Zodiac Sign Calculator

Discover your zodiac sign by entering your birth date. Learn your astrological element, ruling planet, personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility with other signs. Explore all 12 zodiac signs of Western astrology.

Select your birth date to find your zodiac sign
Your Zodiac Sign

All 12 Zodiac Signs

Aries

Mar 21 - Apr 19

Fire • Courageous, passionate, confident

Taurus

Apr 20 - May 20

Earth • Reliable, patient, practical

Gemini

May 21 - Jun 20

Air • Curious, adaptable, social

Cancer

Jun 21 - Jul 22

Water • Emotional, intuitive, protective

Leo

Jul 23 - Aug 22

Fire • Confident, generous, creative

Virgo

Aug 23 - Sep 22

Earth • Analytical, practical, kind

Libra

Sep 23 - Oct 22

Air • Diplomatic, fair, social

Scorpio

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Water • Passionate, resourceful, brave

Sagittarius

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Fire • Optimistic, adventurous, honest

Capricorn

Dec 22 - Jan 19

Earth • Ambitious, disciplined, practical

Aquarius

Jan 20 - Feb 18

Air • Independent, original, humanitarian

Pisces

Feb 19 - Mar 20

Water • Compassionate, artistic, intuitive

How to Use the Zodiac Sign Calculator

This calculator instantly determines your Western zodiac sign based on your birth date and provides comprehensive astrological information.

  1. Enter your birth date using the date picker above.
  2. See your zodiac sign — the calculator immediately shows which of the 12 signs you are.
  3. Explore your profile — learn your element (Fire, Earth, Air, Water), ruling planet, and modality.
  4. Read personality traits — discover your strengths, weaknesses, and characteristic behaviors.
  5. Check compatibility — see which signs are most and least compatible with yours.

What Is a Zodiac Sign? Understanding Western Astrology

A zodiac sign, also called a sun sign or star sign, is one of twelve 30-degree segments of the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun across the sky) in Western astrology. Your zodiac sign is determined by the position of the Sun at the moment of your birth. The twelve signs—Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces—each represent different personality archetypes, elemental energies, and character traits.

The zodiac system dates back over 2,000 years to ancient Babylonian astronomy and was further developed by Hellenistic astrologers in Greece. The word "zodiac" comes from the Greek "zōidiakòs kýklos," meaning "circle of animals," as most signs are represented by living creatures. Western astrology is geocentric (Earth-centered), meaning it's based on how the Sun, Moon, and planets appear from Earth's perspective, not their actual astronomical positions.

It's important to understand that your zodiac sign is just one component of a complete astrological birth chart. A full natal chart includes your Moon sign (emotions), Rising sign or Ascendant (outer personality), and the positions of all planets at your birth. Many astrologers argue that your sun sign alone provides limited insight and that the complete birth chart offers a more nuanced astrological profile. However, sun signs remain the most popular form of astrology due to their simplicity and accessibility.

Western astrology differs from sidereal astrology (used in Vedic/Hindu astrology) because it uses the tropical zodiac, which aligns with the seasons rather than the actual star constellations. Due to the Earth's axial precession (wobble), the constellations have shifted over the past 2,000 years, meaning the zodiac signs no longer align with their namesake constellations. This is why your Western zodiac sign might differ from what astronomers say based on the actual constellation positions.

Zodiac Signs and Elements: Fire, Earth, Air, Water

The twelve zodiac signs are divided into four elements—Fire, Earth, Air, and Water—with three signs belonging to each element. These elements represent fundamental energies and temperaments in astrology. Understanding your element provides insight into your basic nature, how you express yourself, and how you interact with the world. The elements also play a crucial role in astrological compatibility, with certain elements naturally harmonizing while others clash.

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Fire signs are passionate, energetic, enthusiastic, and spontaneous. They are action-oriented, courageous, and driven by inspiration and intuition. Fire signs tend to be optimistic, confident, and charismatic leaders who inspire others. They love adventure, excitement, and new experiences. However, fire signs can be impulsive, impatient, aggressive, and prone to burnout. They may act before thinking and struggle with follow-through on long-term projects. Fire signs are most compatible with other fire signs and air signs (which fan their flames).

Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Earth signs are practical, grounded, reliable, and focused on the material world. They value stability, security, hard work, and tangible results. Earth signs are sensory-oriented, enjoying physical pleasures like good food, comfortable environments, and nature. They excel at planning, organizing, and building lasting structures. However, earth signs can be stubborn, overly cautious, materialistic, and resistant to change. They may struggle with flexibility and emotional expression. Earth signs are most compatible with other earth signs and water signs (which nourish them).

Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Air signs are intellectual, communicative, social, and ideas-focused. They value freedom, variety, mental stimulation, and social connection. Air signs are rational, objective, and excel at seeing multiple perspectives. They are natural communicators, networkers, and mediators. Air signs love learning, debating, and sharing ideas. However, they can be detached, indecisive, inconsistent, and prone to overthinking. They may struggle with emotional depth and practical follow-through. Air signs are most compatible with other air signs and fire signs (which they energize).

Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Water signs are emotional, intuitive, empathetic, and deeply feeling. They value emotional connection, intimacy, and spiritual depth. Water signs are highly sensitive to their environment and others' feelings, often absorbing emotions like sponges. They are creative, compassionate, and psychologically insightful. Water signs excel at nurturing, healing, and understanding the unseen or unspoken. However, they can be overly sensitive, moody, secretive, and prone to emotional overwhelm. They may struggle with boundaries and objective decision-making. Water signs are most compatible with other water signs and earth signs (which contain them).

Zodiac Sign Dates: When Does Each Sign Begin and End?

Aries (March 21 - April 19): The first sign of the zodiac, Aries marks the spring equinox and the beginning of the astrological new year. Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars, the planet of action and aggression. Arians are known for being courageous, pioneering, energetic, confident, and competitive. They are natural leaders who love challenges and new beginnings. However, Aries can be impulsive, impatient, aggressive, and self-centered. Famous Aries include Lady Gaga, Robert Downey Jr., and Leonardo da Vinci.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): A fixed earth sign ruled by Venus, Taurus represents stability, sensuality, and material security. Taureans are reliable, patient, practical, devoted, and responsible. They appreciate beauty, comfort, and the finer things in life. Taurus values loyalty and builds strong, lasting relationships. However, they can be stubborn, possessive, materialistic, and resistant to change. Famous Taureans include Adele, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and William Shakespeare.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20): A mutable air sign ruled by Mercury, Gemini represents communication, curiosity, and versatility. Geminis are social, witty, adaptable, curious, and intellectually agile. They love learning, conversation, and variety. Geminis are skilled communicators who can see multiple perspectives. However, they can be inconsistent, superficial, indecisive, and nervous. Famous Geminis include Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Depp, and Kanye West.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): A cardinal water sign ruled by the Moon, Cancer represents emotions, home, and nurturing. Cancers are intuitive, emotional, protective, loyal, and caring. They value family, home, and emotional security. Cancers have excellent memories and deep emotional intelligence. However, they can be moody, overly sensitive, clingy, and manipulative. Famous Cancers include Tom Hanks, Selena Gomez, and Princess Diana.

Leo (July 23 - August 22): A fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun, Leo represents creativity, self-expression, and leadership. Leos are confident, generous, charismatic, creative, and warm-hearted. They love attention, drama, and being in the spotlight. Leos are natural leaders with big hearts and loyal natures. However, they can be arrogant, stubborn, self-centered, and domineering. Famous Leos include Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, and Napoleon Bonaparte.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): A mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury, Virgo represents analysis, service, and perfection. Virgos are analytical, practical, loyal, gentle, and hardworking. They have excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Virgos are helpful, reliable, and modest. However, they can be overly critical, perfectionist, anxious, and fussy. Famous Virgos include Beyoncé, Mother Teresa, and Keanu Reeves.

Libra (September 23 - October 22): A cardinal air sign ruled by Venus, Libra represents balance, harmony, and partnership. Librans are diplomatic, fair-minded, social, gracious, and cooperative. They value relationships, beauty, and justice. Libras are excellent mediators and partners. However, they can be indecisive, people-pleasing, superficial, and conflict-avoidant. Famous Libras include Kim Kardashian, Will Smith, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): A fixed water sign ruled by Pluto and Mars, Scorpio represents transformation, depth, and power. Scorpios are passionate, resourceful, brave, determined, and intense. They value authenticity, depth, and emotional truth. Scorpios are magnetic, psychologically insightful, and fiercely loyal. However, they can be jealous, secretive, manipulative, and vengeful. Famous Scorpios include Leonardo DiCaprio, Katy Perry, and Pablo Picasso.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): A mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius represents expansion, philosophy, and adventure. Sagittarians are optimistic, adventurous, honest, philosophical, and freedom-loving. They value truth, travel, and big-picture thinking. Sagittarians are inspiring, humorous, and open-minded. However, they can be tactless, irresponsible, restless, and over-promising. Famous Sagittarians include Taylor Swift, Brad Pitt, and Winston Churchill.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): A cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn, Capricorn represents ambition, discipline, and responsibility. Capricorns are ambitious, disciplined, practical, responsible, and patient. They value achievement, structure, and tradition. Capricorns are excellent planners and leaders who build lasting legacies. However, they can be pessimistic, cold, rigid, and workaholic. Famous Capricorns include Michelle Obama, Muhammad Ali, and Elvis Presley.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): A fixed air sign ruled by Uranus and Saturn, Aquarius represents innovation, humanitarianism, and individuality. Aquarians are independent, original, humanitarian, intellectual, and progressive. They value freedom, equality, and innovation. Aquarians are visionaries who think ahead of their time. However, they can be detached, rebellious, unpredictable, and aloof. Famous Aquarians include Oprah Winfrey, Abraham Lincoln, and Harry Styles.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20): A mutable water sign ruled by Neptune and Jupiter, Pisces represents spirituality, compassion, and imagination. Pisceans are compassionate, artistic, intuitive, gentle, and wise. They value emotional connection, creativity, and transcendence. Pisces are empathetic dreamers with rich inner worlds. However, they can be overly trusting, escapist, victim-minded, and impractical. Famous Pisceans include Rihanna, Albert Einstein, and Steve Jobs.

