Does Your Sign Matter? Americans Are Split on Zodiac Compatibility

Is it just me, or do you also read about your zodiac sign and spend half the time thinking, “How did they know this about me?” And the rest of the time thinking, “They’re completely off!” There’s a thrill when a horoscope seems to know you inside out, and it can be hilarious when it misses the mark entirely.

Plenty of people still see astrology as a solid read on character and a possible guide to finding a future partner. Dating these days can be hard, what with dating apps everywhere and fewer real, face-to-face connections between people.

Knowing your personality type and what attracts you can help steer your romantic search, and zodiac signs might turn out to be more useful than you first assumed.

It comes down to what you believe. Our recent study, which examined the views of more than 500 Americans, suggests people are divided on whether zodiac compatibility affects how healthy a relationship is.

Over 50% of Respondents Say They Check Zodiac Compatibility Before a First Date

We all want someone whose personality complements our own, that’s no secret, and astrology remains a tempting tool for figuring people out. It’d be nice if dating were as simple as checking a birthday to find your match, but relationships are a lot more complicated.

In fact, close to 63% of respondents said they’d been in a successful relationship with a person whose sign supposedly wasn’t a match for theirs. So go ahead and give a new sign a shot (Geminis, I’ve got your back)!

Let’s be honest: We all get pulled into TikToks that nail our zodiac signs, and hearing how a date feels about their own sign is a fun way to learn about them. Roughly 67% of respondents said they’d probably ask about someone’s sign on a first date.

Cracking up over how wrong your signs are, or connecting over a description that’s eerily accurate, can calm first-date nerves while quietly teaching you more about the other person’s personality.

“While zodiac signs are not a sole factor to consider when navigating relationship dynamics, people can use them as a way to break the ice with potential romantic partners,” according to Layla Rivera, a relationship expert at The Candid Date. “By discussing zodiac signs and astrology, you can get to know someone on a deeper level and determine if their destiny is among the stars which enriches connection and fosters fun discussions.”

Zodiac Signs Rarely Decide Whether People Pursue Someone

Dating apps are mainstream now, and everyone knows a profile alone can’t tell you whether someone is meant to be. You might assume astrology gives you a clearer sense of whether someone is “the one,” but few people seem keen on filtering by zodiac sign.

“People should continue to trust their own judgment when dating.” — Layla Rivera, relationship expert

Just 27% of our respondents have filtered potential matches by sign, while a mere 1 in 5 would turn down a date purely because of someone’s zodiac. In other words, silly photos and fun facts will do a lot more to land you a date than your sign ever will.

“People should continue to trust their own judgment when dating and keep more of an open mind when meeting people for the first time,” said Layla. “It can be difficult to truly get to know someone by their profile on an app, and you tend to get a better sense of someone’s personality through conversation.”

Respondents Are Divided on Whether Astrology Shapes Relationship Success

Getting someone to laugh or finding common ground will win you a date sooner than your horoscope will, yet people still can’t agree on whether matching signs are the secret to relationship success. According to the data, 49% of those surveyed think a compatible zodiac sign does affect a relationship’s health, and 51% think it does not — nearly a 50/50 split.

 “There is no scientific evidence that compatible zodiac signs between partners lead to better relationships,” said Layla. “There are many factors that impact how we get along with others, and while zodiac signs are a fun topic to discuss, they are not direct reflections of who we are.”

For some, not sharing a favorite band is reason enough to pass on someone, while others put more weight on whether you’re funny or whether you prefer dogs or cats. Everyone’s different, and trusting your gut is the best way to work out who’s right for you. It’s tough to explain why certain people appeal to us more than others, yet the smartest move is to stay true to ourselves and keep an open mind about new things!

Methodology

We surveyed 504 people in September 2024 about how they see zodiac signs’ role in romantic compatibility. Respondents were between 18 and 65+ years old, and the average age range was 36 to 45. Women made up 53% of participants and men 47%, while 0.2% preferred not to say. All respondents (100%) were based in the United States.