Are You Compatible?

Chinese zodiac compatibility is based on the Earthly Branch (地支) of your birth year — which determines your animal sign. The most important factors are Six Harmony (六合) pairs — soulmate pairings like Rat & Ox — Three Harmony (三合) triangles, Six Clash (六冲) oppositions, and Six Harm (六害) friction pairs. The Heavenly Stem element of each person also contributes a generating or controlling bonus or penalty.

The most compatible pairings are the Six Harmony (六合) pairs: Rat & Ox, Tiger & Pig, Rabbit & Dog, Dragon & Rooster, Snake & Monkey, and Horse & Goat. These are considered soulmate bonds in Chinese astrology. Three Harmony triangles also produce strong harmony: Rat-Dragon-Monkey, Ox-Snake-Rooster, Tiger-Horse-Dog, and Rabbit-Goat-Pig.

The Six Clash (六冲) pairs are directly opposite in the 12-branch cycle and create tension: Rat & Horse, Ox & Goat, Tiger & Monkey, Rabbit & Rooster, Dragon & Dog, and Snake & Pig. A clash doesn't mean a relationship is doomed — awareness and understanding of the dynamic can transform friction into complementary growth.

Yes. Beyond the animal sign, the Heavenly Stem element of your birth year (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water) plays an important role. When two people's elements are in a generating relationship — such as Wood feeding Fire — there is natural support. When they are in a controlling relationship — such as Wood constraining Earth — there may be underlying tension. The same element between two people creates a familiar, resonant energy.

This calculator uses the core branch relationship system from classical Ba Zi (Eight Characters) astrology and provides a solid introductory reading based on Year Pillar compatibility. For a complete picture, a full compatibility report examines Day Master interactions, all four pillars, Twelve Palaces, and stem relationships — factors this quick calculator does not include. Think of this as a reliable starting point, not the full analysis.