Zodiac Compatibility: Which Signs Match Best?

Zodiac compatibility in astrology examines how different signs interact based on their elements, modalities, and planetary rulers. While complete relationship compatibility requires comparing full birth charts (synastry), sun sign compatibility provides a basic framework. Generally, signs of the same element (Fire with Fire, Earth with Earth, etc.) understand each other well, while complementary elements (Fire with Air, Earth with Water) create balance. Opposing signs (six months apart) can either attract or clash intensely.

Most Compatible Pairings: Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are highly compatible with each other and with air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius), as air feeds fire's enthusiasm. Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) work well together and with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), as water nourishes earth's growth. Same-element pairings understand each other's core nature but may lack the challenge needed for growth. Complementary elements provide balance—fire brings passion to air's ideas, while water brings depth to earth's practicality.

Challenging Pairings: Fire and water combinations (like Aries and Cancer) can create steam or extinguish each other—fire's directness may overwhelm water's sensitivity, while water's emotions may dampen fire's enthusiasm. Earth and air pairings (like Taurus and Aquarius) struggle because earth craves stability while air needs freedom, and earth's practicality clashes with air's abstract thinking. However, challenging pairings can work with effort, as they offer opportunities for growth and balance.

Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable Dynamics: Zodiac modalities also affect compatibility. Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) are initiators who love starting things. Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) provide stability and follow-through but can be stubborn. Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) are adaptable and flexible but may lack direction. Cardinal-mutable pairings work well (initiator with adapter), while cardinal-cardinal or fixed-fixed pairings may involve power struggles.

Beyond Sun Signs: It's crucial to remember that sun sign compatibility is only one factor in relationship astrology. Your Moon sign (emotional needs), Venus sign (love style), Mars sign (sexual energy), and Rising sign all play significant roles in compatibility. Many seemingly incompatible sun sign pairs have deeply compatible moon or Venus placements that override surface tensions. Professional astrologers examine multiple factors before making compatibility assessments, so don't dismiss a relationship based solely on sun signs.

Zodiac Sign Personality Traits: Strengths and Weaknesses

Each zodiac sign is associated with specific personality traits, behavioral tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses based on its element, modality, and ruling planet. These astrological profiles describe archetypes—idealized patterns of behavior—rather than rigid personality types. Real individuals are far more complex than any single zodiac sign can capture, as they are influenced by their entire birth chart, life experiences, culture, and personal choices.

Fire Sign Traits (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Strengths include enthusiasm, courage, passion, confidence, optimism, leadership, and inspiration. Fire signs are action-oriented doers who motivate others and embrace life fully. Weaknesses include impulsiveness, impatience, aggression, arrogance, recklessness, and insensitivity. Fire signs may burn out quickly, struggle with details, and inadvertently hurt others with their directness. They need to learn patience, empathy, and sustainable pacing.

Earth Sign Traits (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Strengths include reliability, practicality, patience, loyalty, responsibility, hard work, and groundedness. Earth signs are builders who create tangible results and provide stability for others. Weaknesses include stubbornness, rigidity, materialism, pessimism, excessive caution, and resistance to change. Earth signs may become too focused on the material world, miss emotional nuances, and struggle with spontaneity. They need to learn flexibility, trust, and emotional expression.

