor, who wrote a horoscope for Princess Margaret's birth in the Sunday Express newspaper. The feature proved so popular that Naylor began writing weekly horoscopes for all 12 signs, and other newspapers quickly followed. This "Sun sign astrology" is a simplified version of traditional astrology, focusing only on the Sun's position rather than a complete birth chart.

Today, astrology has experienced a significant resurgence, particularly among younger generations. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 29% of American adults believe in astrology. The rise of astrology apps, social media astrologers, and digital horoscope services has made zodiac content more accessible than ever. Whether viewed as entertainment, self-help, or genuine belief, zodiac signs remain a cultural touchstone in the 21st century.

Zodiac Sign Appearance and Physical Characteristics

Traditional astrology associates each zodiac sign with certain physical features and body parts. While there is no scientific basis for these associations, they remain part of astrological tradition:

These traditional associations were historically used in medical astrology (iatromathematics), where physicians would consult astrological charts when treating patients. This practice has no validity in modern medicine but remains of historical interest.

Zodiac Signs and Career Choices

Astrologers often associate certain career paths with each zodiac sign based on the sign's traditional characteristics. While there is no evidence that birth date influences career success, these associations can be an interesting lens for self-reflection:

Career satisfaction comes from many factors beyond zodiac signs, including skills, education, opportunities, and personal values. Use our age calculator to see how your career timeline aligns with key age milestones.

Zodiac Signs and Your Age

Your zodiac sign is permanently determined by your birth date and never changes. However, you can use your exact age along with your zodiac sign to explore related concepts:

• Chinese zodiac year recurrence: Every 12 years, your Chinese zodiac animal year returns (called your Ben Ming Nian). These years are traditionally considered unlucky in Chinese culture, and people often wear red for protection.
• Saturn Return: In Western astrology, Saturn takes about 29.5 years to orbit the Sun and return to the position it was in at your birth. Your first Saturn Return (around age 29-30) and second (around age 58-59) are considered major life transition points.
• Jupiter Return: Jupiter's 12-year cycle means your Jupiter Return occurs at approximately ages 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 -- coinciding with the Chinese zodiac cycle.

Use our lunar age calculator to find your age in the traditional Chinese system, which counts from conception rather than birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculate Your Age & Birthday Details →

Sources and Further Reading

• National Geographic -- Zodiac Signs, Explained
• History.com -- History of the Zodiac
• TimeandDate.com -- Zodiac Sign Dates and Astrology
• Britannica -- Zodiac: Astronomy and Astrology
• Pew Research Center -- Americans and Belief in Astrology
• Ptolemy, C. (c. 150 CE). Tetrabiblos. The foundational text of Western astrology.
• Campion, N. (2008). A History of Western Astrology Volume I: The Ancient World. Continuum.
• CDC National Vital Statistics System -- Birth data by month.