How zodiac compatibility works
Traditional astrology judges two sun signs by three things, and the calculator shows each one:
- Element. Signs of the same element – fire, earth, air or water – understand each other naturally. Fire gets on with air, and earth with water.
- Distance on the zodiac wheel. Signs four apart (a trine) share an element and are the classic best match; two apart (a sextile) are friendly; opposite signs attract; three apart (a square) clash.
- Quality. Cardinal signs start things, fixed signs keep them going and mutable signs adapt – which tells you who leads and who follows.
The hearts summarise the traditional rating, from one (hard work) to five (a natural match). Find your sign first with the Zodiac Sign Calculator if you are not sure.
Best matches for each sign
| Sign | Best matches (same element) | Also good (complementary element) |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | Leo, Sagittarius | Gemini, Libra, Aquarius |
| Taurus | Virgo, Capricorn | Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces |
| Gemini | Libra, Aquarius | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius |
| Cancer | Scorpio, Pisces | Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn |
| Leo | Aries, Sagittarius | Gemini, Libra, Aquarius |
| Virgo | Taurus, Capricorn | Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces |
| Libra | Gemini, Aquarius | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius |
| Scorpio | Cancer, Pisces | Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn |
| Sagittarius | Aries, Leo | Gemini, Libra, Aquarius |
| Capricorn | Taurus, Virgo | Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces |
| Aquarius | Gemini, Libra | Aries, Leo, Sagittarius |
| Pisces | Cancer, Scorpio | Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn |
Is zodiac compatibility real?
Sun-sign compatibility is a tradition, not science: any two signs can make a great couple. Astrologers also look at moon and rising signs – find yours with the Moon Sign and Rising Sign calculators – and many people simply enjoy comparing signs for fun. For a name game, try the Love Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Which zodiac signs are most compatible?
Traditionally, signs of the same element four places apart – such as Aries, Leo and Sagittarius (fire) or Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn (earth). Fire also gets on well with air, and earth with water.
Which signs are least compatible?
Signs three places apart (a square), such as Aries and Cancer, are said to clash, and signs one or five apart have little in common. Plenty of these couples still do well.
Do opposite signs attract?
In astrology, yes: opposite signs such as Aries and Libra complement each other, though they need to meet in the middle.
Is my sun sign enough to check compatibility?
It is the simplest check. Astrologers also compare moon signs, rising signs and full birth charts.
Is zodiac compatibility accurate?
It is a tradition rather than a science – enjoy it for fun and don’t let it decide a relationship.