Air Sign Traits (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Strengths include intelligence, communication skills, objectivity, social grace, open-mindedness, innovation, and adaptability. Air signs are thinkers who excel at connecting people and ideas. Weaknesses include detachment, indecisiveness, superficiality, inconsistency, over-analyzing, and emotional aloofness. Air signs may intellectualize feelings, avoid commitment, and struggle with practical implementation. They need to learn emotional depth, follow-through, and groundedness.

Water Sign Traits (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Strengths include emotional intelligence, intuition, empathy, creativity, compassion, depth, and psychological insight. Water signs are feelers who understand the emotional undercurrents others miss. Weaknesses include oversensitivity, moodiness, manipulation, escapism, lack of boundaries, and emotional overwhelm. Water signs may take things too personally, hold grudges, and struggle with objectivity. They need to learn boundaries, rational thinking, and emotional resilience.

People Also Search For

What is my zodiac sign if I was born on March 21?

If you were born on March 21, you are on the cusp between Pisces and Aries. March 21 marks the spring equinox and the beginning of Aries in most years, making you likely an Aries. However, the exact moment the Sun enters Aries varies by year and time zone. Those born on cusp days may identify with traits of both signs. To know definitively, you'd need to check your birth year and time against an ephemeris (astronomical table showing planetary positions).

What zodiac sign is compatible with Leo?

Leo is most compatible with fellow fire signs Aries and Sagittarius, and with air signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Aries matches Leo's energy and passion, Sagittarius shares Leo's love of adventure, and air signs appreciate and support Leo's creativity and charisma. Leo's least compatible signs are typically Taurus and Scorpio (fixed sign power struggles), and sometimes Capricorn (different values). However, any sign pairing can work with understanding and effort.

How do I find my moon sign?

To find your moon sign, you need your complete birth date, exact birth time, and birth location. Unlike your sun sign (which only requires birth date), the Moon moves quickly through the zodiac, changing signs approximately every 2.5 days. Use a birth chart calculator (widely available free online) and enter your complete birth data. The Moon sign represents your emotional nature, inner self, and subconscious reactions—it's considered equally important to your sun sign in astrology.

What does rising sign mean?

Your rising sign (also called Ascendant) is the zodiac sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of your birth. It represents your outer personality, how others perceive you, and how you approach new situations. Your rising sign is the "mask" you wear in public, while your sun sign is your core identity, and your moon sign is your inner emotional self. To calculate your rising sign, you need your exact birth time and location.

Are zodiac signs real or scientifically proven?

Zodiac signs are not scientifically proven, and astronomy/science does not support astrology's claims. Multiple scientific studies have failed to find evidence that zodiac signs influence personality or predict future events. However, astrology remains culturally significant and psychologically valuable for many people as a framework for self-reflection, archetypal understanding, and meaning-making. You can appreciate astrology as a symbolic system without believing it's scientifically factual.

What is the difference between zodiac signs and horoscopes?

Zodiac signs are the twelve 30-degree segments of the ecliptic (Aries through Pisces), while horoscopes are predictions or advice based on astrological analysis. Your zodiac sign (specifically your sun sign) is determined by your birth date and remains constant throughout your life. A horoscope is a forecast for your sign based on current planetary movements (transits). Daily, weekly, or monthly horoscopes in newspapers and apps provide general guidance for each sun sign based on current astrological conditions.

Why is my zodiac sign different in NASA's version?

NASA's version references the actual constellation positions (sidereal zodiac), while Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac aligned with seasons. Due to Earth's axial precession (wobble), the constellations have shifted over 2,000+ years. Western astrology deliberately uses the seasonal/tropical zodiac (Aries begins at spring equinox regardless of constellation position), while sidereal astrology (used in Vedic/Hindu astrology) tracks actual star positions. Most people in the West use tropical zodiac signs.

Can your zodiac sign change?

No, your zodiac sign (sun sign) cannot change—it's determined by the Sun's position at your birth and remains constant for life. The Sun was in a specific zodiac sign when you were born, and that's your permanent sun sign. However, planetary transits mean the planets are constantly moving through different signs, creating changing astrological influences. Also, you have many signs in your birth chart (Moon sign, Rising sign, etc.) that add complexity beyond your sun sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is my zodiac sign determined?
Your zodiac sign (sun sign) is determined by the position of the Sun along the ecliptic at the moment you were born. The ecliptic is divided into twelve 30-degree segments, each representing one zodiac sign. Your birth date determines which sign the Sun was occupying when you were born.
What if I was born on a cusp between two signs?
If you were born when the Sun was transitioning between signs (usually around the 19th-23rd of the month), you're on the "cusp." The Sun is only in one sign at any given moment, so you technically belong to one sign. However, cusp babies often feel they relate to both adjacent signs. Checking your exact birth time and year will reveal your true sun sign.
Do zodiac signs really predict personality?
There is no scientific evidence that zodiac signs predict personality traits. However, many people find zodiac descriptions relatable due to the Barnum effect (general statements feeling personally accurate) and confirmation bias. Astrology is best viewed as a symbolic framework for self-reflection rather than a predictive science.
What's the difference between sun, moon, and rising signs?
Your sun sign represents your core identity and ego. Your moon sign represents your emotional nature and inner self. Your rising sign (Ascendant) represents how you appear to others and approach the world. All three are important in a complete astrological profile—sun is "who you are," moon is "what you feel," and rising is "how you seem."
Why are there different zodiac systems?
Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac (aligned with seasons/equinoxes), while Vedic/Hindu astrology uses the sidereal zodiac (aligned with actual constellations). Due to Earth's axial precession, these systems have drifted apart over 2,000+ years. Most Western horoscopes use tropical zodiac signs, which is why your sign might differ in Vedic astrology.
Are some zodiac signs more common than others?
Yes, birth rates vary by month, making some zodiac signs more common. In the Northern Hemisphere, Virgo and Libra (September-October birthdays) are often most common, while Aquarius (late January-February birthdays) tends to be least common. This varies by country, culture, and hemisphere due to seasonal birth patterns.
Can zodiac signs determine career success?
No, zodiac signs do not determine career success—that's influenced by skills, education, opportunity, effort, and countless other factors. However, astrological profiles can offer insights into potential strengths (Leo's leadership, Virgo's detail orientation, etc.) that might align with certain careers. Use astrology as a reflective tool, not a limiting prescription.
What does it mean if two people have the same zodiac sign?
Two people with the same sun sign share similar core traits but are still individuals with different moon signs, rising signs, and complete birth charts. Same-sign pairings can work well (understanding each other) or poorly (magnifying weaknesses). In relationships, same-sign couples often "get" each other but may lack the complementary balance that different signs provide.
How often do horoscopes change?
Your zodiac sign never changes, but horoscopes (predictions based on planetary movements) change constantly. Planets move through the zodiac at different speeds—the Moon changes signs every 2.5 days, Mercury every 3-4 weeks, while slower planets like Saturn take years. Daily horoscopes reflect the Moon and fast-moving planets, while yearly horoscopes consider slower planetary cycles.
What is a birth chart?
A birth chart (natal chart) is a map of where all planets, the Sun, Moon, and astrological points were positioned at your exact moment of birth. It requires your birth date, time, and location. Your sun sign is just one piece—a complete birth chart includes your Moon sign, Rising sign, and planetary placements in all twelve houses, providing a comprehensive astrological profile.
Are fire and water signs compatible?
Fire and water signs have challenging but potentially rewarding compatibility. Water can either nourish fire's passion or extinguish it, while fire can either warm water's emotions or evaporate them. These relationships require work—fire must soften its directness, while water must not take things too personally. Cancer-Aries, Scorpio-Leo, and Pisces-Sagittarius are classic fire-water pairings with mixed results.
What zodiac sign is the most powerful?
No zodiac sign is inherently more "powerful" than others—each has unique strengths. Scorpio is often called powerful due to intensity and transformative energy. Leo projects power through confidence and leadership. Capricorn builds power through ambition and discipline. Aries exudes power through courage and initiative. Power manifests differently across all signs depending on the situation and individual.
Should I make decisions based on my horoscope?
Horoscopes can provide interesting perspectives and prompts for self-reflection, but you should not make major life decisions based solely on astrological predictions. Use horoscopes as one input among many—alongside rational analysis, professional advice, and personal intuition. Astrology works best as a tool for self-awareness and symbolic meaning, not as a substitute for critical thinking.
Why do zodiac descriptions feel so accurate?
Zodiac descriptions often feel accurate due to the Barnum effect—our tendency to accept vague, general personality descriptions as uniquely applicable to ourselves. Astrological profiles use flattering, broadly relatable statements that most people identify with. Additionally, confirmation bias makes us remember "hits" and forget "misses." This doesn't mean astrology has no value, but understanding these psychological effects provides context.
Can I have traits from multiple zodiac signs?
Yes! Your complete birth chart includes planets in multiple signs. You have a Sun sign, Moon sign, Mercury sign (communication), Venus sign (love), Mars sign (action), and more. Each planetary placement contributes different traits. For example, you might be a practical Taurus sun but have an adventurous Sagittarius moon, giving you both grounded and free-spirited qualities.

Last reviewed: February 2026 — formulas and guidelines verified.